Doctor didn’t shower for 5 years and here’s what he discovered about skin health

Dr James Hamblin, a public health specialist and author of The New Science of Skin, decided to challenge common beliefs about hygiene. To understand whether daily showers were truly essential, he stopped showering for five years. In an interview with CNN, he shared how his body adapted over time.

Many people wondered whether he smelled bad. Hamblin admitted that while it felt odd to answer such personal questions, he still washed his hands with soap, occasionally rinsed his hair, and cleaned himself when visibly dirty.

Hamblin discovered that most skincare and personal hygiene products are designed not just for cleanliness but also for appearance, scent, and comfort. While soap helps remove dirt and oil, he noted that simply rubbing hands together under water is a major factor in washing away germs.


Showering with hot water and soap disrupts the skin’s natural oils and microbiome—the tiny organisms living on the skin. Just like gut bacteria, these microbes play a role in overall health. Over-washing can strip away beneficial microbes, potentially affecting the body’s natural defences.

Although research into the skin microbiome is still ongoing, early studies suggest that maintaining this balance is more important than previously thought. Hamblin compared frequent showering to clearing a forest—it may not always be necessary or beneficial.

Hamblin pointed out that hygiene and bathing are not the same. Hygiene involves preventing diseases through practices like handwashing and covering sneezes. Bathing, on the other hand, is more about feeling fresh and presentable rather than directly impacting health.

“It is not for your health,” Hamblin explained. While some people prefer fewer showers, others enjoy long, luxurious ones. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference rather than a strict health necessity.

Inputs from agencies