What’s the best shower frequency?
In different seasons
At different ages
Showers and work
Can you shower too much?
Takeaway
In many parts of the world, taking a shower every day tends to be the norm. However, from a strictly medical perspective, it is not necessary for most people to shower this frequently.
Personal hygiene does provide health benefits, and most people do need to shower regularly. In addition to its use for routine washing and grooming, water offers benefits relating to pain relief and treatment in the form of hydrotherapy.
Baths, steam showers, saunas, and other bathing methods can:
improve immune function
ease muscle aches and pains
reduce swelling
increase blood flow
improve concentration
lessen fatigue
make it easier to breathe
To a lesser extent, spending time in the shower can have these same effects. Showering cleans the skin and removes dead skin cells to help clear the pores and allow the skin cells to function. It washes away bacteria and other irritants that could cause rashes and other skin problems.
However, the main reason why people shower as much as they do is that it helps them meet social standards of cleanliness and personal appearance. Meeting these standards helps people feel at home in their working and social environments and their bodies.
Showering in different seasons
Shortening shower time to no more than 5–10 minutes reduces the likelihood of dry skin.
In most parts of the United States, winters are colder and dryer, while the summer is hotter and more humid.
These changing environmental conditions affect the ideal showering frequency.
In the winter, cold temperatures and indoor heating both contribute to dry skin. Many dermatologists recommend that individuals change their bathing routines during the winter to protect themselves from dry skin.
The following techniques may help people reduce the likelihood of dry skin:
Shortening shower time to no more than 5–10 minutes.
Closing the door to the bathroom to capture the steam and increase the humidity.
Replacing hot water and soap with warm water and gentle cleansers.
Using the smallest amount of cleanser possible to clean the skin.
Drying the skin gently after bathing.
Applying plenty of an oil-based moisturizing cream or ointment within 3 minutes of showering to trap moisture in the skin.
Showering at different ages
A person’s bathing needs change throughout their life.
Babies
The American Academy of Pediatrics say that the common practice of bathing babies daily is not really necessary. They suggest that the time to start regular full body washes is when infants are crawling around and beginning to eat food.
Children
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, although daily bathing is safe for children aged 6–11 years, they only need to take a shower every few days.
Once young people hit puberty, how often they need to shower will vary from person to person. Many people suggest that daily showering is necessary at this time.
Teenagers
Many teenagers are very physically active, and showers are a good idea after strenuous sports events or practices, including swimming, working out, and other physical activities.
Older adults
The previously simple act of taking a shower can sometimes become more challenging for older adults.
Older adults may not require a shower every day to maintain the level of cleanliness necessary to protect their skin, ward off infection, and meet general standards of grooming. Taking a shower once or twice a week can often be sufficient to meet these criteria, and people can use warm washcloths in between to stay feeling fresh.
Older adults who can no longer bathe themselves can still maintain their independence by getting help with their daily activities from caregivers.
Showers and work
People who work in unhygienic conditions need to shower at the end of each of their shifts.
The type of work that people do affects how often they need to shower.
People who work at desk jobs and spend most of their time indoors do not have the same bathing needs as those who work with dangerous substances, animals, or in any jobs that people consider to be unhygienic.
Occupations that people may think of as involving “dirty work” include:
butcher
janitor
exterminator
miner
garbage collector
People who work with corrosive materials, dangerous chemicals, disease agents, and radioactive materials need to shower at the end of each of their shifts.
Horticulturalists, arborists, amateur gardeners, and anyone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors around a variety of plants can reduce their risk of rashes and other skin injuries by showering as soon as they come indoors. Doing this will help limit their exposure to plant sap, pollens, and other potential allergens, thus reducing the risk of a reaction.
A Dutch study found that showers can reduce sick days at work, but only if they are cold showers. The researchers reported that individuals who ended their showers with at least a 30-second blast of cold water were absent 29 percent less of the time than people who did not do so.
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Can you shower too much?
Showering removes bacteria from the skin, which means that it also washes off the bacteria that help the body protect itself from infection.
The soaps and shampoos that people use when showering can dry out the skin and hair, leading to cracked skin and split ends. How rapidly this happens, which affects how often a person should shower, depends on the individual’s skin type, which could be oily or dry, and the climate in which they live.
If people find that their skin feels tight after they step out of the shower, this is not a sign of being clean. Instead, it indicates that the skin is too dry.
In studies focused on handwashing, researchers found that nurses with skin damage on their hands due to frequent washing and wearing gloves harbored more infectious agents than other nurses. The researchers concluded that when the frequency of washing leads to skin damage, it is counterproductive.
Showering also has a significant effect on the environment. Soaps and shampoos, not to mention added ingredients such as microbeads in some skin care products, can make their way into groundwater, lakes, streams, and oceans. The simple act of showering depletes the vital resources of freshwater.
Takeaway
Although showering offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits, the daily shower that many people in the U.S. are in the habit of taking is probably more than most people need. Showering dries out the skin and hair, uses natural resources, and creates an additional source of water pollution.
Trying to determine how often to shower depends on finding the right balance between using natural resources respectfully and what makes a person feel good and clean and fits with their schedule.
The medical recommendation to meet basic physical and health needs is to shower once or twice a week. People working in certain types of job and those who do lots of exercise are likely to need to shower more often.
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Many people enjoy taking a shower as part of their hygiene routine. However, if a person has uncomfortable, itchy skin after a shower, it can be anything but refreshing.
Dry skin is often the cause of itching after taking a shower. The water from the shower can strip away the skin’s natural oils, causing dryness and itching.
Treatment may not always be as simple as applying a lotion or a moisturizer. Sometimes, dry, sensitive skin needs additional care to alleviate the irritation and dryness that causes the itch.
It is also important to watch for other symptoms — such as peeling, scaling, or rashes — that may indicate a condition that needs treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about the potential causes of itching after a shower, as well as how to treat them.
Causes of itching after a shower
Many things can cause the skin to feel itchy after taking a shower or bathing. Here are some of the most common reasons for itching after a shower:
Dry skin
Dry skin is a common cause of itchiness after a shower.
Dry skin lacks moisture and may feel tight or itchy, especially after a shower. Cleansers, soap, and water can remove the skin’s natural oils that keep it supple and prevent dryness.
When a person takes a hot shower, the soap and water will strip away the skin’s oils. This can cause the skin to feel tight and itchy. In extreme cases, the skin may even crack or bleed.
The best way to prevent itchy skin after taking a shower is to apply moisturizer immediately after toweling off. Using a heavy moisturizer such as a cream, oil, or ointment while the skin is still slightly damp can help seal in moisture.
People with very dry or sensitive skin should read product labels before using a moisturizer. This is because some products can make itching worse, as they contain ingredients that are irritating or cause allergic reactions.
Avoid products that contain fragrance, menthol, and alcohol, as these can cause further dryness, irritation, and itching.
Eczema
Eczema refers to inflammation of the skin that can lead to itching and excessive dryness. It is a chronic condition that can also cause a red rash or bumps on the skin.
Eczema may feel even more itchy and uncomfortable after bathing or showering, when the skin lacks its natural oils. Scented body washes, soaps, and the hot water from the shower may also trigger itching.
People with eczema may need to use hypoallergenic products and apply moisturizers throughout the day. A dermatologist may be able to provide recommendations on which products to use.
Reactions to skin care products
Many people enjoy using scented cleansers, soaps, and hair products in the shower. However, these types of products can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to itching and other symptoms. This is known as contact dermatitis.
The National Eczema Association explain that fragrance is one of the most common ingredients that can cause a skin reaction.
If a person finds that moisturizing alone does not take care of itching, they may need to switch shower products. Try fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to see if the itching goes away.
Reaction to laundry products
Scented laundry products could also lead to post-shower itching, especially if a person uses scented products on their towels.
Toweling off after bathing could transfer some of the fragrances from laundry soap or fabric softener to the skin. This can lead to itching and irritation if a person has an allergy or sensitivity to them.
People with sensitive or itchy skin may wish to avoid using laundry products that contain fragrance or dye on their towels or clothes.
Treatment and remedies
People who notice itching after taking a shower may find relief by following the steps below:
Keep showers as short and as cool as possible: Avoid very hot water and very long showers. Use cooler water for shorter periods of time to avoid stripping the skin of its natural protective oils.
Avoid showering more than once per day: More showers mean more chances to strip the skin’s natural oils. If possible, limit showering to once daily. Children may be able to shower less frequently than adults, about once or twice per week, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Avoid long, hot baths: For the same reason as avoiding long, hot showers, avoid taking long, hot baths. Also, when taking a bath, consider adding colloidal oatmeal or bath oils to help moisturize the skin.
Do not scratch the skin: Scratching the skin can irritate and injure it, and it can make the itching worse.
Avoid using washcloths, scrubs, or harsh sponges: These may irritate the skin in the same way as scratching.
Use fragrance-free moisturizing cleansers or soaps: Avoid using products that contain fragrances or alcohol. Look for hypoallergenic products or those designed for people with eczema and sensitive skin. Also, avoid products with lather or strong detergents.
Gently pat the skin dry: Do not rub the skin with towels, as this can also cause irritation and remove the skin’s natural oils.
Apply a heavy, fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment: Be sure to do this immediately after patting the skin dry.
Do not apply large amounts of soaps or cleansers for lather: The lathering agents can make dry skin worse and are not necessary for cleaning the skin effectively.
Use a humidifier: This can be especially helpful in dry climates or throughout the winter months. Low humidity can exacerbate dry skin.
Avoid fragrances in laundry detergent and fabric softener: These ingredients may get on towels and clothing and cause itching after a shower.
Avoid using products that contain retinoids: Retinoids regulate epithelial cell growth, but they can be an irritant and worsen dry skin. Retinoids include retinol, adapalene, and tretinoin. Unless a doctor has prescribed them, people should avoid using retinoids.
Avoid or limit products that contain alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA): AHA is an ingredient that may cause burning or itching on dry or sensitive skin.
If, after following these steps, there is no sign of improvement or relief from itching after a shower, it is best to see a healthcare provider.
Some natural home remedies may also be helpful in treating dry skin. Read about them here.
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When to see a doctor
Usually, a person can treat mild itching after taking a shower by following the steps above and taking care to keep the skin moisturized.
In some cases, however, itching is not related to the skin itself. Health conditions such as nerve damage and multiple sclerosis may cause the nerves in the skin to be overactive. This can cause itching without a rash or other obvious cause.
Itching from nerve-related health conditions may lead to excessive scratching, which can irritate the skin and make itching worse. It may also cause an infection.
Sometimes, a mental health condition can cause a person to scratch their skin excessively. Some mental health conditions that may cause this include:
depression
anxiety
obsessive-compulsive disorder
excoriation (skin picking disorder)
If a person suspects that they have a nerve-related or mental health condition, they should speak with a healthcare provider.
Summary
Most people will be able to treat post-shower itching by using moisturizers, lotions, and other home remedies.
However, if the itching persists after trying these remedies, a person may wish to see their healthcare provider to rule out other, more serious health conditions.