Experts say older adults should shower less often. After 65, “skin becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive” because it loses collagen, elastin, and natural oils.
Frequent hot showers and harsh soaps can “strip the skin’s protective oils” and upset its microbiome, causing dryness, itching, or even infections.
Dermatologists suggest showering only two to three times a week to stay clean while protecting the skin barrier.
To keep skin healthy, use warm (not hot) water, gentle cleansers, short showers under five minutes, and pat dry with a soft towel.
Finally, applying a moisturizer right after helps “preserve skin health, reduce irritation, and support aging skin’s natural defenses.”
