How often do you really need to shower? | Your Morning

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19 Aug 201903:48

Summary

TLDRIn this video, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Scott discusses the modern trend of reduced showering frequency and the importance of adjusting shower habits rather than eliminating them altogether. Dr. Scott explains that while daily showers may not be necessary, especially for those with less physical activity, 'hot zones' like underarms should be washed daily. She also addresses the potential harm of frequent soap use, which can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier, and raises concerns about the long-term effects on our skin microbiome. For children, she suggests less frequent bathing, focusing on rinsing rather than scrubbing, to maintain a healthy skin environment.

Takeaways

🚿 People shower more frequently today than in the 1950s, where it was common to shower once a week.
🌟 The frequency of showering should be tailored to individual needs and activities, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
🧼 Over-washing with detergents may not be necessary and could potentially harm the skin's natural protective barrier.
🔬 The concept of 'sluicing', or rinsing without scrubbing, is suggested as a gentler alternative to full-body washing.
👕 Daily washing of 'hot zones' like underarms is recommended, but full-body washing might not be needed daily, especially for those with less physical activity.
🏭 Occupation plays a significant role in determining shower frequency, with those in physically demanding jobs needing more frequent showers.
👶 For children, showering frequency can be reduced to two or three times a week unless they are visibly dirty, respecting their skin's natural balance.
🛡️ Traditional soaps can be harsh due to their high pH and may strip the skin of its protective layer, leading to increased vulnerability to environmental irritants.
🌱 There's a concern that long-term use of detergents might have altered our skin's microbiome, affecting natural processes.
🌬️ Body odor is a result of bacteria breaking down sweat; some individuals may naturally produce less odor due to their skin's adapted bacterial environment.

Q & A

How often did people shower in the 1950s compared to today?
-People showered much less frequently in the 1950s, with it being closer to a weekly occurrence, whereas today it's common to shower multiple times a week.
What is the main message dermatologist Dr. Sandy Scott is trying to convey about showering?
-Dr. Sandy Scott emphasizes that it's not about avoiding showers altogether but rather how one showers, suggesting that not everyone needs to shower daily, especially if they are not physically dirty.
What is 'sluicing' as mentioned by Dr. Scott?
-'Sluicing' refers to the practice of simply rinsing off with water instead of using soap or detergent all over the body.
Why might showering daily not be necessary for everyone according to the dermatologist?
-Dr. Scott explains that daily showers might not be necessary for people who are not physically dirty, such as those who work in an office environment, and that it's important to focus on washing only the 'hot zones' like underarms.
What are 'hot zones' as it relates to personal hygiene?
-'Hot zones' refer to areas of the body that tend to sweat more and are more prone to odor, such as underarms and other areas where bacteria can accumulate.
What is the significance of showering for teenagers during puberty?
-Showering and cleaning are particularly important for teenagers during puberty due to hormonal changes that can increase sweating and body odor.
How does using soap affect the skin's protective barrier?
-Using soap can potentially damage the skin's protective barrier by removing it, making the skin more susceptible to environmental pollutants and irritants.
What is the potential long-term effect of using detergents on our skin's microbiome?
-There is a concern that the consistent use of detergents over the last 70 years may have altered our skin's microbiome, which could have implications for skin health.
How often should children shower according to Dr. Scott's advice?
-Dr. Scott suggests that children do not need to shower daily, and that a rinse or washing a couple of times a week is sufficient unless they are visibly dirty.
What is the importance of understanding the difference between soap and cleansers?
-Understanding the difference between soap and cleansers is important because traditional soaps can be more damaging to the skin due to their high pH and potential to strip the skin of its protective barrier.
What is the dermatologist's stance on the idea of not showering for 15 years as mentioned in the script?
-Dr. Scott does not recommend going without showering for such an extended period. However, she acknowledges that the body can adapt and manage odor through its natural bacteria, suggesting that the method of cleaning and the frequency need to be tailored to individual needs.

Outlines

00:00

🚿 The Debate on Showering Frequency

This paragraph delves into the changing trends of personal hygiene, particularly showering habits. It contrasts the frequent showering practices of today with the less frequent routines of the past. Dermatologist Dr. Sandy Scott discusses the importance of how one showers rather than the frequency. She introduces the concept of 'sluicing,' which involves rinsing the body without necessarily scrubbing with detergent, and suggests that full-body washing with detergents may not always be necessary. The conversation also touches on the 'hot zones' of the body that require more frequent cleaning, and the idea that natural bacteria can help keep the body clean without daily showers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Showering

Showering refers to the act of cleaning oneself with water. In the video, the discussion centers around how often one should shower, noting that modern society tends to shower much more frequently than in the past. The doctor suggests that it’s not always necessary to wash the whole body daily, emphasizing that it depends on activity level and environmental exposure.

💡Natural bacteria

Natural bacteria refers to the microorganisms that naturally live on human skin. These bacteria play a role in maintaining skin health and preventing harmful pathogens from colonizing. In the video, the man who hasn’t showered in 15 years claims that his natural bacteria keep him clean and prevent body odor, questioning the necessity of frequent detergent use.

💡Detergent

Detergent in the context of the video refers to the cleansing products used to remove dirt and oils from the body. The doctor discusses how detergents, especially when used excessively, can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and microbiome. This is a central point in the debate about over-showering and the potential harm caused by modern hygiene practices.

💡Hot zones

Hot zones are specific areas of the body, such as the underarms and groin, that are more prone to sweating and odor. The doctor suggests that instead of scrubbing the whole body with detergent, individuals could focus on washing these 'hot zones' daily to maintain hygiene without over-washing other parts of the body that may not need it as frequently.

💡Skin microbiome

The skin microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on the skin. The video raises the idea that excessive use of detergents may have altered people's skin microbiomes, potentially leading to negative consequences such as increased sensitivity or a weaker protective barrier.

💡Body odor

Body odor is the unpleasant smell that can arise when sweat is broken down by bacteria on the skin. The video explores the idea that if one reduces the use of detergents, the body might naturally balance itself, leading to less body odor over time. However, the doctor emphasizes that proper hygiene, particularly in 'hot zones,' is still important, especially for teenagers going through puberty.

💡Leaky skin barrier

The leaky skin barrier refers to a weakened protective layer of the skin, which can occur when harsh soaps or detergents strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier function. This concept is discussed in the video as a potential consequence of over-washing, which may make the skin more susceptible to external pollutants and irritants.

💡Sluicing

Sluicing, as mentioned by the doctor, refers to the act of rinsing the body with water without using detergent. The idea is to clean the body lightly without stripping the skin of its natural oils or disturbing the microbiome. This concept is central to the argument that individuals don’t always need to scrub their entire bodies with soap during every shower.

💡Soap vs. cleanser

The difference between soap and cleanser is highlighted in the video. Traditional soaps are often harsh and have a high pH, which can damage the skin’s protective barrier. Cleansers, on the other hand, are designed to be gentler on the skin. The doctor emphasizes the importance of understanding this distinction, as overuse of harsh soaps may contribute to skin problems.

💡Children's hygiene

Children's hygiene is discussed in terms of how often they need to bathe. The doctor mentions that unless children are visibly dirty, a simple rinse two to three times a week is sufficient. This advice challenges the common belief that children, who are often active, need to be bathed daily with soap.

Highlights

People shower more frequently today than in the 1950s, with some showering multiple times a day.

The frequency of showering has been sensationalized; it's more about how you shower than not showering at all.

Sluicing, or rinsing the body without scrubbing, is suggested as an alternative to excessive body washing.

Not everyone needs to shower daily; it depends on factors like occupation and personal hygiene.

Hot zones like underarms require daily washing, but other body parts may not need as much attention.

The necessity of showering daily is questioned, especially for those in office settings.

Dermatologist Dr. Sandy Scott explains that not showering doesn't necessarily mean being dirty.

Body odor is a result of bacteria breaking down sweat, and altering this process can affect odor.

A man who hasn't showered in 15 years claims to have no body odor due to his body's natural reaction.

The use of detergents can potentially harm the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to pollution.

Traditional soaps can be very damaging to the skin due to their high pH and ability to remove the skin's protective barrier.

There's a concern that long-term use of detergents may have altered our skin microbiome.

For children, unless they are visibly dirty, a simple rinse might be sufficient.

Recommendation for children's shower frequency is two or three times a week, depending on their activity level.

Dr. Scott debunks common myths about the necessity of daily showers and the potential harm of excessive soap use.