Overview

• Dermatologists warn that influencer-driven multi-step routines featuring daily exfoliation, double cleansing and scented products can strip the skin’s natural oils and create excess environmental waste.
• Experts advise soaping only intimate areas and skin folds with a fragrance-free hypoallergenic cleanser to maintain the skin barrier and reduce overcleansing.
• Manual exfoliation should be performed sparingly to prevent irritation, while oils are best applied post-shower as sealants to lock in hydration.
• Antibacterial soaps are discouraged for daily use because they can overly dry skin, though they remain beneficial for conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa.
• The EPA notes that showers account for nearly 17% of Americans’ indoor water use and urges shorter shower durations to ease drought pressures.