How often do people need to shower? 

While most people tend to do so everyday, it turns out our body is designed in a way to make this unnecessary. 

On Lunchtime Live, aesthetician Eavanna Breen explained why too frequent showering can in fact be harmful. 

“We have this natural barrier on the surface of our skin and it’s made up of oils and ceramides and cholesterol,” she said. 

“It’s there to protect our skin from environmental damage, pollution and bacteria. 

“If we have any kind of a chink in that armour; that’s when bacteria and allergens can get in. 

“So, if we’ve overshowering, you can impair that barrier.” 

A man taking a shower. Picture by: Alamy.com

The amount a person needs to shower, she believes, “really comes down to the individual”. 

“And how active you are and what age you are; somebody who is going to the gym everyday and working out very hard, is going to need to shower on a daily basis,” she said. 

“Then for people who are less active, [they] maybe don’t need to shower everyday.” 

According to a 2016 survey by Sonas, 2% of Irish adults shower only once a week.

You can listen back to the full interview here:

Main image: A woman showering. Picture by: Karolina Grabowska: