The frequency with which one should bathe returned to the debate after artist José Cid admitted that he only does it twice a week, raising doubts about what is, after all, considered appropriate from the point of view of health and hygiene.
In an interview with Benfica FM radio, the musician responded directly when asked about his routine: “I only shower twice a week. I’m a country boy”, he said.
There is no single rule
The idea that there is an ideal frequency that is the same for everyone does not correspond to reality. According to the website, there is no universal rule that applies to everyone, as hygiene habits vary according to multiple factors. The same source explains that elements such as the climate, the season, the level of physical activity or even the profession directly influence the need to shower more or less regularly.
In hotter or more humid environments, sweat production increases, which may justify a greater frequency of showers. According to the same source, in contexts of greater physical activity or exposure to substances such as waste or chemicals, it is common for people to take more than one shower per day.
In situations of less physical demand or in milder climates, the need may be different. In many cases, a daily shower is just a cultural habit and not a medical requirement.
What happens when you overdo it
Bathing too frequently can also have consequences. The Hospital da Luz website states that water and hygiene products remove not only dirt and dead cells, but also the skin’s natural oils.
This process can lead to symptoms such as itching, dryness, peeling or even cracking. “If baths are too frequent”, explains the same source, imbalances in the skin barrier may arise, which favor infections.
The reverse scenario also raises questions. According to the website, insufficient frequency can lead to problems associated with hygiene, such as bad body odor, and contribute to the worsening of certain dermatological conditions.
The same source mentions that, in some cases, the lack of regular care can even facilitate the appearance of new skin problems, especially when there are already weaknesses.
Simple care makes a difference
Regardless of the frequency, there are practical recommendations to be followed. The same source advises opting for short showers, with warm water, and favoring gentle products, without intense fragrances or aggressive properties. “Always prefer a shower to a bath” and limit the time to a few minutes, writes the website, also highlighting the importance of avoiding excessive rubbing of the skin and ensuring good hydration after bathing.
The answer to the question raised by José Cid’s routine ends up being less rigid than one might expect. What is recommended is adaptation to individual needs, taking into account skin condition and lifestyle.
Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated is the main objective, and bath frequency should be adjusted depending on this balance. If signs such as a feeling of tightness in the skin or persistent itching appear, “you should seek medical attention”, concludes the same source.
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