One of the most important things to remember is that "bathing" is defined as submerging the body in water. A shower does not count by that definition. Nor does any other form of washing from a basin, which is the most typical method of cleaning for much of history. So, that "annual bath" you hear about doesn't mean they weren't cleaning every day. Rinsing or washing (with soap) the hands and face is often the most mentioned areas of focus. In Manners for Children, 1530, Erasmus mentions cleaning the teeth, washing the face, and combing the hair at the beginning of every day. Thomas Cogan, a physician writing in 1636, recommends washing the face and hands daily with clean, cold water to cleanse, comfort, and preserve eye sight.

As we know, rinsing or washing the face does not completely prevent acne. Recipes for treating pimples are easy to find as well. Taking from the Toilet of Flora, an 18th century recipe for "A Pomatum to remove Redness, or Pimples in the Face." includes Boar's cheek, pippins, white wax, sweet almond oil, and a few other items. Another from the same source includes apples, celery, fennel, barley meal, rose-water, eggs, and suet. Scented waters for complexion were also recommended.