Many of us have this habit of impulsive buying. Some rely on the influence of their favorite personality to use certain items. In some cases, people easily get tempted upon hearing success stories about using a particular product and aim to achieve similar results. Remember that what works for others may take a reverse side on you, especially when it comes to hair and body wash. Other than personal preference, your skin and hair type have all the say on which product is right for you.
Now, how do you spot the best soap, shower gel, and shampoo for your skin? Let’s get down to the details!
What To Look for In a Shower Gel
Contrary to some beliefs, shower gels and soaps share an underlying difference in how they flow into and interact with the skin. The shower gel’s milder formula makes it an ideal pick for people with oily to normal skin with no sensitivity issues. Sure, you can also apply a few amounts on dry skin. But a fair warning! It may leave you feeling tight and harsh, so we recommend topping it up with a shower cream as possible.
As for texture, it has a gel-like, firmer consistency and stronger fragrance dilution compared to other body wash products. The shower gel boasts soothing, exfoliating properties designed to be pH balanced. It sweeps out dead skin cells and rejuvenates your body.
- If you have oily skin, skip higher formulation and go for lighter shower gels with calm exfoliation instead. It prevents clogged pores by reducing breakouts.
- For dry skin, look for a product with extra moisturizers. Avoid the aromatic ones.
- Those with skin sensitivities and allergies can use shower gel too. But make sure it is scented-free and only contains organic and natural ingredients.
- Ingredients like mint awaken and reinvigorate skin, while raspberries contain a good amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. Lavender is another sought-after compound found in many shower gels. It keeps hormonal levels upright and makes you feel relaxed throughout your shower session, not to mention the comforting scent!
- If budget is an issue, consider purchasing a multi-use shower gel, perhaps a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1. Not only will you save a few bucks compared to buying separate bath items, but you will also save ample storage in your bathroom. Some shower gels can be used as a bubble bath and for washing hair, although the latter is a bit divisive as the formula can make your hair too dry.
What To Look for In a Bath Soap
This one is a staple in most bathrooms. Bar soaps can either be derived from vegetable or animals fats that help to get rid of oils, dirt, sweat, and sebum from the skin. However, some bar soaps are believed to peel off essential oils and alter pH levels, and therefore, damaging the health of your skin. That’s why diligent research is required before shelling out money for a particular product.
Compared to body wash, bath soaps have more fragrances that tend to last longer. There are also synthetic smells and essential oils, whichever you prefer most. Not a fan of fragrant soaps? Unscented formulas can save your day, but don’t worry about compromising their effectiveness of removing dirt and making your skin smooth and clear.
- For normal skin, herbal soaps are great for maintaining pH balance. They are kind and soothing to the skin with no mixture of artificial scents. The aroma it produces is purely natural and organic.
- If you have dry skin, better look for a soap with moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, cocoa butter, glycerin, jojoba oil, or coconut oil shea butter.
- Having oily skin is not easy since you are more prone to acne breakouts, plus you need to refrain from using soaps with strong concentrations. Be sure the formula has lemon, tea tree oil, oatmeal, charcoal, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or other mild compounds.
- A calming and gentle soap is ideal for sensitive skin. It should be free from sulfates, alcohol, and synthetic scents and consist of organic ingredients, including milk, carrot, shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E, and neem. They exfoliate the skin while being gentle and causing no damage.
- Combination skin has both the properties of oily and dry skin. Soaps supplemented with glycerin, chamomile, aloe vera, and vitamin E are your best combat against common skin problems.
What To Look for In a Shampoo
Of course, everyone’s shower best friend, especially girls. It is commonly a thick liquid intended to clean the hair and scalp by eliminating excess oil and dirt around hair follicles. While a block of soap can be used for hair as a budget-friendly alternative, it is not always a good idea due to its possibility of stripping off hair’s outer protective layer.
The right shampoo offers tons of benefits, which include making your hair feel and look healthier, balancing hair’s pH levels, encouraging healthy follicle growth, and protecting color-treated hair. It should suit well to your scalp and hair type, as well as cater to hair fall, dandruff, and similar issues.
- If you are one of the lucky few with the normal scalp, you don’t have to go deeper picking shampoo. As long as it has even amounts of conditioning agents and detergent formulation, you’re good to go.
- For scalps dealing with oily or greasy appearance, try to find labels that indicate balancing, volumizing, or strengthening. These are non-moisturizing and help get rid of excess oil. Alternatively, go for clarifying shampoo to give your hair a deep cleanse, but do not overuse it. Otherwise, you’ll likely suffer from a damaged scalp or make the condition worse.
- If your scalp tends to flake, dry, or itch, a shampoo containing gentle formulas can resolve the problem. It soothes, hydrates, and moisturizes the scalp. Ingredients like menthol and tea tree oil are the best way to start your search.
- Your hair type also decides what shampoo to add to your shower caddy. Volumizing shampoos are good for fine hair, moisturizing or hydrating shampoos for thick hair, balancing shampoos for wavy hair, and smoothening shampoos for straight hair. Lastly, strengthening shampoos can do wonders for brittle, damaged, and colored hair.
