As the weather becomes cold, we need to upgrade our methods of skincare. When winters arrive, we should be using the hydrating creams frequently. There must be a change in the kind of skin products we use. We must replace harsh soaps with hydrating soaps. Undoubtedly, soaps play a key role in determining skin texture and combating dryness. Soaps for dry skin remove dirt from it and keep it moisturized due to their high-mineral content.
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term disorder in which people experience inflammation and a damaged skin barrier. When your skin's protective barrier is not intact, you are vulnerable to infection by surrounding pollens, allergens, and other chemicals. So it would be best if you do brainstorming before deciding on a soap or body wash for your dry skin. The symptoms of eczema differ from person to person, as well as skin sensitivity.
It is also crucial to gain knowledge about the disease and know the allergens that aggravate this condition. Dryness, itching, and redness are cumbersome symptoms and can progress into psoriasis if left untreated. Thus, it is important to develop personal-care habits and moisturize the skin regularly. Today, We have come up with top soaps for dry skin and a detailed guide on choosing the right soap for yourself. Therefore, read till the end to know more.
What causes dry/itchy skin?
You get dry skin when your dermis loses too much moisture. Following are the factors which are responsible for the desiccation of skin:
Risk factors:
Dryness can attack anyone, but a few things can increase your chance of developing dry skin.
Aging:
At an older age, you are more prone to dry skin. During these years, your skin produces relatively less oil, ultimately leading to dehydrated skin.
Past Medical history:
In a medical checkup, your history says it all. If you have a history of skin disorders or someone in your family has eczema, then there is an increased chance that you can develop it.
Season:
A desiccated skin is prominent during the autumn and winter season. It happens due to lower levels of moisture in the air. Whereas summers, more humidity saves you from developing dry skin.
Bathing routine:
Long showers, especially with hot water, cause dryness of the skin. More vaporization from your body can leave your skin dry and rough.
Does dry skin cause acne?
Most of us have a mindset that only oily skin is prone to acne. But let us tell you that dry skin is also vulnerable to blemishes and acne. Skin acne and spots can occur when general damage to the dermis.
To effectively deal with both conditions, we recommend you continue your skincare routine and apply a moisturizing soap designed for the acne-prone dermis. Apply this facial cleanser two times a day. Any facial cleanser containing harsh ingredients such as rubbing alcohol should be avoided.
How to find the right soap for your dry skin?
Dry skin can be a big hassle, especially in cold weather. The soap product you use treats the condition. But, sometimes can elevate it too. If you are a sufferer of eczema, you should wisely choose a hand soap that will fulfill all the mineral requirements of your skin.
Always avoid soaps with harsh substances such as perfumes, synthetic dyes, and SLS, which peel off the lipid lining of the skin. Go for dry skin soaps that contain oil and fat content to help keep skin moisturized.
The wrong soap can cause much trouble for you. But it doesn't mean that all soaps are harmful. Dermatologists recommend soaps that are specially for the dry and dull dermis. You should purchase only those soaps for dry skin which are devoid of harsh chemicals. So, it means that a mild, non-allergic, and moisturizing soap is right for dry skin.
Things to look for in Soaps for Dry Skin
Many people with dry skin are less prone to blackheads and acne issues. However, it can create irritability and itchiness because there is insufficient production of the softening sebum. Hence, you have to make sure that you avoid anything which interferes with the lipid lining of the skin.
Firstly, you should look out for glycerin products. Soaps having organic oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and aloe vera can remove the toxins and retain the moisture. Take extra care in the usage of the soaps because applying an excessive quantity of them can leave your skin dry and withered. Get into a routine of cleansing with lukewarm water or tone it in the morning.
Now let's talk about the things that you have to consider while purchasing a soap.
Look for plant oils.
Djordjevic suggests using products having pure natural oils, preferably vegetable oils. He says, "soaps that contain cocoa butter, olive oil, and jojoba in them are ideal choices for dry skin."
Look for glycerin
In case you don't find an organic soap, then consider purchasing dry skin soaps that have glycerin in them. These kinds of products are beneficial in hydrating the skin and combating dryness. Glycerin is a constituent of fats. It gives a translucent look to soaps.
Look for lanolin and hyaluronic acid.
A licensed dermatologist, Rhonda Klein, emphasized considering products made with hyaluronic acid and lanolin because of their moisturizing effects. Lanolin, which is produced by the holocrine glands of sheep, has hydrating and conditioning effects on hair and dermis. Whereas, hyaluronic acid is the chief molecule that helps in retaining the moisture of the skin.
Things to Avoid in Soaps for Dry Skin
Avoid synthetic dyes
While you look for hydrating ingredients, it is important to stop using dyes that are irritant to the skin, says Jamie Bacharach, a certified naturopath and the in-charge of acupuncture in Jerusalem.
She further remarks, "Businesses that use unnatural and chemical substances just to get appealing look neglect the skin health of their customers. Most artificial colors in cosmetic products are associated with complex chemical procedures. They have harmful effects on the dermis. They can do more damage instead of alleviating the skin condition.
Avoid fragrances and alcohol.
Rhonda Klien advises choosing soaps without sulfates, alcohol, and fragrances. It's because all of them can create dryness on your skin. Always do a fragrance check when you search for soaps as some fragrances are unsuitable for dry skin.
Dr. Jamie Bacharach says," Many sharp scents are added in soaps which appeal to the customers. However, soaps having sharp fragrances contain scents harmful to the skin. On the contrary, soaps that promote skin health have no considerable scents. So, it is wiser to smell the soap so that you can prevent any negative effects in the future.
Avoid SLS
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a constituent in detergents that promote cleansing actions. They are called surfactants, chemicals that reduce the surface tension of the liquid, thus, assisting in removing dirt from fabrics. But these surfactants can pose harm to our skin by causing allergic reactions. Thus, people with sensitive skin should avoid direct contact with such substances. They should buy dry skin soaps free from SLS.
7 Best Soaps for Dry Skin
Itchy skin can be troublesome to deal with. We are not discussing the dryness that happens during cold weather. Even dryness can occur in scorching hot weather, especially if you are more prone to skin disorders. People do it wrong when they pick up unsuitable soaps for dry skin and use hot water when bathing. You may be applying the hydrator after taking a shower to combat dryness and still unable to do away with it. What if it all has to do with your hand soap?
Certain chemicals are put into soaps that can harm your skin. Moreover, the labels of skin products can be misleading. We recommend you do thorough research before deciding on a hand soap for yourself.
Following are the 7 best soaps with natural ingredients that will help you fight dry skin.
1. Kopari Hydrating Gel Body Wash With Aloe and Sea Kelp
This great product is beneficial for the skin due to the presence of coconut water, argan oil, and sea scums (which moisturizes skin better than hyaluronic acid). The gel is smoothly changed into a froth and does not cause any peeling.
Benefits:
- The soap is made with cruelty-free procedures.
- It lacks phthalates and sulfates.
- It is stuffed with important vitamins like A, B, C, and E.
- The product provides hydration and antioxidants to the dermis.
2. Skinfix Eczema Foaming Oil Body Wash
People with eczema-prone skin look for a moisturizing cleanser (with small to no peeling). This unremarkable oil body wash has surface-active agents associated with coconut. Moreover, nutrient-rich oils like jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil, and aloe have been put together to achieve an added hydrating effect.
Benefits:
The soap is
- Scent-free.
- Sulfate-free
- Beneficial for dryness.
- The cleanser conditions skin without disturbing the lipid lining of the skin.
3. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Bar Soap
The key ingredient in this bar soap is Shea butter. The powerful fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids prevent the loss of moisture from the dermis. This skin product is anti-inflammatory and is proven to be beneficial for dry and prickly skins.
Benefits
- Thoroughly hydrates cracked and withered skin.
- It soothes irritable skin and moisturizes chapped lips.
- It shields hair from heat.
4. Pipette Calming Shampoo + Body Wash
It is a perfect choice for babies who suffer from skin conditions. Its prominent effect is to retain moisture. It contains a wonderful ingredient, squalane. That nourishes the skin barrier while acting as an antioxidant at the same time.
Benefits:
- The plant-obtained glycerin in this soap has hydrating properties.
- The squalane present in it retains all the natural factors in a baby's skin.
- It is free of scents
- It can be used both as a face wash and a body wash.
5. Lano Lanolin + Egg White Gentle Cleansing Bar
It is composed of 99.8% of organic ingredients. The hero constituent lanolin has hydrating effects on the skin. In addition, the egg white has pore-minimizing characteristics. It washes off all the dirt and toxins from the skin barrier. Moreover, the soap bar has a mild and gentle cleansing action.
Benefits:
- The soap contains no parabens and sulfates.
- It is free from synthetic dyes and fragrances.
- It leaves the skin nourished and clean.
6. Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar
Neil Brody, a licensed dermatologist, remarks, "Dove fragrance-free beauty bar is the sole thing I suggest to my clients." He further says, "You will not see any leftover soap while using it. It is gentle and soft and is scent-free. There is no issue of dryness with this soap bar.
This non-allergen soap bar is fit for regular use both on the body and face.
Benefits:
The soap is
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfates and parabens free
- It preserves the skin's natural moistness.
- It helps wash off all toxins while retaining the skin's delicate texture.
7. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Lastly, this amazing skin product is highly suggested by dermatologists. Dr. Klein highly adores this dry skin soap.
This soap is fragrance-free and non-allergenic, which makes it fit to apply on the face and body. It is also mild enough to use on eczema-prone skin. Furthermore, Cetaphil has a unique scent that is rejuvenating but not overpowering.
Benefits:
- Hydrates and cleans the skin thoroughly while retaining its natural factors.
- It is designed particularly for sensitive skin.
- You can use the soap daily.
- It lacks harsh ingredients.
Medicated soaps for dry skin:
Dry skin is troublesome, and a lot of people suffer from it. Dry skin can lead to redness, itchiness, and inflammation. You need to be cautious about the soaps or body washes you buy. Most soap brands are misleading and just do marketing. Thus, we would highly recommend you choose the soap wisely by knowing the ingredients present in it.
We have created a list of medicated soaps for dry skin that are composed of soothing ingredients.
- Murtala all fair soap.
- Murtala moisturizing soap.
- Liscab soap by lifestyle bioscience.
- Pears pure and gentle soap.
- Santoor purely bathing bar.
- Nivea cream care soap.
- Himalaya herbals almond and rose soap.
- Soulflower moisturizing milk chocolate soap.
- Flulin soap.
- Gloepetra soap by lifestyle bioscience.
Dermatologists share simple ways to combat dry skin.
Avoid soaps with high pH.
Do you follow the habit of using water and soap? Well, you should correct it all over. A popular skin specialist, Dr. Leffel, remarks, "The genuine soap is driving as it peels off natural factors of the skin barrier, also called stratum corneum."
Most soaps have a pH of 9 or 10, while our skin has a pH ranging between 4 and 5. It means that routine usage of such products can elevate the skin's pH and ultimately make room for skin disorders, according to the US Institute of asthma, allergy, and immunology. A popular skin specialist, Kwatra Suggests using a mild soap that will do the cleansing. She recommends Cetaphil in this regard but keeps searching until you find your very own soap.
So, in the end, whatever soap you find out, make sure that it does not contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), a harmful chemical. It poses a risk of itchiness and irritability to the skin, according to the University of Queensland Australia.
Skip long hot soaks
Taking long hot baths is everyone's favorite after a hectic and tiring day. But wait. You need to change this habit if you have itchy and irritable skin. People with skin conditions should avoid lengthy showers and just bathe for 5-10 minutes. Because doing it so can leave your skin dry.
The fact is the temperature of the water will be of concern. In other words, the longer the time of the shower, more is the temperature, and more vaporization will cause desiccation on the skin. The NEA has recommended not using bubble baths. The froth of the bubble bath disrupts the protective layer of skin and leaves skin de-desiccated.
Use a moisturizer
When you have completed your shower, a vital part of skincare is to apply a hydrator. J. Morgan O' Donoghue, a dermatologist in Florida, remarks, After showering with lukewarm water, instantly apply a moisturizer to lock the moisture and then blot dry with a towel. A delay in this step can be bad for your skin and add up to your skin problem. When it comes to buying the right moisturizer, avoid thin lotions. Use thick and viscous products. Kwart says Cream-like moisturizers are perfect for dry skin. These kinds of lotions prevent desiccation and retain the humidity of the skin. Aveeno is highly-recommended. A great product, Aquaphor, was suggested by a dermatologist, Dr. Leffel.
Another way to combat dryness is to use shower oil. But keep in mind that any cream, emollient, or oil you choose must be free of scent. The fragrances are known to aggravate sensitive skin.
Humidify the environment
While you take care about keeping your skin hydrated, optimum humidity in your environment is equally important. Lower levels of moisture in your surroundings can irritate your dermis and your nasal cavities too. Dampness ranging between 30 and 50 is fine and should be changed if needed. Any boost in the dampness of your room is good", says Dr.Leffel.
To determine the humidity level in your house, purchase a humidity probe. It can be bought from a gear store. If the surrounding air is not damp enough, invest in a damping instrument that is cleanable. The cleve clinic recommends regularly refilling the humidifier with water. It will save it from bacterial growth. Also, the bucket and filter should be washed with a gap of 3 days. Leffel has recommended a device that provides a baseline of 8 hours of humid air. An amazing humidifier with the name Vicks filter-free humidifier is suggested.
Eat a healthy diet
Consider consuming more fruits and vegetables- a plant-derived meal is ideal if you have skin trouble. Fruits and vegetables are powerful against prickle-induced sunburn. Dr. Kwatra remarks, "These diets can help strengthen the good bacteria, those fighting against inflammation.
Also, add seafood to your diet. The omega- 3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation linked to itchy skin. Make sure you are not deficient in vitamins and minerals. A lack of protein, vitamin C and zinc can be a cause of skin conditions.
FAQS about soaps for dry skin
Q. Are soaps for dry skin safe for applying to underarms?
Yes, such soaps are fit to apply on the whole body as well as underarms. These products are created primarily for eczema-prone and sensitive skin. They help lock in moisture and keep skin delicate.
Q. How to use soaps for dry skin?
It should be noted that when you apply soaps for dry skin, use tepid water rather than full hot, steaming water. This washes off toxins and dirt, simultaneously keeping the natural balance of the skin. If you have a dry skin problem, consider showering for less time duration and using a moisturizing cream. The hydrator must be applied immediately after the bath. Doing this will prevent moisture loss from the skin and keep it nourished all day long.
Q. Are there organic soaps for dry skin?
Yes. There are an unlimited number of products, including face wash, body wash, and cleanser for dry skin derived from natural-based ingredients. Some of them are vanilla and oatmeal soap, rose, cinnamon, orange soap, and natural tulsi soap. All of them are stuffed with rich organic ingredients making them ideal for dry and itchy skin.
Q. An ideal moisturizer for desiccated skin should be runny in texture. True or false?
Creams and ointments that are runny and watery are not fit for sensitive and dry skin. A perfect moisturizer is creamy in texture and provides constant, smooth application.
Conclusion:
The right type of soap can strengthen your skin barrier and relieve frustrating symptoms like itching and dryness. Our list of top soaps for dry skin will surely help you decide on the right product. Be patient in this journey. If the problem does not go away, consult a dermatologist.
