Everyone
has their preference as to what kind of soap they like to
use when in the bath or shower: body wash/gel, bar soap or
body scrub. What some do not realize, however, is that
each type of soap has its advantages and disadvantages
when it comes to skin type. Find out what type of soap
will work in your skin’s best interest.
Before
we get started, it should be pointed out that the type of
soaps referred to in this article deal with the kind used
on the body and not the face. There are plenty of articles
out about what cleansers and other facial soaps work for
different skin types, but hardly any when it comes to
cleansing your body from head to toe.
Bar
Soap
Ah,
good ole fashioned bar soap. In spite of the popularity of
the various forms soap is available in nowadays, there are
still plenty of people who prefer to stick to bar soap. Of
course, we should all know by now that bar soap that is
used for the body in the shower or bath should never be
used on the face. When shopping for bar soaps, note the
ingredients. Many have a lot of artificial ingredients
that rely on smelly fragrances instead of providing
hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Herbal
soaps are available for sensitive skin types, as these use
all natural ingredients. There are many bar soaps that
have no fragrance at all so you can be assured that
artificial fillers aren’t included. Those with normal skin
won’t have much to worry about when it comes to bar soap,
either. Be sure to choose one that leaves your skin
squeaky clean but doesn’t dry it out or leave a greasy
film afterwards.
Body
Wash
/Liquid
Soap
The
beauty about body washes, also known as liquid soap or gel,
is that its formulation allows it to retain more than 30%
of the skin’s natural moisture. This is a plus for dry
skin types. Unlike bar soap, liquid soap can be applied to
loofahs or washcloths and used for hard to reach places,
while providing soothing, gentle exfoliation. Body wash
and other types of liquid soap also contain a lower pH
level than bar soap, which allows it to be gentle enough
for even the most sensitive skin types.
There
are a number of liquid soaps and body washes on the market
that caters to all skin types, and are fine for all ages
to use, including young children. Body washes also come in
a range of scents, from the most rugged for the manliest
of men, to the sweet and fragrantly floral scents for
women. Unlike bar soaps, body washes don’t whittle away
and are viewed as more sanitary when it comes to multiple
users.
Body Scrubs
Body
scrubs are excellent for providing an overall exfoliating
experience in the bath or shower and effectively slough
off layers of dead, dry, and flaking skin. Most body
scrubs are formulated with tiny microbeads or grainy
ingredients that work to scrub the skin’s impurities away,
leaving a radiant glow. Oily skin types can greatly
benefit from a body scrub due to its ability to keep pores
unclogged and removing surface debris while giving the
skin proper hydration and moisture. Sensitive skin types
may find body scrubs too harsh for their skin and should
stick to bar or liquid soap.
Many
body scrubs also act as body wash so you’re able to kill
two birds with one stone.
