Dr. James Hamblin, a public health physician and lecturer at Yale — set off on an offbeat journey to see what happens when you stop using personal hygiene products. He kicked things off with a period of adjustment, and while a stronger body odor was part of the deal at first, that eventually faded. He settled into a routine where he uses nothing but water — no soaps, deodorants, or shampoos in sight. For him, this experiment wasn’t just about shunning standard hygiene methods; it was also about questioning why we stick to them. “We shower because it’s what society expects,” said Hamblin. "Washing too often — especially with chemical-packed products — can actually mess with your skin, disturbing its natural balance." Hamblin is quick to point out that our skin is the first line of defense against disease. The organisms and bacteria that live on our skin are doing important work. Soaps and astringents meant to make us drier and less oily are actually removing the sebum on which microbes feed. In essence, our obsession with soap might be creating allergies. Hamblin also draws attention to the fact that the skincare industry is largely unregulated. While a number of players in the wellness and skincare industries have good intentions, so much of what's sold is unnecessary, and even damaging. Some health professionals are keeping an eye on Hamblin’s claims and say his experiment definitely opens the door for a deeper look at how we treat our bodies.
