Should you shower less for radiant skin? Dermatologist explains why your daily habit might be doing more harm than good

Recently, British designer, Vivienne Westwood, said she bathes once a week
Sydney-based dermatologist, Dr Natasha Cook, looked into showering less
She said that we shouldn't be using soap too much as it can strip the skin
Instead, people should use fragrance-free soaps where possible
Dr Cook argues that showering in the evening can be better than the mornings

By Sophie Haslett For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 04:48 GMT, 15 October 2017 | Updated: 14:10 GMT, 15 October 2017

e-mail

298

View
comments

Recently, British designer, Vivienne Westwood, made headlines, when she revealed that the secret to staying young is by washing just once a week.

'I'm not used to the habit of a shower,' she explained to a reporter in Paris. 'I just wash my bits and rush out in the morning.'

With this in mind, Sydney-based dermatologist, Dr Natasha Cook, decided to take a look at the issue, asking whether we should in fact be showering less for radiant skin.

Surprisingly, the expert found that our daily habits could be doing more harm than good.

Sydney-based dermatologist, Dr Natasha Cook (pictured), took a look at whether we should be showering less for radiant skin

She said avoiding using too much soap is a good idea - because soap can 'strip the skin, wear down and damage the epidermal barrier layer and function' (stock image)

While Dr Cook admitted that showering daily 'isn't a problem', she also added that overuse of soap really can be detrimental to good skin:

'Don't use soap,' she wrote in a blog post on the subject.

'Soap contains surfactants – the ingredients that make a product foam. Foaming products strip the skin, wear down and damage the epidermal barrier layer and function. This layer is imperative to healthy, high-functioning skin.'

The leading dermatologist said you should try and opt for soap-free products, though she said you have to be wary around these, too - as if it foams, it's made from soap (stock image)

Instead, the leading dermatologist said you should try and opt for soap-free products, though she said you have to be wary around these, too.

'If it foams, you can bet that it's made from soap and you should avoid it at all costs,' she argued.

'Remember, water doesn't provide moisture to the skin. In fact, it takes moisture out of the skin when it evaporates. The evaporation process strips out the moisture from the epidermal barrier layer and compromises its protective function.

'It's important to moisturise straight after a shower when your skin is still damp to prevent drying out by evaporation.'

Dr Cook looked at whether you should shower in the morning or evening for great skin - evenings are good to help relax your muscles and calm your central nervous system (stock image)

Dr Cook also looked at whether you should shower in the morning or the evening for great skin - both of which have their benefits and detriments.

'Many people - especially exercisers and office workers - enjoy a shower in the morning to wake the body up, get the circulation going and feel fresh for the day,' she said.

'Evening showers also have many benefits. To start with, you're washing away the pollutants of the day.'

Recently, British designer, Vivienne Westwood (pictured), made headlines, when she revealed that the secret to staying young is by washing just once a week

The dermatologist said evening showers will also help to relax your muscles and calm your central nervous system to help you sleep.

She advised that people avoid the temptation to stand under boiling hot water, however - especially if you suffer from dry skin or eczema.

'Hot water damages the skin by speeding up the evaporation process and drying out your skin,' Dr Cook wrote.