How often do you shower? These are the times according to Harvard that you should shower a week (and the 5 most hygienic countries)

The personal hygiene is essential in our daily routine and showering regularly is a practice we all do to keep ourselves clean and fresh. If you’ve ever had the typical conversation about how often we shower, you and your acquaintances will generally have responded that every day. Although this response varies depending on factors such as sport, weather or body characteristics For everyone, there is a general tendency to believe that doing it every day is the right thing to do.

Don’t get me wrong, of course if you sweat excessively every day, do daily sports or just want to cool off, you can do it. But If these are not any of your cases, and you simply do it out of habit or routine without particularly needing it, let me tell you that not good for health.

Recently, the harvard medical journal addressed the issue of the frequency of showering and highlighted that Doing it daily can have negative effects on our skin. According to the article, it is essential to find the right balance to take optimal care of our skin. Some factors such as overexposure to wateramong others, can remove natural oils that protect our skin, which can lead to dryness and other problems. The medical recommendation is shower less frequently to allow the skin to maintain its natural hydration and promote a healthy balance. We tell you everything!

Why is it bad to shower every day?

The healthy skin and normal maintains a layer of oil and a balance of “beneficial” bacteria and other microorganisms. However, washing and rubbing, especially with hot water, removes these elements. This can generate:

A dry, irritated, or itchy skin.Dryness and cracks in the skin which can allow bacteria and allergens to pass through the skin barrier, which causes infections and allergic reactions.The antibacterial soaps can eliminate normal bacteria, disturbing the balance of microorganisms in the skin and promoting the growth of antibiotic-resistant organisms.Our immune system requires some stimulation from normal microorganisms, dirt, and other environmental exposures to create protective antibodies and a immunological memory. This is one reason why some pediatricians and dermatologists advise against daily baths in children. Additionally, the water we use to clean ourselves can contain salts, heavy metals, chlorine, fluorine, pesticides and other chemicals that can cause problems with our skin and general health.

How many times is it recommended to shower a week?

Now, the most anticipated question. While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times a week is enough for most people (unless you have obvious reasons to shower more frequently). Approximately, about 4 times a week. Above all that they are short showers (three or four minutes) Focusing on the armpits and groin may already be sufficient.

If it is difficult for you not to be able to shower every day, you can continue some recommendations soothe your skin. Opt for warm water instead of hot and avoid rubbing the sponge with force. If you have not had physical activity, use soap in armpits and groin is enough. Seeks soft products that protect and maintain skin hydration. And on the days you stay at home, you can take advantage of not taking a bath and let your skin breathe and rest. However, this is no excuse for not showering if it is really required.😉

These are the countries that take the most showers in the world

As a result of this Harvard study on daily showers, a new analysis arises presented by María Lamela on the Más Vale Tarde program on Sexta. This study, carried out by Euromonitor, ranks the most hygienic countries in the world. This is the TOP 5:

ColombiaBrazilMexicoAustraliaSpain

On the other hand, China, the United Kingdom and India occupy the last places of the list.