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Daily Showers: The Big Mistake Almost Everyone Over 65 Is Still Making | Indian Defence Review
Rethinking shower habits for seniors could be a game-changer for healthier skin.
Léo Charcosset
Published on July 23, 2025
As we get older, our bodies change in many ways, and our skin is one of the parts that really feels it. This naturally leads to questions about daily cleaning habits—should seniors shower every day? Although it might seem like a daily scrub is a must, experts are weighing in with some surprising ideas about keeping clean while taking care of aging skin.
Understanding skin changes as you age
Getting older means your skin isn’t quite what it used to be. One big change is a decrease in sebum production, which leaves skin drier than before. On top of that, the epidermis thins out, which means you lose some bounce and the cell renewal process slows down. All in all, these changes make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.
Dr. Sylvie Meaume, a well-known dermatologist and head of the Geriatrics Wounds and Healing department at AP-HP Rothschild, points out that seniors tend to have thinner, drier skin that can be more easily irritated by itching and discomfort. This means it might be time to rethink the usual ways of cleaning up to better suit these delicate changes.
The skin’s natural barrier
Your skin has a hydrolipidic film—a natural shield that helps protect it from everyday irritants. But as you age, this barrier doesn’t work as well. Washing too often or too harshly can strip away the skin’s natural oils and weaken its defenses even further.
Experts suggest that people aged 65-70 years and older adjust their routines by taking two showers per week. They further advise using soap only one day out of every three showers. On days when you skip a full shower, just a quick rinse with water (no soap) can help you stay clean without harming your skin’s protective layer.
Customizing cleaning routines for older folks
Cutting back on showers might seem a bit odd compared to what most of us grew up with, but it matches the special needs of aging skin. Still, areas like the armpits, feet, and intimate regions need daily care—even on days when you’re not taking a full shower. This focused approach helps maintain cleanliness without overdoing it on the delicate skin.
Temperature matters too. Lukewarm water is the way to go; it helps prevent the skin from drying out too much. Researchers at Harvard Medical School even recommend keeping your shower around 3 to 4 minutes in length to help lock in moisture.
Choosing the right products is important as well. Shower oils, dermatological bars, or fatty soaps are encouraged rather than products loaded with aggressive agents such as sulfates or sodium compounds. And after washing, gently patting your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it hard can help keep that protective barrier intact.
Finding the right mix between cleanliness and skin care
Adjusting your shower routine can depend on things like the season or specific personal health needs. Getting this balance right can help avoid issues like dry skin or eczema while keeping you comfortable. It’s a personal approach that not only keeps you clean but also takes care of your skin in the long run.
Rethinking how often to shower might challenge old habits, but it really does help prevent skin irritations and allergies often seen in older adults. As Dr. Meaume puts it, “From the age of 65-70, ideally rinse the body every day but use soap one day out of three without scrubbing too hard.”
By adopting these new habits designed for aging skin, seniors can enjoy healthier skin that’s better prepared to handle everyday challenges—all while keeping up with their hygiene.
Original:
Daily Showers: The Big Mistake Almost Everyone Over 65 Is Still Making
