Why bathing too much can harm your skin and health

Dermatologists often suggest two to three washes per week for most people – enough to keep the scalp clean without depriving it of the oils that keep hair healthy and shiny. If your hair feels brittle or your scalp is itchy, your shower routine might be the culprit.

Immune system

What’s more surprising is how over-cleaning may subtly chip away at your immune defense, which actually benefits from some exposure to dirt and microbes, according to Harvard Health.

“Our immune systems need a certain amount of stimulation by normal microorganisms, dirt, and other environmental exposures in order to create protective antibodies and ‘immune memory,’” the publication explains.

This concept, often referred to as the “hygiene hypothesis,” suggests that excessive cleanliness can interfere with your body’s natural development of immunity.

That’s why many pediatricians today recommend against daily bathing for children unless truly needed. And it’s not just for kids – adults too might be limiting their body’s natural defenses with a little too much scrubbing.

Finding the right balance

Of course, hygiene is important. Nobody’s advocating for skipping showers indefinitely, but moderation is key.

Experts say that for most people, showering two to three times a week is not only sufficient — it might actually be healthier.Continue reading…