As revealed by Trstdly, a recent recommendation from some dermatologists that people only need to shower 2-3 times per week has sparked major backlash and debate. The advice contradicts most people’s showering habits and perceptions around hygiene. While dermatologists argue limiting showers can benefit skin health, critics strongly contest the rationale and feasibility of such infrequent bathing.
The divisive showering suggestion arose on a recent episode of the Today Show. Host Al Roker and others reacted with shock and skepticism when presented with the statistic. The ensuing disagreement highlighted larger issues around how shower frequency intersects with cultural norms, individual health factors, and the evolving science of skin care.
The Origins of the 2-3 Shower Recommendation
On a Tuesday episode of Today in 2022, hosts Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer discussed bathing frequency with guest Adrianna Brach. When presented with the question of how often the average person should shower, Brach revealed dermatologists recommend just 2-3 times per week.
This guidance is based on the viewpoint that daily showering strips away protective oils and moisture from skin. Scaled back showering purportedly allows time for skin to regenerate sebum and microbiota that get washed away. Proponents argue this helps maintain ideal hydration and pH balance for a healthy barrier.
However, most find the suggestion of showering so sparingly unpalatable and counterintuitive. Roker, Jones, and Dreyer alike expressed disbelief and disapproval regarding the shower stats. For the majority of people accustomed to daily cleansing routines, just 2-3 weekly showers seems unacceptably infrequent.
Criticisms and Concerns
Roker adamantly rejected the dermatologists’ showering claim, insisting cleanliness necessitates bathing daily regardless of guidelines. Dr. Sandra Lee and Dr. Corey Hartman have also publicly disputed the notion that people need to shower less. Critics worry limiting showers could jeopardize hygiene, comfort, and social courtesy.
Others argue factors like sweat, exercise, heat, medical conditions, and simple personal preference often demand cleanSING more than a couple times a week. The advice also faced backlash for overlooking cultural variables influencing bathing norms.
Additionally, some question which dermatologists even issued this “2-3 shower” statistic to begin with. Vague sourcing and lack of context around the recommendation makes its validity hard to parse. Before radically changing hygiene habits, large peer-reviewed studies on the matter are needed.
Weighing Shower Needs and Skin Health
While the “twice weekly shower” rule seems clearly overblown, it touches on valid points around skin preservation. Aggressive, scalding, or lengthy daily showers can deplete moisture from skin and distort its microbiome. This leads some dermatologists to suggest targeted cleansing of odor-prone zones rather than whole body dousing.
However, any hygiene guidance must be flexible based on climate, activities, skin type, age, and personal preference. Younger, active people prone to body odor and sweat may require multiple showers weekly, especially in hot weather. Those with skin conditions like eczema also benefit from more frequent bathing for skin management.
Overall, while the 2-3 shower proposal misses nuance, it raises useful conversations around hygiene habits. Our concepts of beauty and cleanliness need not come at the cost of skin health and barrier function. Finding an optimal middle ground through safe products and moisturizing can allow both radiant skin and hygienic peace of mind.
TODAY’s host, Al Roker, questioned dermatologists’ recommendations about how often people should shower. On Tuesday’s show, Roker and co-hosts Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer were joined by Adrianna Barrionuevo Brach, the editorial director of Shop TODAY.
Brach revealed that dermatologists recommend showering two to three times a week. It considers lifestyle, skin type, age, and activity level factors. Despite the explanation, Roker was shocked and disgusted.
Roker confidently stated, “I don’t care what they say.” He ignored the recommendations of dermatologists. The debate continues. However, Rocker wasn’t agreed. He said that contact with other people makes daily bathing is important.
Rocker believes daily baths are important for his hygiene. Roker explained that he isn’t going to be changing his daily shower habits, even if it’s a recommendation from a dermatologist.