In general, people with oily or acne-prone skin tend to feel better with daily showering, especially if they sweat often, says Hu.
As for those with eczema-prone skin, the messaging has been confusing. While it was previously thought that people who have eczema should limit showers to avoid worsening dryness and triggering flares, a recent randomized controlled trial out of England found no evidence of a clinically important difference in eczema symptoms between weekly and daily bathing.
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Listen to your skin. “If your skin feels comfortable after you shower and moisturize — not tight, itchy, or irritated — that’s usually a sign you’re on the right track,” says Dr. Ghias.
Who Should Shower Every Day or More Often
Teens and people with oily or acne-prone skin often benefit from more frequent showers, since oil and sweat buildup can clog pores, according to research on acne and lifestyle factors.
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Rinsing daily with a gentle cleanser may help people in this category reduce breakouts, says Hu. The same goes for those who exercise or sweat heavily. “Sweat can shift the skin’s pH and irritate hair follicles if it sits [on the skin] too long,” she adds.
Those in jobs such as healthcare, pet care, or landscaping often need daily showers to remove dirt and pathogens, says Dr. Gwinn. And people living in hot, humid climates may find that sweat accumulates quickly, making daily showering more comfortable, says Hu.
Who Doesn’t Need to Shower as Much
Older adults often do well with less-frequent bathing because their skin is thinner and more prone to damage, says Gwinn. “Patients older than 60, those on statins, and individuals with a compromised skin barrier benefit from showering less often,” she explains. “For these patients, I recommend showering every other day.”
Many people with dry or sensitive skin do best with every-other-day showers or short, lukewarm daily showers, since daily hot showers tend to worsen dryness, says Ghias. Be sure to talk to a dermatologist about your specific needs.
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Not sure how hot is too hot? Dermatology research generally defines warm water as roughly 80.6 to 98.6 degrees F, while temperatures around 104 degrees and above are considered hot and more likely to irritate or damage the skin barrier.
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For people with limited mobility, Ghias recommends focusing on cleaning the underarms, groin, and skin folds to avoid odor, irritation, and sweat buildup. “Gentle cleansing wipes can work well on days when a full shower isn’t possible,” she says.
Sedentary people in dry or cold climates may be comfortable showering every other day or a few times a week, says Hu.
