James Hamblin, a physician and professor at the Yale School of Public Health in the United States, conducted a very unusual experiment: he stopped showering. In 2015, he decided to investigate the effects of minimal hygiene on skin health and overall well-being. This experiment is described in his 2020 book, Clean: The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less. [Limpo: a nova ciência da pele e a beleza de fazer menos, em tradução livre].
Hamblin, who was 40 at the time, had cut back on his hygiene significantly, washing his hands only with soap. Their goal was to understand how modern hygiene practices affect health and challenge social norms about cleanliness. “You get used to it. I feel normal,” the specialist said.
What made James Hamblin stop showering?
Hamblin's primary focus was to observe how the human body reacted when allowed to achieve its natural balance. The idea was to minimize the use of harsh products, such as harsh soaps, so that the skin's natural oils and microbes could adapt in a healthy way.
During the experiment, Hamblin realized that by allowing the skin microbiome to flourish without chemical disruption, natural oil production was regulated and a more stable, healthy microbial environment was maintained. “The microbes on our skin are as important to our appearance and our health as the gut microbiome is to our digestive system,” the doctor stressed.
How did Hamblin meet the challenges of minimal cleanliness?
Hamblin began the process gradually. He began taking regular showers and reducing his use of soap and other personal hygiene products. This adaptation allowed your body to gradually adjust to the new routine, and the discomfort and odor decreased over time.
“There were times when I wanted to shower because I missed it, and it smelled bad and felt oily,” Hamblin said. “But that started happening less and less.” He also rinses when he feels the need to and maintains a regular oral hygiene routine.
Does minimal cleanliness mean dirt?
Hamblin argues that body odor is not necessarily a sign of dirt, but rather an imbalance of microbes. Bad odor is produced by bacteria that feed on the oily secretions of sweat and sebaceous glands. When we use hygiene products, we alter the balance of these microbes, which can encourage unwanted odors.
- Regular bathing is associated with royalty and access to running water, which is relatively recent in human history.
- It is possible to take care of skin hygiene without relying exclusively on soap and chemicals.
- Brushing your teeth occasionally and using your hands to exfoliate can help keep your skin clean.
Impact on health and social perception
As technology advances, we better understand the skin microbiome and the benefits of letting natural microbes do their thing. Hamblin believes this simple approach could not only be healthier for the skin, but more sustainable as well.
He admits that challenging social norms was one of the hardest parts of the experience. Society has a deeply ingrained notion of what “cleanliness” is, and deviation from these norms leads to judgment and criticism.
- Analyze your hygiene needs individually.
- Consider alternatives to traditional cleaning products.
- Learn about the skin microbiome and its benefits.
- If necessary, make gradual changes to allow your body to adapt.
Through his experience, James Hamblin highlights the importance of questioning and reflecting on our daily hygiene habits, encouraging a more balanced and natural approach to our health. The discussion is now underway, and the consequences could be far-reaching, both for personal well-being and the environment.
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