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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A viral video has ignited a heated online debate about showering habits after one woman shared her surprise at discovering that not everyone showers daily.
Rima Kaltoum, a 20-year-old from Oslo, Norway, posted the now-viral video to her TikTok account (@ghostingbutposting04), describing a moment when a woman casually mentioned she "had to shower today" because she didn't the day before. Kaltoum said she was taken aback and asked why, only to be told that the woman didn't see the point in showering every day. The video quickly gained attention, garnering 50,200 likes and 1.1 million views.
"What inspired me to make the video was simply my surprise," Kaltoum told Newsweek. "I guess I was a bit out of touch because I assumed most people—especially girls—shower (body showers) daily."
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She added that in Norway, where water bills aren't a significant concern and student housing often includes water in the rent, daily showering is fairly common.
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She clarified that she meant no harm or judgment when making the video, and was genuinely curious about different hygiene routines. Kaltoum said she hadn't anticipated the backlash the video received and understands different factors impacting shower frequency, such as skin conditions, mental health, and water availability.
"I just didn't think it was that deep," she said.
According to Kaltoum, she showers daily—even if she doesn't leave the house—and usually only showers once a day unless she works out early in the morning.
"Showering before bed helps me relax and sleep better," she said, explaining that her body is simply used to the routine. She also addressed a few misconceptions, saying she wasn't referring to full "everything showers," nor does she suffer from excessive sweating.
"Of course, I don't wash my hair every day—that would damage it," she added.
Experts Weigh In
David Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of RedliteX which specializing in red light therapy, said that despite societal expectations, daily showering isn't always necessary.
"There is no one answer to how often you must wash. It will depend on your lifestyle and your skin type, as well as what you personally like. Listen to your body and do not make yourself feel guilty if you do what is best for you. Treat your skin gently and do not let social pressure make you feel guilty over your skincare routine. Less is more in this case," Johnson told Newsweek.
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He explained that showering too frequently can actually strip the skin of its natural oils—lipids that form a protective barrier. Without these oils, the skin can become dry and irritated. For people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, over-showering may worsen their symptoms.
Johnson emphasized that cultural and social factors often influence how often people feel the need to bathe.
"In warm or humid weather, it's perceived to be a must because people sweat more. In colder weather, it's not as common. Social norms play a big part as well, nobody would want to be labeled as being 'dirty' or "unhygienic,'" he explained.
He advised that while showering after activities like working out is important for removing sweat and bacteria, those with sensitive or dry skin should stick to lukewarm water and fragrance-free cleansers.
Sabrina Yavil, beauty and personal care expert and founder of Gryme, echoed the importance of individual context with Newsweek.
"From my perspective, shower frequency really comes down to lifestyle, activity level, climate, and skin health—not a one-size-fits-all rule. In my house, with kids constantly on fields, courts, and in locker rooms, daily showering (sometimes twice daily in the summer) is more about removing sweat, bacteria, and odors than any social norm.
"Hygiene is also about respect for the people around you, so if you're stinky and sweaty, you need to bathe—period. That said, on lazy weekends when we don't have sports and they haven't been active, can they skip a day? You bet," she said.
Yavil also pointed out that for some people, skipping showers may be linked to using irritating or drying products. "I think that's where good product formulation and education come in. As parents, we also have to teach kids that showering isn't just about 'getting clean,' but about taking care of their skin, their health, and feeling good in their own bodies," she emphasized.
Social Media Reacts
The video drew a wide range of reactions online, as people chimed in with their own opinions and how often they shower.
"So tired of the hygiene Olympics," wrote one user, while another simply said, "Yes it is normal. I hope this helps."
Lils commented, "I have eczema so if I showered every day my skin would be ruined, so no." Another viewer said, "Let's not judge each other. If I don't smell you, I don't care when you last showered. Maybe we all need to respect each other, even if we would do things differently."
Some users sided with Kaltoum. "Why is everyone mad at you? You're correct," one person shared. Others related to her habit: "I have two a day. Which I know is too much. But it gets me started for my day and settled for bed," said Kayleigh.
Another user said: "Every day—occasionally twice. Also wouldn't judge anyone that didn't."
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