I don’t mean to be personal but how long did you spend in the shower this morning?
This weekend I read an interesting article from The Age which suggests that we not only cut down on the time we spend in the shower but that we also cut down the amount of showers we have in a week.
Some doctors have got together to work out just how much showering we really need and they’re saying that a shower just three times a week would be just fine. They’re also saying that it’s better for our skin to avoid hot showers. We should apparently opt for water that’s as cool as we can handle. Hot water can make conditions such as psoriasis worse and hot showers longer than around 10 minutes can actually worsen conditions like acne.
As for soap, they’re recommending that we only use it on the areas of our bodies that produce odour. I won’t go into details. Most of our bodies need never come into contact with soap.
So it seems that we can save water and soap and at the same time be healthier with less washing. What do you reckon? Will you be cutting down?
I think there’s probably a few kids around that will be using the doctors’ findings to support their case against having a shower.
What kind of showerer are you? Are you in and out or do you prefer to linger? I must admit to some long hot showers. When you get the temperature just right there doesn’t seem to be anything better than letting the water do its work. It’s a great way to relax.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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I have been complimented several times on my fast showering ability. Mainly by muddy cavers lined up to wash before the hot water runs out.
I try to keep my showers to 3 minutes and get my housemate to bang on the door when time’s up. But I do admit I love long hot showers and don’t mind singing in there too :).
If I’m in a shower that’s disgusting and mouldy, I can be out of there in 2 seconds.
Jennifer, I understand the muddy cavers thing completely.
I’ve been on lots of long bike rides with large groups of riders and I’m always very conscious of getting in and out so that others can get in there. I hate it when someone decides that they have the God given right to use up everyone else’s hot water.
Sarah, I’ve been in some of those mouldy, disgusting showers. They were mostly on the bike rides I just mentioned. 🙂
i’m in and out (sometimes in under 2 minutes) when the weather is hot (but i will shower at least 2 times a day most days then). in the winter my showers tend to be longer (i have to heat up the bathroom before i can get out).
My long showers (according to my wife) are one of my greatest life pleasures. It’s one of the only places where I can be alone, completely relax and do some good thinking. Love ’em!
Well ever since I learnt about soap in Science and how using it when you don’t need to actually makes you smell WORSE I have only used it on when I have needed to get dirt and grime off. I do, however, shower a LOT, mostly since I play a lot of sport and I perspire very easily. I’m not convinced EVERYONE can only need 3 showers a week:P