The shower is heralded as a place of peace and serenity by many. But there are some people who absolutely loathe it. And that’s okay. If you’ve been wondering if it’s weird to have an aversion to showering, don’t worry. There are plenty of people out in the world who would rather take a bath or who prefer less often for the sake of health and comfort.
In fact, showering daily might not be as good for you as the media has led us to believe. So you might be doing yourself a favor.
Here are some other things you should know about showering (and why you might hate it):
Is it Normal to Take Only a Few Showers a Week?
Yes, it’s perfectly normal to only take one or two showers throughout the week. You don’t need to bathe as often as you think. The main purpose of showering is hygiene, to get rid of any sweat or debris that could clog pores and cause acne or other skin conditions. If you’re not sweating profusely or have naturally oily skin, then you don’t need to shower every single day.
If you hate to shower, this should come as some relief to you, especially if you’re feeling uncomfortable about showering less than your friends.
Should I Get a Daily Shower?
No, you don’t have to get a shower every single day. There is no reason to get one every day, unless you have a lifestyle that requires it. Most dermatologists agree that too many showers could lead to skin problems, such as acne and dryness.
The only time it is recommended to get a daily shower is if you, first, like getting a shower every day. Second, if your routine involves a lot of physical activity, or if you work in a hazardous environment where irritants can get on your skin, you should consider getting a daily shower. That will keep your skin healthier than if you kept that sweat, grime, and debris on your skin.
So, no, you don’t need to get in the shower every day or even every other day. It really depends on how you feel, your lifestyle, and any medical conditions that you might have.
How Many Showers a Week You Should Take
The subject of showering can really divide people. Some people love showering every single day while others can be bothered to shower once a week. There’s nothing wrong with either option, unless your showering habits are doing more harm than good.
The habit of showering every day was perpetuated by advertisements for soaps and body wash. But you don’t need to aspire to hopping in the shower once a day. Though medical professionals haven’t agreed on a single number for how many showers to take a week, most will say that two or three showers a week is healthy.
Two to three showers a week will help balance the beneficial bacteria and natural oils on your skin and hair, while the shower will keep your armpits, face, and groin from getting too dirty.
What Causes Someone to Not Want a Shower?
Now, there are some things to consider when someone decides that they hate getting a shower. Sometimes, this could be an indicator that the person is experiencing a mental illness.
Many individuals who are depressed will shy away from the shower because the act of getting washed and cleaned is physically exhausting. Being too tired, too sore, or too depressed to get into the shower could create an aversion. Hatred of showering might also be caused by aversion of oneself. Perhaps, through depression and low self-esteem, the person has decided that they no longer want to put in the effort to shower.
Others who have autism or ADHD or hypomania could dislike the way a shower feels or how long it takes to complete. For example, a person with hypersensitivities might dislike the temperature of the water on their skin or the smell of soap. People suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis might opt to take less showers to prevent flare ups.
If you or someone you know currently hates getting a shower because of depression or another issue, it is important to speak with a medical professional. Seek out alternatives to getting a shower, such as a bath or wiping down with a sponge or washcloth. These are healthy alternatives and can help a person stay clean and free of inflamed or irritated skin.
Wrapping Up
Is it okay if I hate taking showers? Sure, it’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to shower if you don’t need to, and there are other ways to keep your body and hair clean that don’t require stepping under the shower head. You can soak in a bath or wipe down with a washcloth. Just keep in mind that if your aversion is new or linked to mental illness or other health conditions, it is wise to speak with a doctor or other medical professional for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you hate taking a shower, there’s some good news for you. Staying clean doesn’t mean hopping in the shower every day. You can take a bath, use baby or camping wipes to get rid of body odor, get a fresh change of clothes, and use things like apple cider vinegar and baking soda to freshen up your skin and hair. However, some of these methods are not getting you as clean as a regular shower or bath would. Keep that in mind.
Many depressed people hate getting a shower for one reason: it’s exhausting. Mental illnesses are very taxing on your body, and it can be difficult to gather enough strength to pull yourself from the sofa or bed to get washed up. Since showering is more demanding than sitting in a bath, most depressed people with only shower stalls in their house will avoid it entirely.
The general consensus is two or three days a week, depending on your lifestyle and skin conditions. For those who have more physically demanding jobs, or who are exposed to sweat, dirt, dust, grime, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, a daily shower might be better. Those who play contact sports, like MMA or BJJ, should also consider showering more frequently, as there is a chance of getting infectious illnesses, like herpes and MRSA, from the gym.
If you don’t shower all the time, it’s not the end of the world. However, there are some things that do happen when you aren’t keeping up with hygiene. Sweat and bacteria will begin to interact with one another, causing body odor and skin infections. Acne, clogged pores, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis might worsen. Fungal infections and illness are also more likely.
