New research has revealed the lax hygiene habits of Brits, with findings showing that we shower and brush our teeth less than recommended guidelines.
A survey of over 2,000 adults by VoucherCodes found that half of us don’t shower every day – and the same amount have no plans to wash more frequently even as life begins to return to ‘normal’.
Looking at our hygiene habits, they also asked respondents about their teeth, finding that 23% only brush once a day.
13% don’t brush their teeth daily, apparently favouring a few times a week. That’s a potential 8.5 million people in the country, and potentially explains complaints of bad breath on commuter trains and buses.
As you can potentially guess, having a partner seems to give people the drive to wash more.
Relationship status can impact how often people lather up, with 54% of singles admitting they don’t wash every day. This is in comparison to 42% of those in relationships, 49% of people who live with their partner, and 46% of married couples.
Gender also seems to be a factor. Men are the worst offenders for skipping a second brush of the day, with only 59% brushing twice daily in comparison to 68% of women.
Across the country, findings show those in Leeds take the fewest showers per week (4.5). This is followed closely by Plymouth (4.6) and Brighton & Hove, Sheffield and Leicester (all 4.8).
Thankfully it doesn’t appear to be a forever thing, as half of the participants did still say they’ll care more about the way they look as they start spending more time with friends and family.
There are plenty of reasons for not feeling up to washing, from mental health issues to struggling with a new WFH routine.
However, hygiene has been the topic of choice on social media since sex writer and influencer Oloni’s thread on people’s worst stories.
Skipping a scrub because you’re tired, for example, is not something to be concerned about. When it becomes a regular thing, though, it might be time to reconsider your washing frequency.
The NHS recommends people wash their hands after going to the toilet, wash their genitals and bottom area every day, wash their face every day, have a bath or shower at least twice a week, and brush their teeth twice a day.
If you’re struggling to keep clean and think you need help, speak to your GP or a medical professional you trust.
Do you have a story you’d like to share?
Get in touch at [email protected].
Source: Read Full Article