The idea of taking a shower during winter seems to be a distant dream for some, especially those who prefer their blankets warm. Many wouldn't go public without showering during the cold months—because let's face it, it's a bit unhygienic—but a viral video recently popped up suggesting that there might be an unexpected upside to it.

Viral video

 

An Instagram video by Dr. Rebecca Pinto claims that skipping showers in winter could increase life expectancy by 34%. The video, which has over 6.6 million views, has obviously caught people's attention, but not everyone buys the claim. Skeptics immediately challenged the claim, asking for scientific evidence. “Is there any research article on this? If yes, you should have shared it before making such a bold claim,” one user commented.

What do experts say?

While the video’s claims sound appealing, experts in the medical field are not sold. Dr. Balakrishna G K from Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Bengaluru points out, “The claim that skipping baths can increase life expectancy by 34% seems exaggerated and lacks strong scientific backing.” He acknowledges that frequent bathing can disrupt the skin's natural microbiome, but entirely avoiding baths can lead to hygiene issues and potential infections.

Dr. H Guru Prasad of CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, adds that though bathing habits do affect the skin, longevity is a combination of genes, lifestyle, and environment. “Scrutinising research methodology and context before conclusions is key,” he says, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach.

Bathing: A winter necessity

Although many cultures do bathe less in colder climates, skipping showers completely is not a good idea. Warm baths promote blood flow and relaxation, both of which may support digestion. Dr. Prasad writes, “Skipping bath occasionally likely causes minimal digestive effects, but consistent lack of bathing risks stress negatively impacting digestion.”

In winter, personal hygiene is generally neglected, resulting in the collection of sweat, dead skin cells, and other pollutants that raise the risk of irritation and infection. For a less active individual or someone who is not sweating so much, one may be okay with a quick sponge bath that includes areas such as armpits and groin. The bottom line, though, is to be clean.

Cold vs. hot showers: Which is better?

Cold vs hot showers both have their pros. Cold shower can help to increase circulation and reduce inflammation. Hot showers, on the other hand, help relax and ease muscle pain. Dr. Balakrishna G K recommends, “In winter, lukewarm water is ideal as it helps clean the skin without stripping away too much of its natural moisture.”

How to stay fresh during winter

Maintaining hygiene in winters doesn't need to be such a hassle. Here are a few tips for staying fresh in the winters.

  1. Use lukewarm water: Instead of hot baths, lukewarm water won't dry up your skin so easily, making it feel moisturized.
  2. Hygiene focus area: Clean armpits and feet on a daily basis with a moist cloth or wet wipes.
  3. Apply moisturizer: After the bath, use a good moisturizer and seal it with hydration.
  4. Use mild soaps: Severe soaps remove natural oils from your skin. Choose soothing, moisturizing cleansers instead.

It would be easy enough to give in to the comfort of forgoing showers in the winter months, but the middle way is always more sensible: compromise between comfort and hygiene.