# Why do people shower/bathe so frequently when deodorant exists? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 15, 2016, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207 "2016-01-15T07:48:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/41 "2016-01-15T19:52:26Z")
> [@Volxen](#): > > I’m not actually advocating no showering altogether, just doing it less frequently. I, for example, only shower/bathe/clean/wash myself once a week, but I apply deodorant several times throughout the day (about every 3-4 hours) and change my clothes regularly. It’s much faster than showering, saves on water, and it’s also better for your skin. If nothing else, showering too frequently is bad for your skin. I have even heard multiple dermatologists say that you should not shower more frequently than every other day, if that. You really only clean your crotch and butthole once a week? Do you use wipes or anything when using the bathroom? ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/42 "2016-01-15T20:00:38Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > You really only clean your crotch and butthole once a week? Do you use wipes or anything when using the bathroom? Reminds me of this: Swedish man: Hällö, I wöuld like to buy söme deöderånt Swedish chemist: Yes Sir, båll or äeresöl? Swedish man: Nö, it’s för under my årms ---
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/43 "2016-01-15T20:15:11Z")
If it wasn’t for my shower, I wouldn’t make it out the front door most mornings. It’s not about getting clean, it’s about getting jump-started. ---
**Author:** ![BrassyPhrase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@BrassyPhrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrassyPhrase)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/44 "2016-01-15T20:16:24Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![purplehearingaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@purplehearingaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehearingaid)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/45 "2016-01-15T20:59:28Z")
If you want to look like a homeless person that is your business but I like being clean and not having my hair not looking a rat nest. Deodorant is not meant to be use instead of taking showers it for people that sweat a lot and have bad BO. I never didn’t to use deodorant , my 2 sisters were jealous of me b/c I didn’t have bad BO like them. ---
**Author:** ![Volxen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d26b3c/32.png) [@Volxen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Volxen)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/46 "2016-01-15T23:18:11Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > You really only clean your crotch and butthole once a week? Do you use wipes or anything when using the bathroom? Yes, that’s correct – only once a week. No, I don’t use wipes or anything else on the in-between days. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/47 "2016-01-16T00:13:52Z")
You probably smell like ass. Also, you might die: [“Teen dies from using too much deodorant.”](http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/01/07/teen-dies-from-using-too-much-deodorant.html?intcmp=ob_article_footer_text&intcmp=obnetwork) > [@](#): > > A British teenager who used cans of deodorant in lieu of bathing died from inhaling gas. > > Police found 42 aerosol cans in the room of Thomas Townsend, 16, of Folkestone, Kent in southeast England, The Sun reported. > > According to his mother, Sally, Thomas would spray half a can of deodorant on himself instead of taking a shower, then spray aftershave to cover up body odor. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/48 "2016-01-16T00:37:17Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Just where did you work? 😕 I was a porn star ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/49 "2016-01-16T00:46:28Z")
> [@Volxen](#): > > I’m not actually advocating no showering altogether, just doing it less frequently. I, for example, only shower/bathe/clean/wash myself once a week, but I apply deodorant several times throughout the day (about every 3-4 hours) and change my clothes regularly. It’s much faster than showering, saves on water, and it’s also better for your skin. If nothing else, showering too frequently is bad for your skin. I have even heard multiple dermatologists say that you should not shower more frequently than every other day, if that. If you’re applying deodorant several times a day, then you probably need to shower much more frequently. I only need to put it on once a day. And all you’re doing is building up a layer of deodorant that’s going to congeal on your skin – THAT’S definitely not good for it. If you need to put that much on, you definitely need to bath. I take a shower every night, and wash my hair then too. If I don’t wash my hair every day, it gets all greasy and dull. No thanks. And my skin is just fine. Please, consider switching to every other day. And wipe your butt after you use the bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/50 "2016-01-16T03:04:17Z")
☹ > [@Procrustus](#): > > Snip > > 1. My skin is fine. It keeps my insides in. Hahahahaha ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/51 "2016-01-16T03:05:31Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/52 "2016-01-16T03:47:15Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > I was a porn star And a damned good one from what I have seen. I just want to tell you once and for all that I have always really appreciated your incomparable contributions to the fine arts. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/53 "2016-01-16T04:21:17Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Please, consider switching to every other day. I was under the impression that even people who don’t shower every day still wash the vitals bits daily. Please don’t anyone burst my bubble. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/54 "2016-01-16T07:27:44Z")
From what I’ve read [dermatologists recommend daily bathing if you work in healthcare or work out daily](http://www.attn.com/stories/4354/what-happens-when-you-dont-shower). Personally, the feeling of dried exercise sweat on my skin is gross, plus it’s itchy and exacerbates my dry skin if I don’t wash it off in a reasonable amount of time. Same with makeup, if I wear any. I usually don’t, but work in theatre and film so if I’m in a show or on set I’m made up every day for as long as the show/shoot lasts. If I leave it on, not only will it stain my pillowcases but it makes my face itchy, and possibly break out. I shower after every workout, which is most days but not all. On non-workout days I’m generally fine without a full-body washdown. But my scalp will actually start oozing if I go more than about 2 days without washing my hair. Which also stings and itches. Also – hot water is very soothing for sore muscles. Once a week is NOT often enough (see the link above). Ew. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/55 "2016-01-16T07:35:36Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Just where did you work? 😕 > [@Anaamika](#): > > Oh, **Qadgop** , my friend, I just laughed so hard some of my drink shot out of my nose. Then I thought about where you work and laughed some more. 😃 Thank you. I actually did a spit-take. I wasn’t drinking anything, just actual spit. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/56 "2016-01-16T07:46:08Z")
Also, why would dermatologists’ opinions be the final word on this? Even if I knew for sure that showering once every 3 days was optimal for my skin, guess what, I have many more reasons for showering than skin management. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/57 "2016-01-16T10:59:35Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > Also, why would dermatologists’ opinions be the final word on this? > > Even if I knew for sure that showering once every 3 days was optimal for my skin, guess what, I have many more reasons for showering than skin management. Well, in my case the dermatologist had the last word because I had been suffering some truly epic skin infections (several of which were immortalized in threads here) and that was one of his recommendations for avoiding future problems. Which, by the way, has largely worked - I haven’t had a Broomstick’s Skin Generated a Volcano Thread for a number of years now. Now, if it’s hot and I get sweaty I’ll at least _rinse_ the sweat off with water, and for true grime it’s wash it off as needed, but showering daily destroys my skin. Taking a bath is even worse, which is a damn shame because a long, hot soak is one of my favorite indulgences and more than one a week is now forbidden. And yes, pits, crotch, and feet get washed at least once daily. TD:DR - in my case, the doc got the last word because I got tired of skin infections and other problems. YMMV. If your skin is more durable than mine good for you. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/58 "2016-01-16T18:19:47Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > I was under the impression that even people who don’t shower every day still wash the vitals bits daily. Please don’t anyone burst my bubble. True, but I think that should go without saying. At least, I hope it should. Either way, I’m not giving up my daily shower. As for the OP, ew. Italian showers cannot substitute for the real thing. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2016, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/59 "2016-01-18T13:58:32Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > They don’t, generally. Lots of cultures don’t bath every day. It sort of proves the rule, though - people from such cultures _do_ have body odor. The system only works if everyone smells relatively the same. A foreign friend of mine was spoken to by HR at his job about how he smelled, leading to the following after-work exchange: “Hey, how’s it going?” “You shower **every day**?!” Err, yeah." “_Everyone_ does?!” “…pretty much.” If you could indulge my curiosity: How long ago was this and what country was he from? ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2016, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207/60 "2016-01-18T22:53:16Z")
Showers wash the shame away…or so I keep hoping…every morning. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-shower-bathe-so-frequently-when-deodorant-exists/743207.md?page=4)