The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it is essential to keep it clean at all times. But choosing the right cleanser can sometimes be difficult. Bar soaps have a historically bad reputation, and these days, a gentler formula has become more accessible such as shower gel or body wash.
Whatever way of bathing has its advantages and disadvantages. Dermatologists break down the pros and cons of using either bar soap or body wash below:
Bar soap vs. Body Wash vs. Shower Gel
Generally speaking, all soaps do the same thing, dislodge dirt from the skin's surface. They only differ on the ingredients used in making them. Bar soap can be used to dissolve sweat and dirt on the skin and kill the bacteria on it. Bar soaps easily break down the oil apart and eliminate pathogens from the skin.
Meanwhile, body wash uses the same mechanism to get the dirt off the skin, but most of the time, it contains moisturizing ingredients to treat common skin conditions, such as dryness of the skin, clogged pores, and skin flaking. The ingredients used in making the body are usually for restoring skin moisture that can get stripped away from cleansing.
On the other hand, shower gel is just a thinner and less hydrating version of the body wash. It simply cleanses the skin without moisturizing it and does not cling the same way as a body wash.
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Use a body wash or shower gel when...
...your skin needs it.
There are times when it is better to use a body wash or shower gel. These instances include when you have dry skin, have a chronic skin condition, or when you need to exfoliate.
The body wash contains hydrating ingredients to coat the skin and seal moisture, so it is perfect to use when the skin feels dry. It is also recommended to use body wash with skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and acne, although it is best to consult a dermatologist.
A dermatologist will also tell the ingredients to look out and avoid when shopping for cleansing products. If it is for exfoliation, body wash contains finer milled and ground natural and synthetic exfoliant ingredients.
Dermatologists recommend using loofah, washcloth, or sea sponge when using body wash because it aids in exfoliation during a shower.
Use bar soap when...
...you've made that judgment call.
For those who still want to use bar soap, there are also times when it is best to use. For example, using bar soap is more eco-friendly than a shower gel or body wash as they usually come in a recyclable box and does not typically contain microbeads, unlike body wash. Microbeads have become so controversial because of the environmental impact that, in some cases, they are banned.
Moreover, bar soap also contains lesser ingredients and does not need preservatives to keep them, which means they are free of parabens, which are harmful to the skin. It is also easier to make hypoallergenic soap as there are plenty of herbal and all-natural bar soap options.
Lastly, use bar soap when you are concerned about bacteria. Some would argue that bacteria breed on bar soap, but a study from Trusted Source in 1988 showed minimal bacterial risk in a bar of soap.
READ MORE: Get Rid of Excess Oil and Impurities with These Top 5 Anti-Acne Face Masks
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