In recent years, celebrities and social media influencers have made headlines by admitting that they do not require their children to wash every day. For some parents, this approach is quite normal, while for others, allowing a child to go more than a day without bathing is seen as unacceptable.

Doctors have clarified that children do not need to wash every day, with some even recommending against daily bathing during their early years to protect their delicate skin. But what about adults? Most of us do not take daily showers, so what is the ideal frequency for adults?

A YouGov poll of over 5,700 Americans found that slightly more than half reported showering every day, with 11% showering twice or more each day. This suggests that two out of three individuals take at least one shower daily.

However, physicians and dermatologists believe this frequency may be excessive for many people. Unless you are engaged in heavy labor, exercising vigorously, working outdoors in polluted environments, or getting very dirty or sweaty, a couple of showers each week are generally sufficient for maintaining good hygiene.

In fact, Dr. Robert H. Shmerling from Harvard Health argues that excessive bathing may negatively affect overall health.

Dr. Shmerling explains that healthy skin maintains a protective oil layer and a balance of beneficial bacteria and other microbes. “Washing and scrubbing removes these, especially if the water is hot.” He notes that disrupting this protective barrier can lead to dry, irritated, or itchy skin, allowing allergens and pathogens to penetrate more easily. Additionally, our immune systems need exposure to bacteria, dirt, and other environmental elements to develop “immune memory”; excessive washing may hinder the effectiveness of our immune systems.

Dermatologists who spoke with Vogue provided similar recommendations regarding shower frequency. Dr. Deanne Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist, mentioned that if you haven’t engaged in strenuous exercise that day, skipping a shower is acceptable. Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist, agreed, stating, “I think that showering three to four times a week is sufficient for most individuals.”

Of course, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Showering frequency and skin health can also be influenced by the products used, the temperature of the water, and the duration of the shower. There is a significant difference between a quick rinse of the underarms and private areas and a lengthy, steamy shower.

While indulging in hot showers and creating a steamy bathroom ambiance may feel comforting, especially for sore muscles, doctors caution that it can be detrimental to your skin. Hot baths can particularly aggravate individuals with skin conditions like eczema.

“Any skin condition characterized by a defective skin barrier can be worsened by a hot shower,” noted board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein in an interview with Allure. “[It] strips the skin of sebum, the essential fats and oils needed for skin health, and leads to dehydration.”

In fact, most dermatologists recommend lukewarm baths instead. While this might seem like a punishment to some, it’s hard to argue with expert advice.

However, many people have strong opinions about their bathing habits. Based on discussions in cleaning forums, some individuals firmly believe that taking a daily shower is non-negotiable. Despite the insights from professionals, many will continue their routines, disregarding the advice.

For those feeling judged by the “daily shower police,” there’s some reassurance: as long as you shower every couple of days, you’re fine. It turns out that there is such a thing as being overly clean.