We’ve been told it our whole lives: a daily shower is the foundation of good hygiene. But what if this deeply ingrained habit becomes less beneficial than we think as the years go by? After 70, our skin changes profoundly, and what we consider a healthy reflex could, according to several specialists, do more harm than good. Enough to make us question some long-held beliefs… with a healthy dose of self-awareness.
Skin that changes, needs that evolve.
As we age, our skin changes: it becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive. The sebaceous glands slow down their production of natural oils, and the skin’s protective barrier gradually weakens. The result? Skin that is less equipped to defend itself and retain its natural moisture.
Daily showers, especially with hot water and soap, accelerate this process. They strip away the skin’s protective oils, leading to dryness, itching, and minor irritations. These micro-lesions, often invisible, can become entry points for infections. After 70, softness is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.