It’s a gesture as banal as it is reassuring: the morning (or evening) shower, that little moment just for yourself that wakes you up or relaxes you. But after age 65, this daily ritual may no longer be appropriate. Surprising? Yet, several dermatologists agree on a surprising but well-founded observation: washing too often weakens the skin of seniors.
So, should we say goodbye to daily showers? Not quite. Rather, it’s about learning to adapt our habits while respecting our bodies. We’ll explain why.
Changing skin, evolving needs
With age, skin loses its natural resilience . It becomes thinner, less elastic, and above all… drier. The cause? The production of collagen, elastin, and sebum (the natural protective film) gradually decreases.
The result: the skin barrier— like an invisible shield —weakens. It becomes less resistant to external aggressions: hard water, pollution, cold, and even… hygiene products. And when this barrier is weakened, tightness, redness, itching, and even minor infections appear.
Washing too much: a reflex that can be detrimental
It may seem counterintuitive, but showering too often can do more harm than good. Hot water and harsh soaps not only remove dirt… but also the skin’s natural protective lipids . The ones that keep it supple and moisturized.
