**There are no proven health benefits to washing every day as opposed to a few times a week. It's not a health crisis either way and really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.** - Of course, [everyone's skin is different] (https://www.nmkskin.com/journal/2020/10/7/everyones-skin-is-different), and the need for bathing will vary based on factors like how physical your lifestyle is, how sensitive your skin is, etc. But generally, [doctors suggest] (https://www.considerable.com/health/hygiene/shower-health/) that it doesn't harm the human immune system to be exposed to a certain amount of dirt, so it can create protective antibodies. - There's [no real evidence] (https://www.wellandgood.com/how-often-should-you-shower/) that washing every day necessarily harms your skin - although it can exacerbate dry skin and some skin conditions. And obviously, personal hygiene is important - no one wants to smell. But if you're not frequently producing sweat, then bathing, for example, every other day will probably still combat this, and might make it easier on your skin. - Daily bathing also [uses up a lot of water] (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/showering-daily-is-it-necessary-2019062617193) - and the water we use to wash may contain chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that can irritate our skin. There are also the products that we use to wash - which usually contain perfumes and additives which too can be harmful in frequent application, on top of their being expensive.

we should wash regularly, but daily is not entirely necessary. - different skin types react differently, but so do different kinds of hair. in black culture, there are wash days where people can give their hair the proper care it deserves. wash days https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.refinery29.com/amp/en-gb/2020/05/9831520/curly-natural-hair-wash-day-routine are infrequent and may occur weekly but this does not make them unhygienic, it is just what is required for the hair of the individual. while they may rinse their hair daily in water they properly wash it on wash day and that is completely fine. - depression is a stigmatised topic which is being broken down and talked about, but there is a romanticised perception of it being spread around. we should not judge people who are struggling with self care for mental reasons. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/hidden-habits-of-depression-and-anxiety we should instead show compassion and celebrate their mini victories and improve the care afforded to them so they can feel well enough to shower more often. for some people, even washing every other day feels impossible and we should be patient rather than judgemental. - washing daily is not actually proven to be effective but could dry up your skin. it could certainly be a waste of water too, as pointed out by eleanorburleigh. however, if you are very sporty or sweat often you should take more showers than average. body odour is something no one wants and perfume/deodorants are not substitutes to actually [washing when needed](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/showering-daily-is-it-necessary-2019062617193)

**Washing everyday is a good way to form good personal hygiene habits** - Washing everyday, alongside other personal hygiene habits like brushing your teeth helps you to start and end the day with a routine. - Many cultures (and [religions](https://theconversation.com/what-islamic-hygienic-practices-can-teach-when-coronavirus-is-spreading-133221)) have everyday washing as part of their day-to-day living and has never posed any significant problems. - This is especially important if you are exercising, as build up of sweat can start to smell. - Furthermore, with celebs making statements on their washing habits, if it was a working class citizen, they may be demonised by society rather than be seen as relatable. - We still are in a global pandemic, and as masks and social distancing restrictions begin to ease, everyday washing (not just the hands), may contribute to better management of covid.

Human body smells are natural. While most people, I believe, would agree, it is not good to have a body odour strong that people at a distance/across a room can smell it, it is not undersirable to have some kind of body odour. People find body smells, disgusting, sexy, and I imagine everything in between. Could it be that part of what attracts us, or repels us, quite naturally from our sexual partners is their body odour? I remember a female dating coach advising everyone, before going on a date, to change their clothes and put on fresh clothes 1- 2 hour before leaving their home. She suggested that it was a good idea that even fresh clothes should smell a little of human body odour. If so, isn't body smell a natural factors that make us make the mating choices we make? I have known one or two women who find male sweat exciting. I am aware that the evidence (according to google anyway) for human pheromones, is weak. However, my point is, let us not be too quick to assume body smells should be washed off and/or replaced by chemicals we produce, under the assumption that some smells are bad and others good. Let us assume that all parts of us, have some reason and play some part in our social/evolutionary interaction. Rather than have simple rules such as "washing everyday " is what we should be doing. Let us not stink, but let us smell a bit.

It's the "should" that bothers me - washing daily is good, but washing (say) once every second day is also fine. I am uncomfortable with establishing the former as a normative standard.

"Wash every day" is a bit vague. I definitely think one should wash hands every day. Face should be washed every day if you wear makeup. Private parts can be washed in a bidet, doesn't have to be a full shower or bath. Different cultures and countries have different habits, customs and accessibility to water. When I lived in Europe it was impossible for my family (6 of us) to take showers at the same time because we would run out of hot water! I live in a hot area of USA now - I definitely shower more frequently not only because I am sweaty and feel dirty, but because I have access to water whenever I want.