Dermatologists recommend people should shower two to three times a week
The frequency, however, depends on individual factors like lifestyle, skin type, age, and activity level.
Dermatologists recommend people shower two to three times a week. In a recent segment on the Today Show titled “How Often Should You?”, host Al Roker openly disagreed with dermatologists’ recommendations on shower frequency, sparking a lively debate on social media and shedding light on the influence of cultural perspectives in personal hygiene practices.
During the segment, Adrianna Brach, the editorial director of Shop TODAY, posed the question to Roker and his co-hosts Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer: “How often do you think you should shower per week, according to dermatologists?” The choices provided were “Every day, two to three times a week, five times a week, or once a week.”
Dreyer guessed that people should bathe five times a week, while Jones and Roker opted for daily showers. The 68-year-old host stood firm in his choice of daily showers, stating, “I don’t care what they say.”
Brach then revealed that dermatologists recommend people shower two to three times a week. While she explained the skin expert’s reasoning behind this number, Brach emphasized that the frequency depends on individual factors like lifestyle, skin type, age, and activity level.
Unconvinced, Roker expressed his scepticism about sedentary lifestyles requiring fewer showers, asserting, “Not if you come in contact with other people!” Brach explained that excessive showering may lead to skin issues like dry skin or eczema.
The Today Show shared the segment on their Instagram, generating a flood of responses from viewers who believed that bathing should be a daily practice. Even medical professionals chimed in to contest the dermatologists’ recommendations.
The discussion also highlights cultural differences in showering practices. Dr. Adeline Kikam, a vocal advocate for Black skincare, questioned which dermatologists were consulted, implying that cultural perspectives might not have been considered.
This brings attention to the cultural nuances surrounding showering habits and how differing perspectives can impact personal hygiene choices, shedding light on the complex relationship between dermat advice and cultural traditions.
