Choosing the Best Soap for Your Skin Type: A Comprehensive Guide

We can’t stress enough on the importance of cleaning your face.

Pollution, sun damage and the amount of products we use on our face take a toll on the skin. Keeping the face clean and free of any residual dirt or product is therefore essential.

Following a proper cleansing regime is easier said than done. The market today is flooded with different brands of soaps. Most of the soaps still use fat and alkali as the main ingredient. The other ingredients have been replaced to suit the requirements of different skin types.

Soaps today are made with different needs in mind. Some are specialised to help moisturize the skin. There are others that are specifically made to control the oil secretion from your glands. Various other soaps have been developed to make your bath time more pleasurable.

The vast number of options makes it difficult to select a soap that will actually suit you best. Understanding your needs and having the right knowledge about various soaps can help make buying a little more easier and useful.

Tips to Help You Decide The Kind Of Soap Your Skin Needs:

Before you decided to pick up a particular soap of any brand or type, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are you out to purchase? Do you want to buy body soap, hand soap or a facial soap?
• Your purchase has to be in accordance with your skin type. Whether your skin is oily, dry, normal, or combination will determine the kind of soap you buy. Checking the list of ingredients in each brand will give you a fair idea. Most soap brands also mention the type of skin they are most suited for, ex. Normal to dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, dry or very dry skin and the like.
• Though scented soaps may smell good, steer clear of them as they have a potential to cause irritation and allergy to sensitive skin types.
• While keeping your options open, try to buy soaps that are natural. They smell good and efficiently moisturize and exfoliate, without the risk of causing any irritation. These are especially good for those with sensitive or dry skin.
• Get an idea of the different products available and then select the ones you think will work for you. Read the product reviews of the products and their respective brands.
• Most soap brands these days make a travel sized product. Get the smallest size to try out first. You can always go for the regular sized soap once you are happy with it.

Some pointers to keep in mind:

• Follow the instructions listed on the product.
• Read the skin type specifications, if any.
• Do not switch brands on and off as it can lead to skin damage.
• Use the product where it is supposed to be used. For e.g. use body soap only on the body and not on your face.

The Most Common Ingredients Found In Soap

Here is a list of some of the most common ingredients that are found in different types of soaps:

1. Sodium palmitate: 

This acts mainly as a cleanser. It also acts as an emulsifier, making oil and liquid ingredients blend and work better. This will help create a good lather but can also dry out skin.

2. Triclosan: 

This is a common ingredient that is found in anti-bacterial soaps.

3. Organic soap oils: 

The most common oils that are used in organic soaps are olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil. The essential oils included in such soaps are mainly chamomile and lavender. Some may also include rose oil. These are very gentle and act as a good blend in organic soaps.

4. Organic soap waxes and butters: 

Waxes and butters are mainly found in soaps that are solid. These commonly include beeswax, cocoa butter and Shea butter.

5. Glycerine: 

This is great for skin that is dry. It adds the required moisture to the skin and keeps your skin supple and soft.

6. Apricot kernel oil: 

Rejuvenates and repairs skin. It is especially good for dry and mature skin.

7. Wheat germ oil: 

Very hydrating and moisturising

8. Vitamin E: 

Especially good for those who have dry and sensitive skin.

Before you decide to try out a new soap, remember to read the label and the description carefully. A soap that may work well on others may have a completely opposite effect on your skin. Try using once or twice to see how your skin feels and be guided by it.

That is all the information you need! Pick what is right for you and see how it works! Even better, comment below and tell us too.