On some level, cleanliness is an animal instinct: Look at any animal living in the wild, and you’ll find that they have their own way of cleaning themselves. Humans are no different—except we’re lucky enough to have showers (and body care products) to simplify the process. Some prefer to shower in the morning to help wake up; for others, bathing provides a relaxing way to unwind at the end of a long day. And sometimes, it just seems like a chore. On those days, you may wonder: How often should you shower? And more to the point, is it okay to go a day or two between washes?
If those questions have ever crossed your mind, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll give you the scoop on how often to shower, bathe, and wash your hair. You’ll also learn some tips on making the most of your shower time for a relaxing start (or end) to your day. Keep reading for the scoop.
How Often Should You Shower?
We’ll get right down to it: There isn’t any universally-accepted guideline for how often to shower. That’s because your lifestyle largely dictates how often you need to lather up. If you exercise daily, for example, you’ll probably want to shower more frequently to wash off the sweat that accumulates throughout the course of your workout. Similarly, if you have a job that involves manual labor, showering daily may be ideal. Those with a more sedentary lifestyle can typically go a bit longer between showers. Ultimately, it’s up to you—you know your body and its needs best.
Is It Possible To Shower Too Often?
In the United States, around 66% of people report showering daily*, which makes it the most common showering schedule. While a daily shower is fine for most people, there are some who may benefit from a slightly more infrequent schedule. Those with dry or sensitive skin, for example, may find that soaping up every day exacerbates their skin concerns. That’s because hot water, like the kind you use to shower, can strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This, in turn, can leave the skin feeling dry or irritated.
Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser
Using lukewarm water to shower can help prevent your skin from getting excessively dry. So can skipping harsh cleansers. Instead, try reaching for a gentle body wash, such as Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. The mild formula with aloe vera and glycerin cleanses and helps maintain the skin’s moisture. You can massage the cleanser directly onto your skin with your hands or use a clean washcloth to work the formula into a lather. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after soaping up to make sure there’s no residue left on your skin.
How Often Should You Bathe?
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a long, steamy bath at the end of a stressful week—but as with showering, soaking in the tub too frequently can leave your skin feeling dry or sensitive. This is especially true if you take extra-hot baths or soak for a long period of time. That’s not to say you shouldn’t enjoy the occasional bath—it’s worth it for the relaxation value alone—but for most, baths shouldn’t be a daily activity.
Kiehl’s Tip: Moisturizing immediately after your shower or bath can help trap moisture and prevent excessive dryness. We suggest reaching for a lightweight body moisturizer, like Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion, to help hydrate your skin post-cleanse. If your skin tends to dry out easily, try Creme de Corps Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter instead. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully moisturized.
How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?
Most of us have a pretty set shower ritual. Typically, it involves at least two components: Cleansing your body and washing (and conditioning) your hair. But shampooing every time you shower might not be necessary. As with how often to shower, there’s no set guideline for how frequently you should wash your hair. It depends on your lifestyle, as well as your hair (and scalp) type, hair concerns, and personal preferences. If you have greasy hair, shampooing every day may help keep it looking clean and fresh. If your hair tends to be on the drier side, it may be best to go a few days between washes when you can. For more in-depth information on how often shampooing is necessary, we recommend checking out our article This Is How Often You Should Wash Your Hair.
On wash days, using a gentle, non-stripping formula, like Amino Acid Shampoo, can help keep your strands in good shape. Formulated with coconut oil and amino acids, this lightly-foaming shampoo provides a gentle cleanse and helps add body and fullness to the hair. It’s suitable for all hair types and leaves your hair soft and shiny-looking. For the best results, pair it with Amino Acid Conditioner, which contains both coconut oil and jojoba oil. Like the shampoo, this creamy formula is lightweight and suitable for all hair types. It boosts hydration and helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance. Over time, it even helps strengthen your strands. Apply a generous dollop to your hair after shampooing, working your way from the ends up, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Next: Learn how to make the most of your shower routine in our article How To Create a Relaxing Self-Care Shower Routine.
