Showers: the ideal number per day to preserve skin and age well, according to the experts

Every morning, the same ritual is repeated for millions of French people. Water flows, steam invades the bathroom, and showers punctuate the start of the day. Yet this daily habit could have a major impact on our skin’s long-term health.

The ideal frequency according to hygiene experts

Dermatologists are adamant that washing too often is not necessarily beneficial. In fact, our skin has a natural hydrolipidic film that protects it from external aggression. This fragile shield deteriorates with repeated showers throughout the day.

Most specialists recommend just one complete cleansing a day. This frequency helps maintain proper hygiene while preserving the natural balance of the epidermis. Consequently, those who wash twice or three times a day weaken their skin barrier.

Age also influences this recommendation. Mature skin produces less sebum and is therefore more sensitive to the aggressions of hard water. Experts therefore suggest spacing out the number of times these skins go under the spray.

“Skin doesn’t need to be stripped every day to stay healthy. Gentle, appropriate cleansing is more than enough to maintain good body hygiene.”

Hot water, a false friend for your skin

Temperature plays a crucial role in skin health. Water that’s too hot dissolves the natural lipids that protect our epidermis. It also causes accelerated dehydration of the skin’s superficial layers.

Dermatologists recommend lukewarm water, around 35 to 37 degrees. This temperature enables effective cleansing without excessive aggression. It also promotes better blood circulation without creating thermal shock.

• Limit the duration to 5 minutes maximum to preserve your skin
• Choose soap-free, pH-neutral products
• Pat dry rather than rub dry
• Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of drying.
• Avoid horsehair gloves and abrasive sponges

Common mistakes that accelerate aging

Many people think they’re doing the right thing by taking more showers every day. But this habit has the opposite effect. Aggressed skin reacts by producing more sebum, creating a vicious circle.

The choice of cleansing gel is just as important as the frequency of use. Conventional foaming products contain surfactants that are aggressive to the epidermis. Syndets or cleansing oils, on the other hand, are more respectful of the skin’s natural protective film.

The time of day is also important. Morning showers wake up the body and stimulate circulation. Evening showers eliminate accumulated impurities and help you fall asleep. Each option has its own advantages, depending on your lifestyle.

Sportsmen and women now need to adapt their routine. After exercise, a quick rinse with lukewarm water is often all that’s needed. Thorough soaping is only necessary if perspiration has been intense.

Adapt your routine to your skin type

Dry skin requires special attention. For them, cleansing every other day may be enough in winter. During this period, cold air and heating dry out the epidermis considerably.

Conversely, oily skin is better able to withstand daily cleansing. However, they must not be stripped of their oil, as this can lead to sebum overproduction. Balance remains the key to healthy skin over the long term.

Aging gracefully thanks to sensible hygiene

The quality of our skin at 60 largely depends on the habits we adopted earlier. Showers that are too frequent or too hot leave lasting marks on the epidermis. These repeated micro-aggressions accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and skin dryness.

Experts recommend moisturizing generously after each use. This step restores the hydrolipidic film weakened by limescale and cleansing products. It’s an anti-aging gesture that’s accessible to everyone.

Tap water quality varies from region to region. In areas with high levels of limescale, an apple filter can make a real difference. This simple solution protects skin and hair from irritating mineral deposits.

In the end, ageing well comes down to simple gestures repeated over the years. Respecting your skin on a daily basis gives it the best chance of remaining supple and radiant. Your morning shower can become a real anti-aging treatment if you adopt the right reflexes.

• showers