Does body wash clean your body?

Does body wash actually clean you?

Body wash contains surfactants, which are ingredients that help water remove oil and dirt. One part of a surfactant attaches to oily dirt; another part allows it to wash away. Water alone does not remove oily dirt as effectively, because that dirt sticks to the skin. Body wash supplies the missing connection, rather than leaving water to negotiate with oil.1

Foam is not essential for cleaning. Emollient soap substitutes, which are moisturising products used instead of soap, clean skin just as effectively without foaming like normal soap. A wash can do its job without turning the shower into a bubble bath audition.2

How should you use body wash?

1. 1Wet your skin with warm water.
2. 2Put cleanser in your hands and add a little water. Use enough to remove dirt and oil; dry skin does not need a thick lather.
3. 3Massage gently over the areas you need to wash. If your skin is dry, focus cleanser on areas such as your armpits and groin rather than automatically soaping every inch.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly, then gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it.
5. 5If your skin is dry, apply a fragrance free moisturiser while your skin is still damp. A cream or ointment adds more moisture than a lotion.

Which body wash should you choose?

For dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle, fragrance free cleanser. "Unscented" is not the same thing: an unscented product can contain chemicals that hide the smell of other ingredients, and these can irritate dry, sensitive skin. Deodorant soaps can also be too harsh for these skin types.3

Skin is naturally slightly acidic, with a normal adult pH of about 5.5. pH measures how acidic or alkaline something is. Disrupting that balance affects the skin's protective barrier and can contribute to dryness, flaking and irritation. Labels such as "pH balanced," "mild" and "sensitive skin" are useful clues when choosing a cleanser. Oily skin can sometimes tolerate a stronger wash.4

How often should you wash?

Wash affected areas after exercise. Repeated washing can remove the skin's protective oil film and increase water loss, leaving skin excessively dry. For dry skin, keep baths and showers to five to ten minutes and use warm rather than hot water.13

What if you have eczema or psoriasis?

For eczema, choose a mild liquid cleanser rather than a traditional bar soap. Look for fragrance free, soap free or moisturising options. Daily showers are possible if you prefer them, but keep them lukewarm and about ten minutes or less. Apply a cream or ointment promptly afterwards, ideally within three minutes, to lock in moisture.5

For psoriasis, take only one bath or shower a day and limit showers to five minutes. Use a gentle, moisture rich cleanser and wash with your hands. Skip loofahs, washcloths and scrubs, which can irritate skin and trigger a flare. Apply fragrance free moisturiser within five minutes afterwards.6

For dry or itchy skin, an emollient soap substitute is another option. Mix a small amount with warm water in your palm, spread it over your skin, rinse and pat dry. If stinging does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist for a different product. Emollients can make the bath or shower slippery, so take care.2

When should you get help?

Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation. Persistent dryness despite gentler washing and moisturising also needs assessment, because an underlying condition can require treatment beyond changing your body wash.3