Why You Should Always Shower After Your Sweat Session
Does it seem like it’s suddenly trendy not to bathe? If you’re one of the people who are considering trying out this trend… STOP and don’t walk… RUN to the…
. Just like being in the cold, wet hair may make you uncomfortable, but it does not cause a cold—only viruses do that.
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty ImagesDoes it seem like it’s suddenly trendy not to bathe? If you're one of the people who are considering trying out this trend... STOP and don't walk... RUN to the shower at least if you just hit the gym!
You've recently heard celebs like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis confess to a less is more philosophy when it comes to showering, and so have Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, who say they “wait for the stink” before cleaning their kids.
According to Eat This Not That there is science that backs up the non-bathers, with experts at Harvard Medical School suggesting that “showering several times per week is plenty for most people.” The one exception? If you’ve just exercised.
If you’re grimy and sweaty post-workout, it’s time to hit the shower, or you’ll run the risk of these skin issues:
- Skin infections - The Harvard study noted that bacteria mixes with the sweat and if you hurt your skin in any way, it’s more likely to get infected. Plus, the bacteria can make you smell bad and nobody wants that.
- Skin conditions - Not showering after your sweat sesh can put you at greater risk of acne, eczema, and psoriasis, too.
- Yeast infections
- Sunburn - In the strange-but-true category, you’re at greater risk for sunburn when you’ve been sweating a lot because your body isn’t as protected from the sun’s rays.
- Athlete’s foot
Source: Eat This, Not That
