Few can deny the pleasure of emerging sparkling fresh from a shower, but with worries about water use on the rise, should we be cutting down on our daily scrubs to help protect the planet and save money? And can it be done without compromising on hygiene?
You might think it’s simply a case of giving yourself a quick sniff to see if you pass the smell test, but there’s more to consider. Age, environment, exercise habits and sweat levels are all in the mix. Dr Sasha Dhoat, a consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS trust in London, says that showering once a day is fine, but adds that in cooler climates, including ours, showering on “alternate days or every third day may suffice”.
To start with, an understanding of what makes your body smell can help you figure out how often you should be stepping under the shower head. It’s all down to how the bacteria that builds up on our skin interacts with our sweat. As Dhoat explains: “Apocrine glands are found in areas where you have hair, such as your armpits and groin. The secretions they produce, which are worse when you are stressed, are odourless until they combine with bacteria on your skin and become trapped in hair. Reducing the amount of sweat, and cleaning to remove odour-promoting bacteria are key.”
When it comes to effectively removing that sweat and bacteria, who better to turn to than a company that has been delivering ablution innovation for more than 100 years? Enter Mira Showers and its cutting-edge electric showers. The range features technology designed to boost the cleaning power of your shower without using extra water, while dual outlets and a range of spray options allow you to customise your washing experience for the ultimate clean feeling.
While we all need a regular wash – no matter our age – some times of life are sweatier than others. Puberty is one of them. Hormonal changes make the sweat glands more active, and a recent study suggested that chemical compounds found in teenage armpits can give off odours of cheese, goat and even urine. So it is worth reminding teenagers to be extra thorough when they shower.
According to Dhoat, most people shouldn’t need to wash more than once a day, unless we’ve exercised, become particularly sweaty or dirty, or if the day is especially hot. In fact, washing too much or too vigorously can be counterproductive, and cause your skin to lose its glow. “Aggressive overwashing can damage the skin barrier function and jeopardise the skin’s ability to prevent infections,” she says.
But how do you know if you’re taking things too far? Those with damaged or sensitive skin – if you are prone to eczema, for example – may want to shower less often, as too much washing can make things worse. And, if you’re frequently exfoliating in pursuit of baby-soft or smooth skin, you should also exercise caution. Dhoat says: “If your skin is red, flaky, dry or sensitive after washing, it’s pleading with you to dial down your routine.”
At times like this, the ideal shower for hygiene and freshness is a gentle one, which is where showers that offer a selection of spray modes come in handy. Mira Showers, for example, includes a “soothing spray” option on some models that is blissful if your skin is feeling sensitive. Dhoat adds: “There is no magic potion or need for aggressive regimes. Just clean gently but thoroughly with regular body wash when showering, and dry carefully afterwards.”
If you’re looking to make every minute count, a Mira electric shower is the way to go. No more hanging around waiting for the shower to warm up, as they provide instant hot water so you can hop in straight away. Look out for Mira’s Airboost technology which increases water flow by up to 30% without using any more water, meaning you can cut down on lather time without compromising on freshness. Win win for your wallet and your skin.
With how often to shower sorted, the next question is how long you should spend lathering up. On social media, you can find the more extreme end of the showering spectrum, with people spending hours on complicated routines, the most lengthy and elaborate of which is the “everything shower”. This full-body spa session, which involves shaving, shampooing, exfoliating and letting hair conditioning masks marinate, can take up to four hours. While these types of showers may rack up the likes and shares, back in real life Dhoat advises keeping shower time to a minimum, where possible.
Just long enough to get the job done is her advice. “Generally, avoid excessive wet time,” she says. “If feet go ‘pruney’, it’s been too long. There is no magic number for optimal shower time but five-10 minutes would be a good ball-park guide. Longer than 15 minutes is overdoing it for anyone.”
Once again, if you have sensitive skin or skin problems you might want to take things easier. “For those who have issues with their skin barrier anyway, such as those who suffer from eczema, I would suggest the shortest time possible, get clean and get out.”
So there you have it, when it comes to cleanliness, a short, simple and effective shower is the way to go – and it doesn’t have to be every day.
Find out more about installing a Mira shower such as the Mira Sport Max, and how it could elevate your day. Mira Showers offers a shower replacement service, using Mira approved engineers to give you complete peace of mind
