From extreme genital odour to warts – the 5 dangers of not washing enough revealed
AFTER a number of celebrities opened up about their personal hygiene habits, experts have explained why its important to bathe regularly.
Famous faces like Ashton Kutcher and Jake Gyllenhaal admitted they are lax with how often they wash.
Ashton told Dax Shephard's Armchair Expert podcast: "I wash my armpits and crotch daily and nothing else ever."
And Jake revealed to Vanity Fair: "More and more I find bathing to be less necessary, at times."
But experts have explained why you do need to make sure you are washing regularly - and the dangers that not doing so can bring.
Stephanie Taylor, Health and Wellbeing Expert at and , said: "It’s surprising that celebrities are being so vocal about their bathing habits as of late.
"While it is a personal preference and many people do like to shower daily following activities such as work or the gym, washing every other day is sufficient."
If you don't regularly wash, you run the risk of:
Warts
Built up bacteria and dead skin can lead to skin infections if it's not properly washed off.
Conditions like cellulitis could be sparked if you don't take proper care of your skin.
And it could even lead to warts if the skin becomes oily and infected with fungus.
Sunburn
It may sound surprising but those who aren't washing regularly might be more at risk of dangerous sunburn.
When we sweat it reduces the UV protection on our skin.
So if you aren't keen to bathe often in the summer months, at least try and remove the sweat from your body or put on extra sun cream.
Genital odour
Stephanie warned smells in intimate areas can get quite strong if they aren't cleaned regularly.
She said: "In addition, remember it is vital to wash around your intimate areas daily.
"Although, while women should avoid using any harsh chemicals inside their vagina, the crotch area surrounding the genitalia can be particularly sweat prone.
"Allowing the sweat and bacteria to breed can cause a host of problems, like infections or extreme odour."
Itchy skin
Not showering or washing often enough can cause irritable skin.
This is because the natural oils in the skin can combine with dirt and pollutants and cause irritated inflamed patches.
Experts recommend using cooler water if you suffer from sensitive skin.
Acne and eczema
Avoiding a shower every day can spark more chronic skin conditions.
It can exacerbate dermatological conditions like acne, eczema or psoriasis.
If you don't wash off dead skin cells regularly you can also end up with hyperpigmentation.
This can take weeks or months to set in though, but leads to a bad smell which is a good warning sign.
Can you wash too much?
But, Taylor added: "By showering too much you can upset the skin’s protective layer of acid mantle.
"This stops the skin becoming dry or flaky, as well as providing the microbiome of bacteria that protect your immune system.
"However, by washing too little, you will start to produce body odour and allow sweat and dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin, blocking your pores and causing breakouts and bacterial or fungal infections.
"At the very worst, uncleanliness can cause – where dead skin cells, dirt and sweat form on the skin.
"You can still maintain good personal hygiene by other means, such as using a flannel or washcloth to clean your underarms, face and intimate areas.
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"Using deodorant, wearing fresh underwear and clean clothes will all keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.
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"Wash fully at least two to three times a week, using warm water and gentle cleansers.
"Stay in for no more than 5-10 minutes at a time and dry the skin gently after bathing, as this is recommended to improve your immune function, increase blood flow, ease muscle aches and pains and leave you feeling fresh."