I'm a doctor and I haven't showered in over 8 years: "When we apply hygiene products, we upset the balance."

James Hamblin , a public health physician and professor at Yale University , stopped showering more than eight years ago. His decision wasn't impulsive, but rather part of a deeper reflection on the effects of daily hygiene product use. He claims that these alter the skin's microbiome , composed of bacteria that help keep it in balance.

During the first few months, her body went through an adjustment phase, during which she noticed a stronger body odor . However, over time, that smell disappeared, as she has shared in several interviews. Currently, her cleansing routine is based solely on the use of water , without resorting to soap, shampoo, or deodorant.

"We wash out of habit, because it's the social norm, not because we have a medical need to," she says. This idea is part of the approach she develops in her book , Clean: The New Science of Skin , in which she questions modern hygiene standards . Her central argument is that over-cleansing can be detrimental to skin health .

In her experience, maintaining a balanced microbiota is possible by reducing the use of chemical products . In her opinion, many cosmetics destroy protective bacteria and weaken the skin's natural defenses. While she doesn't intend to impose her method, she suggests reconsidering what we mean by body cleansing .

Some dermatologists have expressed interest in her approach, although they emphasize that it isn't applicable to all cases . People with dermatological problems may require specific care. Still, Hamblin argues that it's possible to live with fewer products without sacrificing health : "It's not about avoiding hygiene, but rather rethinking it."

James Hamblin , a public health physician and professor at Yale University , stopped showering more than eight years ago. His decision wasn't impulsive, but rather part of a deeper reflection on the effects of daily hygiene product use. He claims that these alter the skin's microbiome , composed of bacteria that help keep it in balance.