Does it seem like it’s suddenly trendy not to bathe? As werecently told you,celebs like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have recently confessed to a less is more philosophy when it comes to showering, and so have Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, who say they “wait for the stink” before cleaning their kids. And for what it’s worth, science backs up the non-bathers, with experts atHarvard Medical Schoolsuggesting that “showering several times per week is plenty for most people.” The one exception? If you’ve just exercised.
If you’re grimy and sweaty post-workout, it’s time to hit the shower, or you’ll run the risk of these skin issues:
- Skin infections- They’re largely caused by the “build-up of bacteria of the skin that doesn’t get washed off during showering,” according to Dr. Emeka Okorocha. The bacteria mixes with the sweat and if you hurt your skin in any way, it’s more likely to get infected. Plus, the bacteria can make you smell bad and nobody wants that.
- Skin conditions- Not showering after working out can put you at greater risk of acne, eczema and psoriasis, too.
- Yeast infections- Dermatologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling says getting out of your sweaty clothes and into clean ones is a good way to protect yourself from a yeast infection, but “the best way to prevent it is by taking a shower ASAP” after working out.
- Sunburn- In the strange-but-true category, you’re at greater risk for sunburn when you’ve been sweating a lot because your body isn’t as protected from sun’s rays. “When we sweat, there is reduced UV protection,” Dr. Okorocha explains. “So during summer months particularly, make sure that you are showering the sweat off your body or at the very least put on some extra sunscreen.”
- Athlete’s foot- This fungal infection of your feet shows up in the form of itchiness, cracked skin, burning and pain and severe cases can cause blisters, with even more pain. Dr. Frieling explains that feet can trap sweat and bacteria, so getting out of those sweaty socks and shoes and hopping into the shower after a workout can help you avoid that.
Source:Eat This, Not That