With the low temperature in winter, and the state of laziness that plagues many, some may think a lot before deciding to go to the shower.
But one expert warns of the risks associated with lengthening the period between showers, which can lead to unpleasant consequences, according to the British Express website.
For starters, showering is essential to clean the pores and allow the skin cells to function properly, thus boosting the immune system.
Also, the evidence suggests that enjoying a warm shower before bed can help the sleep process, and according to research, a shower two hours before bed is optimal for a good night’s sleep.
However, with the benefits of showering, if you practice it frequently, especially in the winter, when hot water can remove healthy oils from the skin and affect the balance of bacteria, which can cause dehydration, but this can be reduced by lowering the water temperature.
Surveys show that people can go weeks without showering before they start to smell bad.
There are a number of risks associated with lengthening the periods between each shower, but the main problem is bacteria.
When a person usually leaves three to four days between showers, they risk accumulating dark patches of scaly skin, which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection.
These patches are made up of dead skin cells, dirt and sweat, which can trigger acne breakouts or exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.
Dr. Michelle Green, a New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist, says that some people need to shower more than others, depending on how often they exercise.
“Aside from the smell, you have to worry about a host of different skin problems, such as acne, irritation, skin diseases or fungal infections,” she says.
When bacteria aren’t washed away from the areas around the eyes, mouth or nose, they can enter the openings, putting the body at risk of catching a cold or infection.
Although there is no ideal shower time, experts suggest that a short shower of three or four minutes, focusing on the armpits and thighs, may be sufficient during the winter.