Dr Robynne Chutkan has warned that using antibacterial soap regularly in showers could harm your body

There are many things that are bad for you - junk food, smoking, excessive drinking and lack of water.

Now you can add antibacterial SOAP to the list according to a top US doctor.

You would assume it keeps our skin clean and gets rid of bacteria - not to mention some unwanted smells.

However one health expert has warned regularly using antibacterial soap when showering can harm your body.

Robynne Chutkan, founder of the Digestive Center for Women in Maryland, claims that antibacterial soap can stop your body recognising good bacteria.

She claims they have "harsh chemicals" and could lead to spots - not prevent them.

She recommended using a mild soap made from organic ingredients instead.

Dr Chutkan added: "(When) scouring ourselves in the shower every day, we are actually stripping our skin of bacteria that keep us acne and eczema free."

Dr Chutkan claims the human body only needs a “rinse” most days.

The doctor told Health News : "Dirt doesn't cause disease - but repeatedly killing off the good bacteria on our skin may actually harm our immunity.

"Unless you've been hanging out on an Ebola ward, the vast majority of microbes on your skin and hands are not virulent germs that cause serious infection; they're harmless bacteria that won't hurt you."

During cold and flu season people should be more cautious, regularly washing their hands with soap and warm water, the doctor added.

Last year, the World Health Organisation released a report suggesting antibacterial gels were creating a rise in untreatable bacterial infections.