Handwashing has never been more critical amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but experts caution against over-scrubbing the rest of our bodies. James Hamblin, lecturer at Yale School of Public Health and science editor at The Atlantic, makes a compelling case in his upcoming book Clean: The New Science of Skin.
Hamblin emphasizes that washing hands for 20 seconds multiple times a day is a proven strategy to curb coronavirus spread. As a seasoned public health expert and The Atlantic contributor, he urges us to use this moment to rethink overall cleanliness: "What level is truly beneficial, and what habits can we safely skip?"
Hamblin draws on Toronto dermatologist Sandy Skotnicki, whose microbiology background informs her skin expertise. Come October's dry air in Canada, she sees a surge in patients with itching skin—often from aggressive twice-daily showers using soap and washcloths on the entire body, especially among athletes.
Skotnicki recommends targeted washing of key areas like armpits, groin, and feet, sparing the rest. Hot water strips protective oils, leaving skin dry and porous—more prone to irritants, allergens, and conditions like eczema, particularly in those genetically predisposed. Excessive washing exacerbates these issues.
She views our skin's trillions of microbes as our body's largest immune organ, best preserved by moderation.
