In a surprising revelation on TODAY, editorial director Adrianna Brach challenged Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones to guess how often dermatologists recommend people should shower. The speculation ranged from five times a week to every day, but they were all taken aback when the actual recommendation turned out to be much lower.
According to Dr. Mary Stevenson, an assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, people should shower, bathe, or cleanse themselves every two to three days. This piece of advice, however, comes with some caveats, as individuals who engage in regular workouts or sweat-inducing activities may need to shower more frequently.
Dr. Angela Lamb, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, highlighted the potential issues of over-showering, such as drying out the skin and disrupting the natural protective bacteria. Showering multiple times a day, which some panel members admitted to doing, may also be detrimental to the skin’s health.
The news report emphasized that showering excessively or taking steamy, long showers can strip the skin of its natural moisture, making it more susceptible to infections. Dermatologists recommend keeping showers to three minutes and using lukewarm water to mitigate these adverse effects.
To safeguard the skin, Dr. Stevenson advised using hydrating products and opting for fragrance- and dye-free options. She also recommended looking for products designed for sensitive skin or babies, as they are generally formulated to be gentler. However, she urged individuals to consult with a dermatologist to identify potentially irritating ingredients and to always review the product’s ingredient list.
During the lively discussion on air, Al Roker playfully expressed his disbelief at the recommended shower frequency, maintaining his preference for daily showers. Meanwhile, Sheinelle Jones voiced her opinion that Al’s twice-daily showers were excessive.
The news report highlighted that the frequency of showering varies depending on factors such as lifestyle, skin type, and personal preference. For individuals who lead active lives or work in close contact with others, the recommendation of showering every two to three days might require some adjustments.
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