As people age, their skin naturally becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive, which means bathing routines may need to change after age 70. While many assume daily showers are necessary, experts say frequent full-body bathing can sometimes do more harm than good for aging skin.

Instead of showering every day, many specialists recommend full baths or showers only two to three times a week, while still cleaning areas like the face, underarms, hands, and feet daily.

Water temperature also matters. Very hot water can remove the skin’s natural oils and increase dryness, so lukewarm water is usually the better option for maintaining comfort and skin health.

The type of soap used can make a difference as well. Strong or heavily scented products may irritate sensitive skin, while mild, fragrance-free cleansers are often gentler and less drying.

Experts also advise keeping showers short—around five to eight minutes—to help prevent moisture loss. After bathing, skin should be gently patted dry rather than rubbed with a towel, which can cause irritation.

Moisturizing afterward is one of the most important steps. Applying lotion or cream while the skin is still slightly damp helps seal in moisture and reduce dryness.

Simple adjustments like shorter showers, gentler products, and consistent moisturizing can help older adults protect their skin and stay more comfortable every day.