If good hygiene helps to stay healthy, the economic context causes hygienic precariousness among some French people.
Every day we use many hygiene products. From toothpaste to shower gel and deodorant, all these products contribute to the maintenance of our body. If they can sometimes contain harmful substances, the majority of them are without risk for our health. But you still have to be able to take advantage of it on a daily basis.
In effect, inflation concerns all sectors in France, including hygiene products. And faced with an increase in the cost of living, thousands of people have given up on buying these essential products.
This is what emerges from an Ifop survey conducted in partnership with the association Dons solidaires. This one is can be consulted directly on the association’s website.
A forced lack of personal hygiene that would have a greater impact on women and young people
The survey reveals that today in France, more than a third of respondents (34% of respondents) have changed their hygiene habits. The increase in prices is such that many prefer to buy something to eat than shampoo or toothpaste. Besides, the phenomenon concerns both cosmetics and basic products. But this change in habits is not limited to supermarket shelves.
Indeed, since beauty products are expensive, some people change their routines. In fact, they wash less frequently to save shampoos. Worse still, some respondents wash without soap and also reduce their consumption of toilet paper.
If the phenomenon has been accentuated by the rise in prices, many women were already affected before these. Indeed, menstrual precariousness is a social phenomenon that is growing every year. The term refers to the fact of not being able to buy or access sanitary protectionwhether pads, tampons or reusable pads.
What are the potential risks associated with this new form of precariousness?
The risk of cavities can increase without brushing with toothpaste. As for the body, the most frequent problems are accumulation of bad odors or skin infections. But the greatest risks are on the mental level.
Indeed, not washing can affect self-confidence and feelings of well-being. This forced gesture can also influence social interactions. Some people will refuse to go out or be more isolated due to poor personal hygiene. According to survey figures, 6% of respondents even refused to go to a job interview because they might not wash properly.