Weird Science: Woman Replaces Shampoo With Bacteria Solution to Surprising Results!

During my freshman year of college, the boyfriend of one of my friends declared that bathing was overrated. Well, based on the way our living area smelled after he departed, I was sure that bathing was in fact a necessity. Last week, I thought of that young man when I came across an article in the New York Times entitled: “My No-Soap, No-Shampoo, Bacteria-Rich Hygiene Experiment” by Julia Scott. In the article, the author discusses a shampoo-free, soap free regimen and examines the scientific reasons for experimenting with an unconventional regimen.

Okay, so before you turn up your nose at the thought of throwing out your soap and shampoo here is some background on the author’s regimen::

Ms. Scott used a product called AO Biome developed by a company that promoted the use of “good” bacteria to help maintain a “clean dirty” lifestyle. She then covered her skin in the solution comprised of bacteria. She rinsed 3 minutes each morning but did not use any hygiene products, such as soap or shampoo.

So, what did she discover?

During the first week of the experiment, Ms. Scott found that her body odor wasn’t as bad as she expected. However, by week two her friends told her that she began to smell faintly of onions and marijuana.  Yes, marijuana. Also, her oily hair made it necessary for her sleep with a towel on her pillow.

After visiting the gym, something interesting happened. She sprayed the  AO Biome solution on her skin and began to smell better.  She also found that over time her skin began to improve considerably. By the end of the experiment, she was even reluctant to return to her traditional routine due to some of these positive effects of the experiment.

 
I admit that I was a bit turned off by the idea of giving up my hygiene routine. Some of the commenters raised questions regarding the possible spread of germs if soap was no longer used to wash hands. Questions were also raised as to how the author maintained her freshness down “there”.  Yet, once her body adapted to the bacteria she sprayed on her skin the odor diminished.

While the AO Biome regimen is still in the experimental stage, researchers say it shows promising signs.  Personally, I enjoy a shower, not only for the hygienic aspect but also the relaxation it provides.

 

So, would you join the bacteria rich regimen bandwagon if it helped to improve your skin and hair?