What Happens If You Don’t Shower for a Year?

Showering might seem like a non-negotiable part of daily life. But what if you didn't? Believe it or not, there’s a surprising amount of debate around this. Conversations range from the benefits of hot vs. cold showers, how often to indulge, and, perhaps surprisingly, whether showering is even essential. David Whitlock, an American engineer, famously hasn’t showered in over a decade. He believes that traditional showering strips the skin of beneficial bacteria. Could it be that showering, a daily ritual for billions, might actually be optional?

At Delune Men, we’re all about exploring every aspect of men's grooming and wellness. Although we're always willing to test new products or routines, no one here volunteered to go a full year without showering for this piece. Instead, we’ve explored the science and possible consequences to help you make more informed decisions. Spoiler: it’s not pretty.

1. The Smell Factor

Let’s get one thing out of the way—if you forgo showering, body odor will be an issue. Even if you don’t sweat excessively, natural body oils combined with bacteria will lead to a strong odor. Not exactly ideal if you’re planning to spend time around others. A few days might be manageable with a quick rinse, but over time, even close friends might start maintaining a bit more distance.

2. Dead Skin Buildup

Every day, your skin sheds dead cells, which can accumulate if they’re not washed away. Without regular cleansing, you’ll likely develop a condition called hyperkeratosis—an excessive thickening of the outer layer of the skin. This layer can become rough, thick, and visually unappealing. While a shower is usually enough to remove dead cells, skipping it for a year could make your skin look dull, flaky, and even scaly in some areas.

3. Skin Irritation and Sensitivity

Different skin types may react uniquely to the absence of washing, but irritation, itching, and redness are likely to occur eventually. Without cleansing, the natural oils on your skin will build up, causing irritation or greasy patches. For some, this could lead to more frequent breakouts, dry patches, or even painful inflammation. Unwashed skin just doesn’t feel comfortable.

4. Bacterial and Fungal Overgrowth

Your skin naturally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi, and for the most part, they coexist harmoniously. But without regular cleaning, you’re giving these microorganisms free rein to multiply. Areas prone to sweat and friction, such as the underarms and groin, are especially susceptible to fungal growth. Without intervention, these areas may become uncomfortable or prone to infections.

5. Increased Risk of Infections

One of the most significant risks of not showering is that cuts, scrapes, or other wounds are more likely to become infected. Your skin is a barrier, but it’s also porous and can trap pathogens. Even if you decided to forego regular washing, it’s essential to keep any injuries clean to reduce the risk of serious infections.

6. Hair Health Might Suffer

Oils and pollutants can coat your scalp and hair, potentially clogging hair follicles. As natural oils build up, your hair might feel greasy, weighed down, and lack volume. Prolonged buildup of oils can even contribute to hair loss as the follicles become suffocated over time. While going bald isn’t inherently negative, few people would want to hasten the process.

7. Clogged Pores and Breakouts

Finally, forgoing a shower could result in a visible increase in skin breakouts. Sebum, an oily secretion naturally produced by our skin, clogs pores over time if it’s not cleansed away. Without the rinse from a regular shower, whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples will likely become more prominent.

While some argue that our ancestors didn’t bathe daily and still managed to survive, it’s clear that modern hygiene habits come with benefits. Everyone’s skin is unique, so these outcomes might vary from person to person. But if you’re considering a shower-free experiment, keep in mind that your friends, family, and colleagues might not be on board for the ride.