Shower Frequency
There's surprisingly little high-quality research on optimal shower frequency for healthy adults.
Harsh cleansers and extended hot baths can reduce the skin's water-binding capacity and cause dryness[1].
General guidance:
- Daily showers – Generally fine for most people
- Every 2-3 days – May be better for dry skin
- Over-washing – Can strip natural oils from skin
- Hot water – More drying than lukewarm
Individual needs vary based on activity level, climate, and skin type.
Soaps and Body Wash
pH and Skin
Traditional soaps can disrupt the skin barrier because of their alkaline pH[2].
- Normal skin pH is around 4.5-5.5 (slightly acidic)
- Traditional soaps are alkaline (pH 9-10) which can disrupt the skin barrier
- "Soap-free" or "syndet" cleansers have lower pH closer to skin
What to Look for
- Sensitive skin – Fragrance-free, mild cleansers
- Dry skin – Moisturizing formulas with glycerin or oils
- Normal skin – Most products work fine
What Doesn't Matter Much
- Antibacterial soaps are not more effective than regular soap[3]
- Expensive brands – Price doesn't correlate with effectiveness
- "Natural" claims – Marketing term with no strict definition
Hand Hygiene
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness spread[4].
A meta-analysis found hand hygiene reduces gastrointestinal illness by 31% and respiratory illness by 21%[5].
Effective Hand Washing
- Use soap (any kind works)
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds
- Include backs of hands, between fingers, under nails
- Rinse thoroughly
When to Wash
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the toilet
- After blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching animals
- After being in public spaces
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References
- Ananthapadmanabhan KP et al. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy. [DOI]
- Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP (2022). Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets. Molecules. [DOI]
- Aiello AE, Coulborn RM, Perez V, Larson EL (2008). Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health. [DOI]
- Ejemot-Nwadiaro RI et al. (2021). Hand-washing promotion for preventing diarrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. [DOI]
- Aiello AE, Coulborn RM, Perez V, Larson EL (2008). Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health. [DOI]