Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
IF you want to have bad luck, itchy dry skin and an increased risk of skin cancer, BATH EVERYDAY — experts have said.
If you want to maintain that beautiful natural skin glow without expensive creams and lotions, the secret may lie in bathing only three times a week!
Off course, this should be combined with a balanced diet.
Skin specialists, academic research and traditional healers unanimously agree that long thorough baths every day are extremely bad for the skin and may lead to skin diseases and take out the shine that everyone admires in small babies.
Research, including the University of Nottingham’s Eczema Bathing Study, found that frequent bathing is not always essential for healthy skin. Experts from institutions such as Harvard Health and the Cleveland Clinic have also noted that while personal hygiene remains important, over-washing can damage the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Experts in Zimbabwe agreed with the research,
They said people need to take care of areas that may store body odour like armpits and the groin area while bathing only two to four times a week to maintain healthy and shiny skin.
However, they said an exception to the rule could be people whose lifestyles or work routines cause them to sweat profusely daily.
Such people, they said, may need to wash their bodies every day but they should not spend more than 10 minutes in the bath and must avoid harsh soaps and very hot water.
Speaking to B-Metro, Bulawayo biologist, biochemist, cosmetic chemist and founder of Royalty Skincare, Mercy
Mabiza, said scrubbing the body every day may strip the skin of essential oils.
“From both a biological and cosmetic science perspective, I agree that daily bathing is not biologically necessary for every individual. The skin is a living organ with its own microbiome and protective lipid barrier that naturally maintains skin health,” she said.
Although Zimbabwe’s warm climate often calls for regular cleansing because of perspiration, Mabiza said the goal should be balancing hygiene with preserving the skin’s natural protective functions.
“Very hot water and harsh soaps remove the skin’s natural lipids, increase trans-epidermal water loss and weaken the skin barrier. Over time this can lead to dryness, irritation, sensitivity, eczema flare-ups and even premature skin ageing,” she said.
She recommended using lukewarm water and gentle, pH-balanced cleansers instead of harsh alkaline soaps.
According to Mabiza, the skin’s natural oils, known as sebum, lock in moisture, protect against harmful microorganisms and reduce irritation.
“When these oils are stripped away repeatedly, the skin becomes dry and vulnerable. In some people, the skin responds by producing even more oil, contributing to acne. In others, especially those with sensitive skin, it can result in inflammation, itching and increased sensitivity. Healthy skin is not about removing every trace of oil; it is about maintaining balance,” she said.
Renowned medical doctor and gynaecologist Dr Solwayo Ngwenya agreed.
“Even our forebears did not bath every day. Overbathing removes the skin’s protective barrier and exposes the body to an increased risk of skin cancers. Just keep good hygiene and find the sweet spot between showers and maintaining the skin’s healthy bacteria that keeps it healthy and glowing,” he said.
He also discouraged excessive intimate washing.
“Women also have a belief that they should scrub and douche their privates constantly. That is not necessary. Nature takes care of itself down there, using plain water is the best.”
He added that people with eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin and older adults often benefit from shorter, less frequent showers. Those who bathe daily should keep showers to between five and 10 minutes, use lukewarm water and moisturise immediately afterwards with products containing ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid or natural plant oils.
Another skincare specialist, Gamuchirai Rejoice Charunduka of Skin Care Skin Share, said daily bathing can still be appropriate, particularly for people who produce more oil, but cautioned against prolonged hot showers.
“Our sebaceous glands produce oils throughout the day. When these oils accumulate, the pores become clogged, making it difficult for the skin to function properly. On the face this can contribute to acne,” she said.
Traditional healer Mhabhinyana said bathing frequency should depend on one’s occupation.
“If someone does physically demanding work and sweats a lot, they should bath every day. If someone works where they do not sweat much, daily bathing may not be necessary,” he said, adding that even people undergoing traditional initiation as spirit mediums are expected to maintain personal cleanliness.
Artisanal miner Platini Nyathi said many gold panners believe bathing every day brings bad luck.
“When we go out looking for gold, we are strengthened with traditional herbs. Bathing every day diminishes the power of the herbs and results in bad luck. We bath once or twice a week to preserve the luck the herbs bring so that we strike gold often and consistently,” he said.
Public transport conductor Alfonce Junior Mhiko disagreed, saying daily bathing is a sign of respect for passengers.
“As conductors we interact with many passengers every day. Bathing daily is important because it shows respect for the people we serve,” he said.
Popular Bulawayo TikTok content creator and conductor Philip Sibanda, popularly known as Seve7ven or “Iwindi Eligezayo”, shared the same view.
“Personally, if I leave home without bathing I feel uncomfortable. People often joke that conductors do not bath, but those perceptions usually come from something they have experienced. Bathing is very important,” he said.
