It's almost impossible to fathom what would happen if we suddenly stopped showering.
After all, taking a shower is an essential part of our daily routine that not only keeps us clean but also helps us feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Still though... have you ever wondered what would happen to your body if you stopped showering?
We decided to do some investigating ourselves. Naturally, we didn't go as far to stop showering all-together. As a husband and wife team with small kids, that simply wouldn't fly in our family. That said, we did ask a handful of experts what would happen if we stopped showering.
Here are a few things we learned:
The good
Your skin will become less dry
Contrary to popular belief, showering too frequently can actually strip your skin of its natural oils and make it overly dry. Not showering as often gives your skin a chance to replenish these oils and keep it moisturised.
You'll save time and money
Let's face it, taking a shower takes up some time in our daily routine.
If you're skipping showers you'll have more time for other activities or simply get a few extra minutes of sleep each day.
That said, is it really worth it for the trade-off?
Your hair may look better
Similar to your skin, washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils.
By not showering as often, your scalp will produce less oil and your hair may look shinier and healthier. After all, studies have shown that washing your hair 2-3 times a week is sufficient for maintaining healthy and clean hair.
Boost in immune system
Believe it or not, some experts claim that skipping the occasional shower can help boost our immune systems.
This is because regular exposure to bacteria in small doses can actually strengthen our body's defences against illness.
So, while it may seem counterintuitive, not showering as often could potentially improve our overall physical health (in the short-term).
The bad
Body odour
It's no secret that skipping showers will lead to an unpleasant body odour. This is due to the build-up of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells on our skin.
Truth be told, not everyone's body odour is the same and some people may have a milder scent than others, but eventually, it will become noticeable to yourself and others.
Accumulation of dirt and bacteria
Not showering can also lead to a build-up of dirt and bacteria on our skin, which can clog pores and potentially cause acne breakouts or other skin infections. If you're prone to acne or have a weakened immune system, this can be especially problematic.
Social consequences
Let's be real, not showering regularly is not socially acceptable in most cultures. It can lead to ostracisation and negatively impact relationships with others. It's not a serious health consequence, but it's definitely something to consider.
The ugly
Potential health risks
Skipping showers for extended periods of time can pose serious health risks such as skin infections, urinary tract infections and even respiratory illnesses from inhaling bacteria and mould from unwashed clothes.
Long-term damage to the body
If we were to completely stop showering, it could have long-term effects on our bodies.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and not showering can lead to clogged pores, rashes and irritation. For anyone with pre-existing skin conditions, this could worsen their symptoms.
Mental health consequences
Personal hygiene and self-care are important for mental well-being. Not showering regularly can have a negative impact on our confidence and self-esteem, leading to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Wrapping up
The decision whether to shower or not is 100% your call, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons.
It's clear that not regularly showering can have both positive and negative effects on our bodies, and it may be beneficial for some people while harmful for others.
Ultimately, practicing good personal hygiene is important for our physical health as well as our mental and social well-being.
If you're going camping, embarking on a long hike or simply want to take a break from your daily shower routine, go for it.
Remember, you can always bring a portable Beach Shower along for the trip and shower in nature!
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