If you’re anything like us, you’re probably in a bit of a panic mode after reading dermatologists recommend you don’t shower every day. How can that even be real? But as it turns out, there’s actually a very good reason why you should start reducing your showering habits to two or three times per week: according to David Bank, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist and author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age, daily showers — as well as showering for too long — strips your skin of natural oils and therefore leaves it flaky and dry.
Your feet, on the other hand, are a different story. Though you should be skipping out on showering every day, you’ll definitely want to be washing your feet every day. The reason you should wash your feet on a daily basis is because they — as well as your armpits — sweat much more than your other body parts and therefore harbor odor-causing bacteria.
Things To Keep In Mind When Washing Your Feet
The key to washing your feet correctly, says Board Certified Dermatologist and RealSelf Advisor Dr. Joel Schlessinger, is to do it at night rather than in the morning. That way you rinse off all of the sweat, bacteria and sock fuzzies that have accumulated on your skin during the day. You'll also want to make sure to use a gentle foot cleanser, as some soaps can be filled with moisture-zapping chemicals that can lead to flaky, dry skin.
Of course, in order to keep the moisture level of your feet just right, you’ll want to finish your daily foot washing ritual by thoroughly drying your clean feet (be sure to get between the toes, too!) and then slathering them with a thick foot cream. Cover with cotton socks for the night and you’ll have super smooth, pretty feet in no time.
Looking for more ways to keep your feet in tip top shape? Find out why peeing in the shower may be able to help soften your feet, and why activated charcoal is also a great foot-softening product.