While some people claim that they’ve stopped bathing and don’t smell, it may just be that they’ve stopped being able to smell themselves and their friends and loved ones are too nice to give them the hard truth. If you’ve heard that your body will eventually readjust once you stop showering and prevent its own odor, well, you may want to listen to what the experts have to say.
Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, told The List, “In the short term [after not bathing], bacteria, dirt, and sebum (oil) will begin to accumulate on your skin and will likely cause an odor after a day or two, especially in areas that are prone to odor such as the axillae (armpits) and feet.” While this odor begins fairly quickly, don’t expect it to go away on its own.
Additionally, dermatologist Suzanne Friedler, told The List that because odor comes from bacteria, the longer you don’t shower the longer that bacteria can continue to grow on the skin. And, you guessed it, that causes even more odor. “Areas that are particularly prone to get funky are the hot, sweaty parts of the body,” she said.
