Frequent washing shortens life? Surprising conclusions of scientists

Scientists have not been convinced from today that everyday washing of the whole body does not have to be a good idea. As they explain, the shower dries the skin every 24 hours and weakens the immune system. There are, of course, places that should be washed every day, and the hands that can be even more often deserve to be particularly considered.

The American doctor and lecturer in public health at the Yale School of Public Health James Hamblin dealt with this problem in the book “Clean: The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less” (Cleanliness: New Science about the skin and beautifully making less). He emphasized that he washes only his hands with soap, because he washes off many microorganisms, keeping our body in good health.

Daily showers? It is worth thinking about it

He also noticed that the less he used the deodorant, the less he needed him. His partner was to notice that he began to smell like a man. He finally abandoned daily baths, talking about a picturesque skin ecosystem, which deserves his own natural series.

The American’s radical attitude was explained in an interview with “Newsweek” by Dr. Piotr Nowaczyk, a microbiologist from the Dr. Nowaczyk Laboratory of the Research and Innovation Center. He emphasized that the skin is an important element of the immune system, and thanks to it our body is still ready.

As he further explained, microorganisms on the skin react to changes in the outside world and after detecting dangerous factors, such as UV radiation, send signals to each other and begin to produce various types of protective proteins.

– There are studies that indicate a strong relationship between skin microbiome and a tendency to diseases or worsening diseases in the body. It has also been shown that the correct microbiome of the skin accelerates wound healing. It also provides well -being, because the microbiome of the skin affects emotional states. In short: healthy microbiome of the skin is a healthy whole body – emphasized Nowaczyk.

Maybe not every day, but you have to wash yourself

Experts point out that ultimately it is worth and even needed to wash. They only pointed out that the frequency depends on many factors, such as skin type, age, physical activity. Most often teenagers should wash during puberty and hormonal changes. The shower, in turn, is a great solution for everyone after strongly stressful experiences.

Stress sweat is very different from the one we release on hot days. However, these are also a good reason for us to take a bath. There are also places that scientists advise you to wash every day, regardless of age and weather. According to Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a doctor from the University of Toronto, these are feet, armpits and intimate surroundings.

Dr. Sasha Dhoat, dermatologist, consultant at Barts Health Nhs Trust in London, emphasized that in the summer we can wash in the morning and evening, while in winter on cold days even every second or third day. She also advised not to wash the body with a sponge, because it mechanically removes the skin with a microbiome.

In order not to convince anyone to bad habits, let us emphasize again – scientists have many times studied the advantages of washing. The microbiologist Sylwia, with Bioteam, reminded that it is about removing over a bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms from the external environment.

Of course, our microbiome can also be disturbed by other factors: stress, bad cosmetics, smoking, smog, bad diet, or … holidays. In warm countries, we can feel skin discomfort. However, nothing slows us down from frequent hand washing. The basis is to clean them after coming home from work, after using the toilet and before eating. Even when we work stationary, after work we should wash our hands that had contact with the keyboard.