How daily showers after age 65 can do more harm than good
This is perhaps the most reassuring point: staying clean doesn’t necessarily require a daily shower. Many wellness specialists agree that after age 65, showering two to three times a week is more than enough in most cases.
On other days, targeted cleansing is perfectly sufficient: face, hands, underarms, intimate area, and feet if needed. A soft washcloth, lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser… and you’re done. This routine helps preserve the skin while maintaining a feeling of freshness and comfort.
Good habits for a more respectful shower
When showering, a few simple adjustments can make all the difference. Opt for lukewarm water rather than very hot, limit the duration, choose a mild soap without harsh fragrances, and apply a moisturizer immediately afterward, while your skin is still slightly damp.
These small gestures help the skin to remain supple and comfortable, while transforming the shower into a true moment of well-being rather than an ordeal for the body
Listen to your body first.
We’ve been told this our whole lives: a daily shower is the foundation of good hygiene. So naturally, the idea of slowing down after 65 can be surprising, even worrying. And yet… with time, the body changes, and what was beneficial at 30 isn’t always as effective later on. Without suggesting neglect, some habits simply need adjusting to continue taking care of yourself, gently and sensibly.
Thinner, more sensitive… and more demanding skin
As we age, skin naturally changes. After 60–65, it often becomes thinner, drier, and more reactive. Sebum production slows down, meaning the skin’s natural protective barrier is less effective. As a result, it dehydrates more quickly and is less able to defend itself against external aggressors.
In this context, daily showers, especially if they are long, hot, and accompanied by harsh soaps, can do more harm than good. By constantly removing the skin’s remaining natural oils, the skin feels tight, itchy, uncomfortable, and can become prone to minor irritations, sometimes invisible at first.
It’s often forgotten, but the skin harbors a veritable ecosystem. Naturally occurring microorganisms contribute to its protection and balance. Overly frequent or aggressive cleansing can disrupt this harmony, leaving the skin more vulnerable.
With age, this balance becomes more fragile. Heavily perfumed or so-called “antibacterial” products can exacerbate dryness and promote redness or discomfort. Therefore, overly intensive hygiene is not always synonymous with better protection; quite the opposite, in fact.
A moment that also requires energy
Showering isn’t just about getting clean; it’s also a physical activity. Standing, managing the hot water, getting in and out of the bathtub or shower requires balance and vigilance. As we age, fatigue sets in more quickly and the risk of slipping increases.
Without dramatizing, reducing the frequency of showers can also be a way to limit these small everyday risks, especially when you feel less stable or more tired on certain days.
Being clean doesn’t mean showering every day.
This is perhaps the most reassuring point: staying clean doesn’t necessarily require a daily shower. Many wellness specialists agree that after age 65, showering two to three times a week is more than enough in most cases.
On other days, targeted cleansing is perfectly sufficient: face, hands, underarms, intimate area, and feet if needed. A soft washcloth, lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser… and you’re done. This routine helps preserve the skin while maintaining a feeling of freshness and comfort.
Good habits for a more respectful shower
When showering, a few simple adjustments can make all the difference. Opt for lukewarm water rather than very hot, limit the duration, choose a mild soap without harsh fragrances, and apply a moisturizer immediately afterward, while your skin is still slightly damp.
These small gestures help the skin to remain supple and comfortable, while transforming the shower into a true moment of well-being rather than an ordeal for the body.
Listen to your body above all else.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. The important thing is to pay attention to your sensations: tightness, discomfort, excessive fatigue… These are often subtle but valuable signals. Adapting your routine doesn’t mean neglecting hygiene; it simply means taking care of your skin after 65 in a more respectful way.
From the age of 65, the real key is not to do “as before”, but to do what feels good today, with gentleness, balance and kindness towards one’s body.