What happens to those who do not like regular baths?

One of my female friends got into a long-distance relationship with a young guy, and after some time of dating, they decided to spend some physical time together she was so excited about the experience, and she went to meet him, only for her to come back after a week and she insisted that was the end of the relationship, and nothing could ever bring them back together.

I was confused at first because she was so happy and filled with smiles when she set out on this journey, so coming back with this attitude was rather surprising and confusing, when she was calm enough to explain her ordeal, she mentioned that this boyfriend of hers did not have a bathe all through the one week she spent with him. On the day she arrived, she didn't see it as a big deal because not everyone was going to be like her, who bathes twice daily, but even on the third day, she didn't see any sign of him having his bath.

wallpaperflare

She was then forced to ask him if he was not going to have a bath or so, he complained about the cold and how he couldn't have his bath with cold water so he would wait until electricity is restored before doing the needful, immediately light was restored, she plugged in water for him to bathe and he slept off before the water got warm. One thing kept happening after another until a whole week passed without him having a bath.

I have never seen a thing like this before all my life, my friend exclaimed, a grown adult refusing to have his bath was just too strange for her, and yes your guess was right, that was the end of the relationship, she made sure to close all communication link with him after that experience.

Most of us are used to having our bath every day because that is the way we were trained, for some people they could bath twice or three times a day, but this fuss my friend had about bathing, don't you think it was a little too harsh, or maybe she had every right to do so because it is not good health wise? Let us go through what some learned experts have published about this situation together.

When it comes to concerns about health, however, it's not at all clear that a daily shower accomplishes much. Dr. Robert Shmerling

However, as listed out by thehealthsite.com, here are health benefits on why you should not skip a shower every day;

It helps with depression: For those who are prone to depression, a study by Shevchuk NA showed that when there is exposure to cold water, there is an activation of the nervous system. This way, chemicals in the blood that reduces depression, which is; ''beta-endorphin and noradrenaline'' are increased.
It improves the circulation of blood: Laying yourself in a tub filled with water would increase the circulation of blood to the limbs, and it would also help nourish damaged cells at extreme levels. When the circulation of blood is improved, blood pressure is reduced, and heart function is improved.
Provides immune system boost: Either it is a warm or a cold bath, they have very strong benefits health-wise, as a study displayed that constant cold showers can also regularly stimulate the vascular and lymph system, to produce a higher number of immune cells that help to fight infections, the result of this is that the chances of falling sick over the years are limited.
Sugar level is reduced: Dr.Philip L. Hooper from McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado stated that some diabetic patients who had themselves immersed in a hot water tub for around 20-30 minutes, had a reduced blood sugar level.
Reduced stress: Worries, tensions, and the like can be eliminated with the help of a simple bath. A Japan study showed us that, stress level markers were greatly reduced in those who had their bath after a few minutes.

pexels.com

Reduction of muscle tension: Experts also say that a warm bath can significantly limit the round of trips that would be made to the physiotherapist. Daily bathing would limit the tension of an overstretched muscle, sore muscles would also be healed through relaxation, flexibility or elasticity of muscles is also an added advantage especially when it is done after an exercise.
Toxin removal: It is advisable for those who tend to sweat a lot not to miss a bath, they would stink regardless of the amount of deodorant sprayed. A warm bath happens to drain out toxins, it also kills viruses and bacteria.
Natural sleep induction: For those who have insomnia and other sleep-related issues, there have been several testimonies of an ability to sleep appropriately after a good bath.
Natural cleanser: A way to naturally look good is through an appropriate constant bath, as it removes toxins, opens up pores, and leaves the skin smooth and soft.
Improved lung functions: During the process of having a bath, every cup of water poured on your body produces a type of reflex action that forces you to breathe deeply with a quick pause. Cold water produces a type of force that makes you hold your breath for some seconds and then followed by a deep exhalation, this will make the lungs open up and then increase the uptake of oxygen.

All these may be correctly stated facts, but not everyone agrees with them. Some people believe that bathing consistently will strip the skin of essential oils which would cause dryness that would result in skin inflammation or eczema.
There is also a belief that those who have a skin condition like psoriasis, and take more than a shower in a day may trigger flare-ups. Taking too many showers would take out the presence of good bacteria from the skin, putting the skin at a strong risk of infection.

Also, there is an added statement that the human normal skin has a protective layer of oil, and a balance of good bacteria, that helps to protect the skin from germs and dryness. If it is cleaned too often with excessive scrubbing and harsh soaps, then the layer may be stripped away, creating dryness, irritation, and itchy skin. Cracks can also be created in the skin that permits allergens and germs to get through, giving rise to allergic reactions and skin infections.

However, while we may try to look for a reason to skip showering, remember that personal hygiene is very important and it is a factor that needs to be kept at heart. Sweat glands cover a major part of the body, producing sweat when there is an overheat when there is stress or prolonged physical activity. While sweat in itself is odorless, it takes no time to combine with bacteria on the skin to start producing a strong odor.

Robert H.Shmerling, who is a senior faculty editor, at Harvard Health says;

If you are like me, it may be hard to imagine skipping the daily shower, but if you are doing it for your health, it may be a habit worth breaking.

So, which of these categories do you fall into, the one who thinks bathing constantly might just be too much, or the one who believes they cannot stay a day without having a bath and that is the way to go? I would like to know what you think and the reason behind your thoughts.