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So, you're social distancing. (Or at least you should be.) That means venturing outside to get your hair done or working out at the gym is temporarily off the table, and when the most face-to-face contact you're getting with other human beings is via Google Hangout over spotty WiFi, it's easy to wonder: do I really need to shower as often as I used to?
Basic hygiene principles aside, that's a fair question — although its answer largely depends on a number of factors. "Under normal circumstances, showering every day is not necessary," said dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. Beyond your environment, celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau added, "What dirties the body most is oil secreted out through the pores, particularly on the back where shirts rub closest on the body. This creates an occlusiveness that traps in heat and increases oil secretion, which creates an odour. Then add in sweat, which adds salt to the body, and the skin can get 'dirty.'"
Your specific skin type also plays a role: People with oily skin might need to rinse off more often than drier types, for example, as would those who tend to sweat more naturally. Still, you don't want to overwash in the same way you might be with your hands, as the combination of warm water and harsh soap can strip the skin of its essential oils.
What's the final verdict, you wonder? We asked a handful of pros for their opinion on how frequently you should be showering right now, so you can pivot your energy to the next to-do (like what to wear for the day).