Is it true that … showering every day is bad for your skin?

“If you’d asked me a couple of months ago, my answer might have been different,” says Dr Rosalind Simpson, a medical dermatologist at the University of Nottingham.

Historically, she says, daily washing was seen as problematic. It was thought that it might alter the skin’s microbiome, stripping away natural protective oils and beneficial bacteria. People also worried that it might dry out the skin, causing cracks that allow bacteria and allergens to penetrate, potentially leading to infections and flare-ups of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

“But our department recently completed a randomised controlled trial on bathing in eczema patients, and the results are surprising,” she says.

The trial involved 438 eczema patients split into two groups: one that was asked to have a bath or shower six or more times a week; the other only once or twice weekly. “You’d expect daily bathing to dry out the skin more and worsen eczema symptoms, but it didn’t,” says Simpson. “The study found no difference in symptoms between those who bathed daily and those who bathed less frequently.” Her takeaway? Frequency of washing doesn’t correlate with increased skin dryness – and she believes this is true whether we have eczema or not.

The type of shower you take could increase irritation, though, Simpson adds. “The longer you’re in the water, the more it can dry out your skin, regardless of frequency. Shorter, cooler showers are better.” She says the shower gels, soaps and shaving products we choose can make a difference too. Ingredients such as methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, sulphates and parabens can cause reactions in some people. “It’s best to choose products with as few ingredients as possible, avoiding excessive fragrances and preservatives,” says Simpson. If you’re experiencing irritation, she suggests using an emollient cream, instead of standard soap, to wash yourself.

Overall, she says, the best shower routine is the one that makes you feel good. “Do what suits your skin – everyone’s going to be different.”