Home LivingWellnessBeautyWhat are the different skin types and which soap you should use?A guide to the best soaps and most suitable ingredients no matter what skin you haveWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessBeautyWhat are the different skin types and which soap you should use?A guide to the best soaps and most suitable ingredients no matter what skin you haveWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
A guide to the best soaps and most suitable ingredients no matter what skin you have
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Getty)
Soap is something most people use every day, whether that’s in liquid form or as a bar. But there’s more to soap than simply making us smell like a bunch of roses. Modern-day soap products now boast an array of unique ingredients to differential themselves, whether that’s through a concoction of botanical oils to nourish and moisturise the skin, or infused with natural, antibacterial properties for targeting certain skin conditions. The possibilities are endless.
But with lots of choices in ourbest soap for menguide, all with their own cocktail of sometimes quite strange ingredients, how do we know we’re getting the right soap that’s best suited to our skin type? That’s exactly what we’re here to help you with. In this article, we’ll detail the different types of skin types and the best kinds of soap for each.
Not 100-percent sure of the difference between shower gel, body wash and bar soap? Read oursoap vs shower gel vs body washexplainer, first.
The different skin types and which soaps you should use
So how important is it actually to ensure we’re using the right type of soap with the right ingredients for our skin? Actually, more than you think. If you’ve got a naturally oily skin type, for example, then you don’t want to invest in a soap brimming with oil-based ingredients as that could make your skin greasy, shiny or even lead to breakouts. Equally, if you’ve got dry skin you’re going to want to avoid soaps targeting people with conditions like acne or containing harsh ingredients like alcohol, retinoids, or alpha hydroxy acids as these may dry your skin even further and cause irritation.
Essentially, choosing the right soap for you is all about ingredients. These will determine how they affect the PH balance of your skin and thus what it looks like day-to-day. So we’ve put together a simple guide for you to follow to help you find a suitable soap. All you have to do is find your skin type below and we’ll advise the best ingredients to look out for and some potential soaps to try out.
No matter what your skin type, though, look for bar soaps that are unscented, hypoallergenic, and include high levels of moisturising ingredients, such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide. Also, as a general rule of thumb, avoid chemical-ridden products that include parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde.
Skin types guide:
These are the main skin types and product recommendations for each.
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Dry skin
If your skin is often dry and sometimes flaky, try a soap containing ingredients like aloe vera, cocoa butter, avocado and vegetable oils. These are all great for those who experience dry skin, anywhere on the body. Olive oil, which also has anti-ageing properties (bonus!), shea butter, paraffin and glycerine are also brilliant ingredients to keep an eye out for as they’re super moisturising.
CeraVe’sHydrating Cleanser Baris a good option. As isIshga’s Shampoo and Body Bar.
Sensitive skin
If you’ve got naturally sensitive skin that’s easily inflamed or reacts easily upon contact with new products, look for a soap with ingredients that are all-natural, organic or botanical-based, as these don’t irritate the skin. Vitamin E and jojoba oil are especially good, especially if you suffer from skin conditions such as ichthyosis, eczema and psoriasis.
A good sensitive soap isL’Occitane Shea Ultra Gentle Soapas it’s been specially formulated to be gentle on the skin.
Oily skin
Those that have oily skin should look for a naturally-antibacterial soap containing ingredients such as lavender, chamomile and thyme, all of which are effective for balancing shiny, oily skin. Authentic House’sLemongrass & Lavender soapis a good choice thanks to its ability to balance out the oils in your skin while helping to prevent acne (a common occurrence for oily skin types).
Combination skin
Glycerin-based soaps are a good option for those with combination skin (that is, skin that’s either dry in place and oily in places, or both). The great thing about Glycerin is that it helps nourish and soften the skin to give an even complexion. For this, we’d recommendKiehl’s Heritage Glycerin Soapas it’s a great all-rounder for all skin types.
Break out-prone skin
If your skin is prone to breakouts, you’re probably already aware of the difficulty in finding a soap with a formula that’s suitable as many acne-fighting products tend to be on the harsh side. A great ingredient, however, is activated charcoal as this absorbs dirt and oil. Tea tree oil and lavender are also worthwhile alternatives, as these work to calm red, irritated skin and are naturally antibacterial and antifungal, which are great spot-fighters.
Tips for washing your face with soap
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