We have all been conditioned to think that to be clean, you systematically have to shower with soap. But what if this habit is not as essential as we think? And what if, even worse, it can sometimes be harmful to our skin?
More and more experts are now questioning this habit. So, do we really have to lather ourselves from head to toe every day?
The usefulness of soap for your hygiene
Let’s start by giving credit where credit is due: soap is an indispensable ally in our daily hygiene. It eliminates bacteria, viruses and impurities accumulated on our skin with formidable efficiency.
But that’s not all. Soap also rids the skin of sweat, dust and oils that have accumulated throughout the day. For someone who works outdoors or who sweats a lot, showering with soap is a must. In addition to avoiding bad odors and irritation, it offers a real feeling of freshness. What better way to start the day.
However, this love affair with soap also has its limits. While its cleaning power is indisputable, it does not distinguish between dirt and the beneficial elements of our skin, thus causing some complications.
Is it necessary to shower with soap every day?
For many, the idea of skipping soap seems unthinkable. After all, who would want to feel “dirty” when starting the day?
However, dermatologists say that this is exactly what you should do. The skin is home to an ecosystem of billions of bacteria and natural lipids that form the skin microbiome, they explain. These “good” microbes and oils play a key role: they maintain hydration and protect against infections.
However, soap, with its detergent action, can sweep away this protective barrier. “Until the hydrolipidic film is rebuilt, the skin is exposed to germs, bacteria and fungi. And in the end, if you use too much soap, you end up smelling bad,” explains Dr. Yael Adler, dermatologist.
That is why experts recommend showering daily, but not necessarily with soap all over the body. Save the soap for areas such as the armpits or the feet, where odors are concentrated. For the rest of the body, a shower with water may suffice. One exception: people prone to acne or skin infections, for whom targeted cleansing is still necessary.
How can you adapt your routine for healthy skin?
Choose mild soaps, without sulfates or synthetic fragrances, with a pH close to that of the skin (5.5). Ultra-rich soaps or moisturizing cleansing gels preserve the hydrolipidic film better.
Another tip: alternate between washing with and without soap, or apply it only to critical areas (armpits, feet, private parts). Also, after showering, moisturize with a cream to restore the skin barrier – a key step that is often neglected.
Finally, remember that water alone already removes a large part of surface impurities. As Dr. Yael Adler sums it up: “Our skin takes very good care of itself.”
