Daily Showers After 65? Experts Say It May Be Time to Rethink That Habit
We’ve been told for years that daily showers are part of good hygiene. But according to new advice from health experts, if you’re over 65, this routine might actually be doing more harm than good.
As we get older, our skin goes through major changes. It becomes thinner, more sensitive, and less capable of holding on to moisture. The protective oils that once kept our skin soft and healthy begin to fade. The result? Dryness, itching, and an increased risk of skin irritation or even infections.
That’s why doctors are now advising older adults to cut back on daily showers — not to be less clean, but to be smarter about how they care for their skin.
🛁 Here’s what experts now recommend:
- 2–3 showers per week is enough to stay clean
- Use warm water instead of hot
- Pick a gentle, moisturizing cleanser
- Keep showers under 5 minutes
- Always moisturize right after drying off
You don’t need to stop bathing — you just need to do it in a way that protects your aging skin. Shorter, less frequent showers actually help preserve your natural oils and reduce your risk of dryness, cracking, and irritation.
“Cleanliness doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort,” says Dr. L. Morgan, a geriatric dermatologist. “In fact, smart hygiene is better hygiene.”
In your golden years, taking care of your skin is just as important as taking care of your heart — and small changes in routine can make a big difference.