Do You Need To Wash Your Legs? We Asked an Expert Doctor

When you step into the shower and the water runs over your hair, shoulders, and arms, how often do you actually take the time to scrub your legs? The question went viral on social media in 2019, sparking comments from Taylor Swift and others—and the topic is still stirring debate today.

Some people admit they rarely wash their legs, trusting that the soapy water cascading down will do the job. Others insist on a full lather every single time. So, which approach is actually right? Does skipping a leg scrub really make a difference, or could washing too often actually backfire?

Ahead, we share what experts have to say about this much-discussed shower habit.

Should you wash your legs in the shower?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think—mainly because there haven’t been any large studies that provide a clear, definitive answer. Still, it helps to start with what we know about showering in general.

According to Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic, most people should be showering at least once a day. “You want to shower daily because we all come into contact with allergens, and we want to rinse those allergens off,” she says. That includes pollen, pollution, and bacteria that naturally accumulate on the skin.

Daily showering can also help prevent acne, dandruff, and eczema flare-ups, especially if you’ve been sweating or exposed to environmental irritants.

However, Dr. Khetarpal emphasizes that where you apply soap depends on your skin type. “If you’re someone with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, soap only needs to be applied to the face, armpits, and groin area,” she says. “If you’re someone with normal skin, you can use soap all over.”

In other words, for people with normal skin, using soap from head to toe—including on your legs—is generally recommended during daily showers. But if your skin is more sensitive or prone to eczema, you can skip the full-body lather and focus on the key areas instead.

Why over-washing your legs can do more harm than good

If you’re someone who only feels clean after scrubbing every inch of skin with a fragrant body wash, it may be time to rethink that routine. The skin on your legs naturally produces very little oil, which means it has less built-in protection against dryness. Overwashing or using harsh, scented cleansers can strip away essential lipids, leaving your skin tight, flaky, and irritated, especially if you’re prone to dryness or eczema.

Dr. Khetarpal recommends limiting soap use to just one shower per day if you bathe multiple times, as using it more frequently can dry out your skin even further. She also advises skipping fragranced products altogether and opting for a gentle, fragrance-free soap or body wash, since added scents are one of the most common causes of irritation.

And if you’re still wondering whether you need to scrub your legs at all, dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, founder of Ocean Skin & Vein Institute in California, offers some helpful context. She explained on HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast that our legs are typically protected under clothing and don’t qualify as “hot spots” like the armpits or groin, where sweat and bacteria thrive. Because of that, she says, it’s perfectly fine to let the soapy water from your upper body do the work on your legs—and instead focus your washing efforts on those sweat-prone zones that actually need it.

When you should wash your legs

Even with all the debate, there are days when your legs need more than a quick rinse. In those moments, washing with soap is nonnegotiable. Here’s when it matters most:

• You’ve been sweating or exercising: When sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin, it can clog pores and irritate the hair follicles. This can lead to folliculitis, which shows up as small, red bumps that may look or feel like acne. Washing after physical activity helps remove sweat, oils, and bacteria so your skin stays clean and clear.
• Your legs are visibly dirty or dusty: After outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or spending the day at the beach, dirt and residue can cling to the skin. A gentle cleanser removes buildup that water alone cannot.
• You’ve shaved your legs: Cleansing before shaving helps remove debris and bacteria that could enter small cuts in the skin. Washing gently afterward also reduces the risk of irritation, razor burn, and infection.
• You have skin conditions: If you have eczema, psoriasis, or very dry skin, short, lukewarm showers are best. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and follow with a thick moisturizer right after bathing to restore hydration.

How to wash your legs the right way

When your legs need some extra care, a gentle cleansing routine works best. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind:

• Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser: Choose a gentle, non-irritating wash, and avoid heavily scented products, which can dry or irritate your skin.
• Stick with warm water, not hot: Hot showers can strip away the skin’s natural oils and worsen dryness or itching.
• Skip the loofah or harsh sponge: Use a soft cloth instead. Rough materials can cause tiny tears in the skin and trap bacteria.
• Keep showers short: Aim for no more than 10 minutes. Staying in water too long can pull moisture out of your skin and leave it feeling tight.
• Moisturize right after: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes of bathing and reapplying throughout the day if your skin feels dry. Moisturizing helps restore the skin’s protective barrier and keeps it smooth and comfortable. For very dry skin, an ointment is even more effective than a cream because it seals in moisture more completely.

Don’t forget your feet

While you’re thinking about your legs, remember that your feet need a little extra attention, too. Unlike your legs, they shouldn’t skip the scrub. Spending most of the day inside shoes creates a warm, damp environment where bacteria and fungi can easily grow. Wash your feet thoroughly, including between the toes, and dry them completely afterward. Apply moisturizer to the tops and heels to keep the skin soft, but avoid putting lotion between the toes, since trapped moisture there can lead to athlete’s foot, a fungal skin infection.

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