The soap or body wash battle 

Bath your troubles away, they say, but we say don’t bath into trouble. When it comes to bath there are two common options that people opt for, one is a soap and the other is a body wash. Both will clean the body but there are differences in the way they work. And the way they work makes a whole lot of difference to your skin.  To know more about the differences and what’s best for your skin, read till the end. 

Also Read: 4 Most Common Skin Problems that can be Naturally Treated

What is a soap?

Soap is a cleaning agent that is formed by a chemical reaction between a fatty acid and an alkali metalhydroxide.The cleansing action of soap is due to its ability to isolate oil and dirt and dissolves it. This method of action makes the soap harsh on skin as our skin’s natural pH is lower and acidic in nature.  Soap doesn’t work to maintain the natural pH and also strips the body of its natural oils. 

Also Read: SKIN DEEP: MS. CONGENIALITY (AMERICA) BARES HER SOUL

It’s all in the pH

The usual pH of a soap is between 9 and 10, while that of skin is much lower between 4-6.5, regardless of the skin type. This difference in pH is one of the main reasons for your soap to be bad on your skin. And also the soap has the ability to strip off the essential lipids and proteins on the skin, which helps to maintain the moisture level of the skin and prevents dry skin.This can leave your skin dry and irritated. 

The new age soap

 Some soap that contain glycerin can draw moisture into the skin and counteract drying of the skin. Superfatted soaps are also available, they contain higher levels of lipids like triglycerides and stearic acid and these can form a protective barrier on the skin.

What is a body  wash?

A body wash is a liquid  that has mild surfactants. Surfactants are generally made up of two parts: a lipophilic part, which is fat-soluble, and a hydrophilic part, which is water-soluble. Dirt itself is lipophilic, which means that it won’t dissolve in water.

Body washes typically contain mineral oil or petroleum derivatives as their lipophilic part and water as the hydrophilic part.Body washes are more moisturizing because they also contain emollients (a.k.a. skin-softeners) 

These properties make the body wash gentle on the skin yet tough on dirt.  It has the ability to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. It can protect the skin’s natural barrier. It also doesn’t irritate the skin and soothes and calms the skin. 

If you are still unsure of what to choose, read our 7 reasons why a body wash will be better for you. 

1) Body wash can soothe and calm sensitive skin

2) It can deeply nourish and moisture dry skin

3) Body wash is effective in controlling and clearing the pores from dirt and grease. 

4) It is gentle on the skin

5) If you love fragrances, then body wash will give you a long lasting scent.

6) Body wash lasts longer

7) It is the most hygienic and cost effective choice, not to forget the travel friendliness of the bottles they come in

If you are someone who swears by the bar soap, give body wash a chance and see the difference yourself.