The right body cleansers can make you feel clean and fresh. They can also benefit the skin with the right moisturizing ingredients. But when you go shopping for new body wash or shower gel, do you really know what you are looking for? Or the difference between the body wash and shower gel? Keep reading to find out how to choose the right body cleanser to meet your skin and shower needs.
Different Skin Types
It is important to know what type of skin you have before you purchase a body wash or shower gel. Choosing the right product can allow you to effectively manage your skin type- allowing it to stay properly hydrated and protected. You can determine your skin type by blotting a clean tissue on your face in the morning before you shower or wash your face. Keep reading to determine your skin type.
There are many different types of skin including:
- Normal: If you have normal skin, the tissue will be dry without any oil residue on it after you pat your face in the morning. It will not be dry, itchy, tight of flakey. Normal skin is one of the most common types of skin- it has good circulation and does not have oil on the tissue. Most body washes will be suitable for normal skin, but make sure that you make sure that you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients.
- Oily: If you have oily skin, the tissue will have oil on it after you pat your face. You should take note of where the oil transfer is from when you pat your face with the tissue including the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous gland. There are a wide variety of factors that may affect who develops oily skin and who doesn’t which may include hormones, genetics, pregnancy, expired cosmetics, oily skin products and stress. There are many products that are intended for oily skin that can help to control the production of oil, helping your face to stay more dry and clear. Those who have oil skin may also have large pores. Pores can be minimized using an exfoliant or toner. Using a gentle cleanser daily can help to lower the level of oil produced by the skin.
- Dry: If you have dry skin, there will be no residue on the tissue after you blot your face in the morning. It will also feel tight and flakey. Dry skin may cause itching and cracking. It is important that you hydrate dry skin using the right moisteners and skin treatments. Do not use a foaming soap to clean your skin, rather look for a gentle cleanser that will moisturize and protect your skin. If you have dry skin, try to use warm water instead of hot water- which can further dry out the skin.
- Combination: Combination skin is a mix between dry, oily and normal. The skin may be oily around the T-zone which includes the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin. Combination skin may also have areas of dry patches including under the eyes and around the nose.
- Sensitive: Many people have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of different skin conditions including rosacea, eczema and allergies. Sensitive skin can become inflamed and irritated from the sun and certain skin products. It is important to find cleansers and lotions that are designed for use by those with sensitive skin. You should also make sure that you look at ingredients used so that you can avoid those that may cause a reaction.
Body Wash vs Shower Gel
You may not have thought that there was a difference between body wash and shower gel, but generally shower gel is thicker than body wash. It has a filmy consistency that generally does not produce a lather. Shower gel is well-suited for people who have oily and blemish prone skin. Many shower gels are made with soothing ingredients that help to cool and hydrate the skin. A few of the most common ingredients include cucumber extracts, aloe, and lavender. Shower gel does not leave a film on top of the skin. Body wash is a shower product that is best used for those who have normal or combination skin. It is often thinner in texture than shower gel because it is liquid. It also often foams and lathers easily. Body wash is available in a variety of different scents and textures. Moisturizing body wash is best for those who have dry and sensitive skin. It contains the ingredients and properties needed to keep the skin protected and hydrated through dry conditions. One of the most common ingredients found in moisturizing body wash is mineral oil. This ingredient helps to seal moisture into the skin and create a protective barrier from the elements. There are many shower gels and body washes that are targeted towards specific skin concerns.
Choosing a Body Cleanser
The right body cleanser can clean your skin and leave it looking and feeling great. A few things to consider in addition to your skin type when choosing cleanser include:
Antioxidants
- Many body cleansers contain antioxidants that can benefit the skin including coffee, pomegranate, acai super fruit, green tea, Goji, and more.
Nutrients
- Some cleansers will include skin conditioning nutrients that can keep your skin protected and hydrated including Vitamin A, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.
Scents
- Body cleansers are available in many different scents including Citrus, Lavender, Lily, Coconut, Passionfruit, Vanilla, Ocean Breeze and many more. You may have to try out a few different
Texture
- Body cleansers are available in many different formulas. Some body cleansers may have foaming and lathering properties, and others may have grains or beads in them for exfoliation.
Many body cleansers are gel-like and will only lather a little bit. The right body cleansers can leave your skin feeling clean, moisturized and fresh.