Only these 3 body parts need to be washed every day: a doctor«s opinion

The COVID-19 pandemic was a time when we constantly heard how important it is to wash hands frequently and thoroughly to protect ourselves from viruses. Often, this axiom leads to the assumption that a daily shower is also a great idea. But what if we told you that thinking this way is a mistake?

Discussions about hygiene

Our ideas of what it means to "be clean" have evolved over time: the rare baths practiced by our "great-great-great" grandparents have now turned into complex rituals involving dozens of bottles, tubes, and jars.

One surge of attention to hygiene occurred in 2014 when scientists discovered microscopic Demodex mites in skin scrapings from volunteers, literally burrowed into pores — it’s no surprise that the first impulse of anyone was to exclaim, "Get these things away from me immediately!"

Now the pendulum has swung the other way: specialists increasingly say that it is foolish to protect the gut microbiome while ruthlessly washing it off the skin — this does not benefit health. For example, a study on mice conducted in 2018 showed that Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, which are found on most of the human body, reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

As many scientists note, the issue is not so much about excessive water use, but rather about cleaning agents. We are often exposed to preservatives with antimicrobial properties: in small amounts, the most popular of them — parabens — are harmless, but they can accumulate.

According to specialists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the U.S., these substances can block the growth of Roseomonas mucosa — a bacterium capable of destroying Staphylococcus aureus, which proliferates during eczema flare-ups.

How often should you wash?

Due to the results of new research, doctors increasingly advise against using soap for the entire body daily. According to Dr. Robin Chutkan, the only places that "need daily lathering" are the armpits, groin, and feet. "For everything else," says Chutkan, "rinsing is sufficient, even if you just finished a workout."

Why these three parts? As the doctor explains, the skin here is very sensitive, and bacteria multiply particularly actively — all of this increases vulnerability and the risks of encountering potential infections. So, in Robin's opinion, you can confidently save on shower gel — the beneficial bacteria that protect your body will only thank you for it.