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We use soap to clean our skin and keep it glowing. Using soaps will also help in keeping the skin smooth, away from any dermal problems. With hundreds of brands in the market, selecting the right soap becomes crucial. There is no single perfect soap that is suitable for everyone. Everybody has a different skin type and you will have to choose a soap that suits yours.
Choosing soaps based on your skin type
Skin produces sebum, which is a natural oil. This oil production varies from one person to another. People with oily skin have overworked sebaceous glands. They are then more prone to acne. People with this kind of skin type should wash their face frequently and also try and avoid using strong soaps. Check the ingredients of the soap and buy something that has sea salt, oatmeal, brown sugar or peach pits. These are gentle on your skin and clear extra oil, thereby, reducing damage to the skin. If your skin is not too sensitive then you can also try a mild exfoliating soap that can be used 2 to 4 times in a week. (Read: Do you have oily skin? Choose beauty products wisely)
Sebum is important for the skin, but the secretion should not be too high or low. When the production of sebum is lower than the optimal range, then yours is a dry skin. When you are selecting a soap for dry skin, make sure that ingredients in the soap contain moisturising properties. Selecting a soap which has glycerine is the best choice. Glycerin has moisturising properties and can absorb water present in the air. This will keep your skin moist for a longer time. You can also choose soaps that have vegetable oils, cocoa butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oilandavocado in case of dry skin. (Read: These 5 home remedies for dry skin work!)
If you have sensitive skin, then you are lucky. There are many soaps available in the market for sensitive skin. You should make sure that the soap you are selecting has balanced pH levels, no colorants or perfume in them. (Read: 5 natural home remedies for sensitive skin)
Combination skin is a skin type which has both dry and oily properties. If you have this type of skin, then you should avoid soaps manufactured exclusively for oily skin or dry skin. The soaps for oily skin make the oily parts more oily and dry skin soaps make the dry parts more drier. Glycerin soaps are a good choice for the individuals with combination skin.
This skin type is quite opposite to combination skin. Normal skin is not too dry or not too oily. You should also avoid dry skin soaps and oily skin soaps. You can go with herbal soaps. (Read: Fruit face packs for normal skin)
Here is the list of soap types that all skin types should avoid:
So, you should always select the soap based on your skin type. You can use trial and error method to find the best soap for you. Remember, try only those which are made for your skin type. Neglecting the selection of soaps that are good for you can result in permanent damage to your beautiful glowing skin.
Photo source: Getty images
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Citations
Stability conditions and mechanism of cream soaps: role of glycerol. Sagitani H. J Oleo Sci. 2014;63(4):365-72.
Evaluation of mild skin cleansers.Wortzman MS. DermatolClin. 1991 Jan;9 (1):35-44.
Factors to consider when selecting skin cleansing products. Nix DH. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2000 Sep;27(5):260-8.