Are You Using The Right Body Wash For Your Skin Type?
Taking a shower or bath is second nature to almost everyone. Whether you have a lengthy shower routine or not, everyone tackles the necessities in almost the same way. Many will start by caring for their hair with shampoo, following up with conditioner, and then washing their bodies. In between these steps, you may add cleansing your face, shaving, or exfoliating. Long story short, we all turn to showers to start or wipe off the day, but not many of us realize that the body wash we're using should be customized for our specific skin type.
When choosing a body wash, most will agree that they base their decision based on the scent and how it feels on the skin. While that's fine, your body's skin is unique to others. This means that not everyone is one-size-fits-all. To get the most out of your body wash, you need to pick up a product that works for your skin type. Finding the right body wash for you may seem a little pointless at first, but it can give you entirely different results that will ultimately benefit your skin in the long run.
Finding your ideal body wash
Generally, your body's skin type will be similar to that of your face. Meaning, if you have oily skin then there's a high chance that your body is oily as well. However, there can be differences, especially as you go through various seasons. If you find that you constantly get acne breakouts across your back and chest, then you have oily skin. Whereas, itchy and cracked skin indicates dry skin. If most body products cause an adverse reaction or irritation, you have more sensitive skin. Knowing which skin type you have is key to getting the best cleanse possible.
Like your facial cleanser, you want to choose a body wash that will help you deal with issues that plague your skin type. For those with oily skin, you want to find body washes that contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid. These ingredients will help absorb some of that excess oil to prevent future breakouts. Those with drier skin need a body wash with hydrating and nurturing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil that work to add moisture back into the skin. If your skin is more on the sensitive side, it's best to stay away from harsh chemicals and ingredients. Body washes with fragrances or chemicals will likely irritate the skin, so opt for products with as few ingredients as possible.
Using body wash correctly
When it comes to using body wash, you want to ensure you are using it wisely. Before you begin your body care routine, you want to ensure you are using the right water temperature. Although everyone enjoys the relaxation that comes with a hot shower, this high temperature of the water can be detrimental to your skin. Use lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin and canceling out the benefits of your body wash.
Once you've got the right temperature, use a generous amount of body wash, but avoid using too much. If you're using a body wash that contains active ingredients, you can overdry your skin by applying too much product in one spot. One quarter-sized amount is more than enough to help you cleanse your body. After your shower, you want to dry off in a gentle matter. Rubbing yourself dry with your towel will only irritate your skin to the point of dryness. Gently pat yourself dry and be cautious with how you treat your skin.
Like your face, your body doesn't respond well to aggressive actions, and establishing a post-shower routine is just as important if you want to extend the benefits of your body wash.