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Woman looking in the mirror after a shower.
It's probably in your bathroom right now.
Author:
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira
Updated:
Showering isn't rocket science. Whether you're doing a quick scrub down or going all-in with an "everything" shower, soap and water are essential. But it seems like showering is not so simple after all, since many people seem to make the same mistake over and over again.
When it comes to washing your body, dermatologists say that bar soap is not the best choice for cleaning your skin. "I have worked for many years helping people who suffer from dry, itchy and irritated skin. Many of these people use one common thing every day without knowing it's making their problem worse: bar soap," explains Dr. David Johnson, MD, a dermatologist and cofounder of RedliteX.
So, is it time to ditch bar soap, and is body wash a suitable replacement? Parade asked dermatologists their thoughts on body wash vs. bar soap and what to do when you don't want to give up your bar soap habit.
Related: The No. 1 Shower Habit to Break, According to Doctors
How Does Bar Soap Affect the Skin?
Dr. Johnson says that most bar soaps sold in stores contain ingredients like sulfates and strong perfumes that can be harsh on the skin. While they might help you feel clean, they're actually doing the opposite. These ingredients damage the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin responsible for keeping moisture in and preventing germs and dirt from entering the body.
"If this layer gets damaged, your skin can become dry and rough," he explains. "It also makes it easier for problems like eczema and contact dermatitis to happen."
Traditional bar soaps also have a high pH that can strip your body of natural oils needed to keep your skin moisturized, adds Dr. Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. For context, the pH of bar soaps ranges between 7 and 9. Human skin has a pH of 5.5, which is slightly acidic enough to maintain the balance of natural oils and keep the good skin bacteria on your body alive.
Is Body Wash Better Than Bar Soap?
For people with sensitive or dry skin, both dermatologists agree that body wash is a fantastic alternative. "The goal is to cleanse the skin without stripping it, so a gentle, creamy body wash is often a safer bet for maintaining a healthy skin barrier," Dr. Kopelman says.
Of course, not all body washes are created equal. Dr. Kopelman recommends looking for body washes labeled "fragrance-free" or "for sensitive skin." Dr. Johnson takes it one step further and advises buying body washes that specifically state they are "dermatologist-tested."
Additionally, Kopelman says people should check if their body wash has the following hydrating ingredients:
- hyaluronic acid
- ceramides
- colloidal oatmeal
What if You Want To Keep Using Bar Soap?
If bar soap makes you feel cleaner and you like the lower price point, don't panic. Both dermatologists simply recommend being selective about your bar soap to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
"It’s not so much that bar soap as a whole is bad [but] that you need to choose the right kind," Dr. Kopelman advises. "There are now many newer formulations that are much gentler and more moisturizing."
Related: How Often Should You Replace Your Shower Curtain?
The next time you're at the store, pay attention to the ingredient list, not the brand. Dr. Kopelman says to avoid soaps that contain harsh surfactants, heavy fragrances or alcohols since they are more likely to irritate the skin. Instead, choose skin-friendly bar soaps with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter or ceramides.
Although there is one caveat. If you have eczema or very dry skin, Dr. Kopelman advises against using bar soap. Instead, people with those skin types should completely switch to a moisturizing body wash.
"Your skin works hard to protect you," Dr. Johnson says. "Give it what it needs to keep doing its job."
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Sources
- David Johnson, MD, is a dermatologist and cofounder of RedliteX.
- Hannah Kopelman, DO, is a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery.
- Comprehensive evaluation of physico-chemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in commercial soaps: A study on bar soaps and liquid hand wash. Heliyon.
- What Is Your Skin’s pH and Why Does It Matter? Cleveland Clinic.
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