Once you reach the age of 65, it’s important to reevaluate certain everyday habits that may have worked just fine when you were younger but could now be doing more harm than good. One such habit is something most people do without much thought—taking a shower. While showering may seem like a harmless part of your daily routine, experts now say that over-washing, especially as you age, could actually be damaging your skin.

You might be surprised to hear that people over 65 shouldn’t shower every single day, but there’s real science behind this advice, and it has everything to do with how your skin changes as you get older. As we age, our skin loses some of its natural defenses. The body gradually produces less collagen, elastin, and sebum—all of which are essential for keeping skin firm, elastic, and well-moisturized. These changes weaken the skin’s protective barrier, making it thinner and more fragile. If you imagine your skin’s barrier as a knight’s shield, it used to be strong and solid, but with time, it gets worn down and more vulnerable. Environmental stressors like cold weather, pollution, and household chemicals can penetrate this weakened barrier more easily. On top of that, frequent showering can actually become another source of damage.

When older adults take long, hot showers using harsh soaps or body washes, they often strip away not just dirt and sweat, but also the skin’s essential oils. This can leave the skin feeling dry, tight, itchy, and even lead to redness or minor skin infections. Another lesser-known downside is the disruption of the skin’s microbiome—the natural layer of good bacteria that protects us from harmful germs. This invisible community of microbes plays a big role in keeping our skin healthy, and excessive washing can throw it off balance. Experts recommend that adults over the age of 65 reduce their shower frequency to about two or three times a week. This is typically enough to maintain cleanliness while preserving the skin’s natural moisture and barrier.

This advice isn’t just theoretical; it’s already commonly practiced in hospitals and elder care facilities, where delicate skin needs to be handled with extra care. Limiting showers doesn’t mean compromising on hygiene—it just means being smarter and gentler with your body. Think of it like maintaining a piece of antique furniture or a vintage car: you wouldn’t scrub it daily, but you’d still take great care of it. When you do shower, there are a few best practices to follow to protect your skin.

First, always use lukewarm water instead of hot, as hot water can strip away the skin’s protective oils even faster. Choose a gentle soap or a soap-free cleanser specifically made for sensitive or mature skin. Keep your shower short, ideally around five minutes, to minimize moisture loss. Afterward, pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing, which can cause irritation. Perhaps the most important step is to moisturize right after you towel off. Using a rich, nourishing cream helps to restore the skin’s protective barrier that was weakened during the shower. Moisturizing seals in hydration and helps prevent dryness and irritation. Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying healthy and feeling comfortable. As you get older, your body changes, and your self-care routine should adapt along with it. Understanding your skin’s needs and adjusting your hygiene habits accordingly isn’t giving up on cleanliness—it’s a thoughtful way to support your body as it ages. So while daily showers may have been the norm for most of your life, cutting back a bit after 65 could be one of the simplest yet most effective things you can do to keep your skin healthy and strong.