Yes, you can go two weeks without a full shower, but it's generally not recommended due to body odor, buildup of oils/bacteria, potential skin issues (like dermatitis neglecta), and social/mental impacts, though some dermatologists say daily showers aren't necessary and occasional breaks can benefit the immune system. For many, noticeable smell and greasiness happen in days, while prolonged lack of washing can lead to itchy skin, infections, and worsening of conditions like eczema, though some bacteria may eventually balance out.
Odor can build up over time, potentially leading to awkward social exchanges. Plus, if you don't shower, you'll accumulate more than the usual amount of dead skin cells and oils. That can lead to “clogged pores, acne, skin infections, and even hair loss,” Mraz says.
Generally, many people can go 2-3 days without showering and still not smell bad, particularly if they are not very active. However, after about a week, most people will likely begin to notice body odor and may feel uncomfortable. Regular washing of key areas (like underarms and groin) can help extend this period.
``According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's actually recommended to shower as little as twice a week because it allows (our) immune systems to develop outside a sterile environment,'' says board-certified pathologist LaFarra Young, MD.
Going weeks or months without showering produces predictable increases in oil, odor, itch, scalp changes, and infection risk concentrated in sweat-prone areas. Many negative effects are avoidable with focused hygiene (daily wash of armpits/groin/feet/face, clean clothes, dry shampoo, wipes).
He lived in the village of Dezh Gah in Fars province. He did not bathe for over 60 years, from c. 1957–62 until shortly before his death in 2022, because he feared that soap and water might cause disease.
You'll smell bad
This is certainly a key point for anyone with friends: if you stop washing, it's pretty likely that you'll start to smell bad. Even if you don't sweat excessively, strong body odor will doubtlessly develop and your refusal to shower will prevent you from eliminating it.
The majority of respondents have fewer than 8 showers per week - perhaps one per day is the norm? Anecdotal evidence suggests this is because sport and the gym are very important to this age group. The average Gen Z is taking between 4 and 8 minutes in the shower.
For most adults, Dr. Gordon Spratt recommends showering just once a day at most. For elderly adults, she says one shower every 2 to 3 days is sufficient, since skin tends to be drier and frequent bathing can exacerbate it. For healthier skin, follow Dr.
Skin Health
Excessive showering can be especially problematic for people with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. By showering less often, you keep your skin's bacteria balance in check and decrease the risk of developing skin issues. This doesn't mean you have to stay dirty!
One of the most significant factors influencing the avoidance of showers is mental health. Conditions like depression can severely impact motivation and energy levels. Individuals experiencing depression often find even the simplest tasks daunting, leading to neglect of personal hygiene.
Showering 2-3 times a week may be sufficient for some, while others may need to shower daily or multiple times a day. In-Depth Explanation: There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how many times you should shower each week. Factors like physical activity, climate, and individual skin type play significant roles.
There's a sour undertone to your scent
It might not be enough for people to look twice at you, but they'll still get a faint whiff when you walk by. It's usually a combination of things, whether it's dried sweat from sleeping or just the product you've put on mixing with your body's natural oils.
Rarely showering or bathing- not showering can cause acne, rashes, and life-threatening infections. Infrequently washing bedding- bedsheets that haven't been washed in months or longer become a petri dish of bacteria, fungus, and dust mites, and can lead to a staph infection.
Practice Good Hygiene: Regular showers and changing clothes daily, especially after sweating, are essential for managing body odor. Exfoliating your skin occasionally can also remove dead skin cells that may contribute to odor.
Though even wealthy families did not take a full bath daily, they were not unclean. It was the custom for most people to wash themselves in the morning, usually a sponge bath with a large washbasin and a pitcher of water on their bedroom washstands. Women might have added perfume to the water.
If you're not sweating or getting dirty, showering every other day (or even less) can still be healthy—especially for dry or sensitive skin. Sensitive to odors or tactile sensations? Let your comfort be the guide. Some people feel better with more frequent showers, while others may prefer fewer.
Brazil is known for having a high frequency of showering. Studies and surveys have suggested that Brazilians, on average, take showers more frequently than people in other countries, with some estimates indicating that many shower at least once or even twice a day.
"There really is no difference in regards to skin benefits whether you shower in the morning or the evening," Castilla says. "The difference may be if you are too rushed to apply a moisturizer after your shower in the morning or too tired to do so at night—skipping this step for some can lead to dry, itchy skin.
If you feel better with a daily showering routine, go for it. If you would rather skip some days, that's OK, but never go more than two or three days without washing your body with soap.
Brazil tops the list with an average of 14 baths per week, meaning Brazilians shower roughly twice a day. Colombia follows with 12 times per week, while Thailand and the Philippines share third place at 11 times weekly.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how often you should shower. The optimal shower frequency varies from person to person based on a range of factors, including your daily activities, climate, and personal preferences.
If you don't wash your body, it makes it easier for germs that cause actual skin infections to flourish. If you didn't wash at all, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and oil would start to accumulate, and infections or ongoing skin conditions can become more serious, more difficult to manage, and harder to undo.
Hygiene is often difficult for individuals who have ADHD due to their brain and body differences. Tasks like showering and brushing teeth are low-reward activities that involve sensory input that doesn't always feel good.
Diabetes can cause sweat to smell sweet, fruity, or like nail polish remover due to high ketone levels from uncontrolled blood sugar (diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA), a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention, often accompanied by excessive thirst, urination, weakness, nausea, or confusion. In some cases, uncontrolled diabetes might also lead to sweat smelling like ammonia, especially with kidney issues, or cause increased sweating.