YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH: That steaming, soothing shower at the end of a hard day feels refreshing. It’s like pressing a reset button. It washes away stress and grime, leaving you feeling renewed.

However, this comforting daily ritual is doing more harm than good.

There is a growing consensus among dermatologists. Many suggest that our cultural obsession with frequent, thorough cleansing can quietly sabotage our skin’s health. It might even affect our broader well-being.

The pursuit of being ‘squeaky clean’ can strip away essential defenses we never knew we had.

Your skin is far more than a covering; it is a dynamic, living ecosystem. It produces natural oils that create a vital moisture barrier. It also hosts a community of beneficial microbes. These microbes act as a first line of defense against pathogens.

When we shower too often, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, we effectively scrub away this protective layer. The result is not just temporary dryness, but a compromised barrier.

This can lead to a cycle of irritation, redness, itching, and cracking, making skin more susceptible to allergens and infections. Ironically, the act of cleaning can make your body more vulnerable to viruses.

The impact extends beyond your skin’s surface. Hot showers can cause blood vessels to dilate rapidly, potentially leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure. The result is lightheadedness, a particular concern for older adults.

On the flip side, cold showers send a shock through the system, spiking heart rate and stress hormones.

Your hair suffers from daily washing. It strips the scalp of natural sebum. This leads to dryness, irritation, and brittle strands. For most people, washing their hair two to three times a week is sufficient. This frequency maintains health and cleanliness without causing damage.

Perhaps the most surprising casualty of over-cleaning is your immune system.

Our bodies are designed to interact with the environment. Encountering everyday microbes is a form of training for our immune defenses.

By constantly scrubbing away this microbial exposure, we are destroying our immune system. It needs this exposure to stay robust and responsive.

This is why many pediatricians advise against daily baths for young children. Adults can benefit from a similar, more balanced approach.

Achieving a healthy balance doesn’t mean sacrificing hygiene. For many people, showering two to three times a week, using lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, is perfectly adequate.

On other days, a quick rinse or focusing on key areas can suffice. It’s about listening to your body and respecting its natural design.

Step back from the daily deep clean. This allows your skin’s ecosystem to thrive. It strengthens its role as your body’s resilient and intelligent shield.

You can and should share this story on social media. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

CLICK MY PICTURE TO ACCESS A NEW GENERATION of illustrated books and novels that make great hand-delivered gifts. They are perfect for family and friends. These include genres Romance, Travel, and Maritime. Novels, Business success, City Vigilante, War, and Culture are also featured. Britain and Europe’s most successful writer is Michael Walsh. https://michaelwalshbooks.wordpress.com/