“Skip a shower, improve your skin microbiome,” – that is the takeaway of the latest article published by Germany’s Bild newspaper on Saturday. The piece promoting the supposed health benefits of less showering comes at a time when the possibility of a total embargo on all Russian energy imports is being discussed in the country.
Titled ‘It’s enough to wash THESE four body parts – Why the skin cleans itself if you let it,’ the article starts off by citing the recent advice by Germany’s economy minister, Robert Habeck, who called on his fellow countrymen and women to cut back on their heating, sauna visits, and showers to help the country reduce its dependence on Russian energy. These hygiene-related sacrifices can not only make life harder for the Kremlin, but also improve people’s skin, Bild claims.
To build the case for less showering, the journalists consulted dermatologist Yael Adler.
The article explains that there are certain bacteria strains inhabiting the skin, which, while beneficial, are typically present in small quantities. However, if a person were to give those microorganisms the “chance to propagate” by forgoing their regular shower, the good bacteria would protect their host from eczema and, moreover, consume the substances responsible for body odor, Bild says. “This way, it [skin] cleans itself.”