According to media reports, a study from a university in Mexico suggests that frequent bathing may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This is because regular bathing can damage the skin, leading to a decrease in immunity. Prolonged inflammatory responses may potentially trigger cancerous changes.
Experts explain that the skin, much like the gut, is an ecosystem hosting billions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which need to maintain a balance to keep the skin healthy. While frequent bathing can rid the skin of harmful bacteria, it can also disrupt the natural distribution of beneficial bacteria. For instance, the skin is typically acidic, and beneficial bacteria thrive in acidic environments. However, using alkaline soaps can disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier. Additionally, the use of hot water, shower gels, and scrubbing tools like loofahs can compromise the integrity of the skin's stratum corneum. As shower frequency increases, this damage is further exacerbated, reducing the time needed for the skin's self-repair.
