Showering regularly is one of those unquestioned adult habits, somewhere between flossing your teeth and paying taxes. But according to dermatologists, a lot of guys are getting it wrong—either scrubbing themselves bone-dry or stretching things a little too far between rinses. The sweet spot lies somewhere in between: clean enough to not offend your co-workers, but not so intense that your skin starts crying for help.
The risks of showering too often (or not enough)
Some guys prefer to shower several times a day—maybe to rise and shine, rinse off after a run, and reset before heading to bed. That’s not inherently a problem, but it heightens the risk of disrupting your
skin barrier. “This is more likely if you use hot water, harsh soaps, or take long showers,” says Dr. Camp. The same goes if your skin is dry or reactive. If
multiple showers a day are non-negotiable, Dr. Kobets says just one cleanse should be thorough. You should limit any others to a quick rinse.
Not showering often enough comes with its own set of issues. A buildup of sweat, bacteria, and debris can show up as body odor, folliculitis, body acne, and even fungal overgrowth in more occluded areas like the underarms and groin, says Dr. Kobets.
“It’s really about balance,” she says. “Overdoing it can strip the barrier, but too little hygiene can lead to congestion and irritation.”
Click here to learn how often dermatologists say you should shower.
