Is bathing every day good for your health?

Bathing daily is a deeply ingrained habit in our cultural practices, probably due to the local temperature and environment. The frequency of bathing varies in each country. While 80 percent of people bathe daily in India and Australia; in the United States, the percentage of people who do this is 66 percent. But in China, half of the population bathes only twice a week, according to a Harvard Health survey.

Some hold the opinion that daily bathing may not be optimal for health. Scientific studies show that many beneficial bacteria and certain body fluids are necessary to maintain the health of the skin. Bathing daily, especially in hot water, may lead to the destruction of these beneficial bacteria. This causes dry skin, which in turn, leads to allergies and infections.

Some antibacterial soaps may also eradicate helpful skin bacteria, fostering the growth of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Consequently, some health experts argue that daily bathing could weaken the immune system. From an environmental standpoint, daily bathing raises concerns, as it contributes to the wastage of water amid the scarcity of water in many regions. Moreover, the presence of chemicals, salts, and disinfectants in water poses additional health risks. Many hairstylists contend that daily bathing is detrimental to hair health.

Even if you do not need to take a bath every day, it is important to maintain body hygiene. Major areas of the body should be cleaned several times a week. The cleanliness of the hand is also of prime importance when germs, including those causing COVID, are prevalent. The frequency of bathing can be decided according to individual needs. People with skin problems should seek a doctor's advice in this regard.