A wipe down of smelly bits may be healthier than a daily bath
The standards of hygiene seem to get more demanding with every leap in social development.
While most people bathe at least once a day, health experts at Harvard University say it isn’t actually necessary.
Why do we clean ourselves so o en?
Looking back at the human history of hygiene, we seem to be more obsessed with hygiene than ever.
The term “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” is based on the very real possibility of accidentally throwing the baby out with the bathwater in Victorian times.
Families in Victorian England shared a weekly bath, with baby usually the last in – and by then it could be so dirty, you might not see the baby in the bathwater.
Thanks to indoor plumbing and hot water on demand, daily bathes have become easier, elevating the bar on hygiene.
Are there benefits to daily bathing?
Although there isn’t a medical reason, Dr Robert Shmerling, senior faculty editor, Harvard Health Publishing, says bathing and showering daily can help keep body odour under control and form part of a daily routine (which is healthy), but the health cons outweigh the pros.
“Normal, healthy skin maintains a layer of oil and a balance of ‘good’ bacteria and other microorganisms. Washing and scrubbing remove these, especially if the water is hot.”
How o en should a person bathe?
“Some [perhaps a lot] of what we do when it comes to cleaning habits is influenced heavily by marketing.
“Ever notice that directions on shampoo bottles often say ‘lather, rinse, repeat’?
“There is no compelling reason to wash your hair twice, but it does sell more shampoo if everyone follows these directions,” says Shmerling.
“When it comes to concerns about health, however, it’s not at all clear that a daily shower accomplishes much.
“There is no ideal frequency for bathing. However, cleaning regularly with a focus on your groin, armpits and other areas that may smell is recommended.”