Dry skin can be tricky and tedious to take care of. The wrong skincare regime or products can lead to your skin drying out even more. It is essential to carefully look at the ingredients that are good for your skin and help keep it healthy and hydrated. It is just as important to know which ingredients can irritate your skin and cause more damage.
Soap vs cleanser for the face
When it comes to dry skin, it is possible that using a cleanser for your face is better than soap. Why? This is because soap can have ingredients that are harsh on your skin. Soaps have ingredients like detergents that can cause irritation to the skin on your face as well as take away your face’s natural oils. The skin on your face is more sensitive than the rest of your body and requires more care. Use a gentle foam-based cleanser that cleans your skin without drying it out.
What should you be looking for in a soap for your dry skin?
Let’s have a look at what you can do to ensure you get yourself the suitable soap for your dry skin type.
Cleanser ingredients
When looking for a good cleanser for your dry skin, keep your eyes out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerine.
Natural products
When it comes to dry skin, it is good to use natural and organic soaps. Some natural ingredients that are good for dry skin are shea butter, aloe vera, vegetable oils, olive oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil and avocado!
Glycerin
Glycerin is a bit of a miracle worker when it comes to retaining moisture in the skin. It is very widely used in all kinds of self-care products. Soaps that contain glycerin are very good for dry skin and avoiding the loss of your natural oils during a shower.
Lanolin
You may not have heard of this product before, but lanolin is an ingredient that has hydrating properties. Its origin may not be the most appealing as it is derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep. Geez! If you are vegan, then this might not be an option for you.
Hyaluronic acid
This one is a more common ingredient used in skin care products because of its hydrating properties. It is an excellent humectant and helps to attract water molecules to your skin.
Things to avoid in soap for dry skin
1. When it comes to your cleanser, try to avoid buying products with ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
2. Avoid soaps for your body that have fragrances and scents.
3. Try buying alcohol-free soaps that have fewer chemicals, as this can dry out your skin.
4. You should avoid antibacterial soaps because of their tendency to make the skin dry.
5. Avoid using a soap or cleanser that contains sodium lauryl sulphate. This is an ingredient used in detergents that are widely used. However, for dry skin, it can cause more damage than good. That being said, many people have absolutely no reactions to it.
6. Soaps that use dyes and colouring agents that are not natural are not ideal for dry skin. These agents can cause irritation and be damaging for dry skin.
See a Doctor!
If you are in doubt about what kind of soap or cleanser to use for your face, do not hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist, as they will be able to recommend the best option for your skin. They can also help you with a customised cleanser or soap specifically for you!
The silver lining
Your skin is a gift that needs to be taken care of. Becoming more conscious and aware of what goes into your skincare products can go a long way in improving the health of your skin. While there is a lot of information available on the internet, always remember that it is best to consult a dermatologist!
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s
1. What kind of water is best for dry skin when having a shower?
When it comes to dry skin, it is best to avoid hard water as the salts can dry up your skin and be quite harsh.
2. What temperature is best for a shower for dry skin?
It is best to avoid having a shower or a bath with very hot water, as this can strip the natural oils from your skin. However, we understand that the winter can make it hard to avoid the tempting hot water. Just make sure that you moisturise your skin very well. Another tip to keep the moisture in is to keep your bathroom door closed to retain the humidity.
3. What is the fastest way to hydrate my skin?
Moisturise! This really is the best way to bring your skin back to life. Layering on your cream multiple times a day can make a huge difference and help your skin regain its hydration.
4. How do I know which is the best soap for my dry skin?
Do your research, pick your ingredients and buy soaps that have ingredients with moisturising properties. If the situation is dire, then consult a dermatologist.
