Is body wash better than soap?

Which should you choose?

A gentle moisturizing bar is a valid choice, so the bottle does not win by having a lid.2

Why can soap leave skin dry?

Adult skin normally has a pH of about 5.5, meaning it is slightly acidic. That acidity helps maintain natural oils and protect against harmful bacteria. Bar soap usually has a higher pH than facial cleansers and can strip natural oils and disturb that balance. An off balance pH can contribute to dryness, flaking and irritation. For dry body skin, replacing standard soap with a soap substitute, such as a synthetic detergent cleanser, is a practical option.56

What should you look for on the label?

Start with "fragrance free," especially if your skin is dry or sensitive. "Unscented" is not the same thing: products can contain chemicals that hide other ingredients' smells and irritate dry skin. Moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and lanolin can help reduce dryness. A "pH balanced" label is another useful clue.1245

How should you wash without drying your skin?

1. 1Use warm rather than hot water, and keep the shower or bath to 5 to 10 minutes.
2. 2Apply enough gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. For dry skin, avoid using so much that you produce a thick lather.
3. 3Concentrate cleanser where you need it, such as the armpits and groin. Avoid scrubbing; a soft cloth is gentler than a bath brush.
4. 4Pat your skin dry gently, leaving it slightly damp.
5. 5Apply a fragrance free cream or ointment promptly after bathing. For dry skin, these add more moisture than lotion.

Do you need body wash every day?

Morning or evening bathing is fine. Daily showering helps rinse off allergens, but older adults with dry skin can benefit from bathing less often. If you shower more than once a day, use cleanser during only one shower to avoid drying your skin. Normal skin can tolerate washing all over; dry or sensitive skin benefits from limiting cleanser to the areas that need it.27

Can you use the same soap on your face?

Choose a gentle facial cleanser instead of using your body soap bar on your face. Massage the cleanser with your fingers, rinse fully with lukewarm water, pat dry and apply moisturizer. Washcloths, loofahs and scrubbing brushes can be harsh on facial skin.15

What if your skin still feels tight or itchy?

Tightness after bathing, roughness, flaking and itching are signs of dry skin, not reasons to wash harder. Remove fragranced products from your routine and moisturize while skin is damp. Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation. Get medical help if dryness persists despite these changes, itching disrupts sleep, or scratching leaves open cuts or sores.34