The skin, the largest organ of the body, is constantly exposed to pollutants such as sweat, dust, and other chemicals. Improper cleansing of the skin can lead to its rapid degeneration, the appearance of acne, dryness, and a toxic sheen. Therefore, is it appropriate to cleanse the face with body wash?
What are the risks of washing your face with body wash?
Body wash has a different purpose than facial wash, despite the fact that they both work as cleansers. Body wash dissolves dirt from the skin's surface.
The natural oils in the body combine with sweat and debris to attach to the skin and provide an environment for bacteria. The bar soap formulation is designed to eliminate bacteria from the skin's surface and degrade this oily layer.
Several body washes are appropriate for sensitive skin due to their milder formulations. However, before applying bar detergent to your face, you should be aware of its ingredients.
Choose hypoallergenic soaps without fragrances. Use soap that has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glucerin, or ceramides, among other moisturising ingredients. Avoid soaps that include formaldehyde, lanolin, or parabens.
A soap's acidity level (pH) is usually between 9 and 10. On the other hand, the pH of the skin on the face is normally between 4 and 5. Applying bath soap to your face can cause a number of problems, including:
- Irritation. Body wash is frequently colored and perfumed. Face-area sensitive skin may become irritated by fragrances and pigments, resulting in negative effects including redness, itchy skin, and acne.
- Includes abrasive materials. Applying body wash directly to the face can be harsh and irritate the skin.
- The skin becomes dry. Body wash typically lacks sufficient moisturizer, which can result in skin dehydration.
- It is completely difficult to reach the face. Using bath soap on the face might be challenging to reach all areas of the face due to its shape and size.
The experts do not recommend using bar soap for the face or soap that is not made for the face when washing your face because of the several negative effects mentioned above.
Alternatives to facial wash: which one is right for you?
You can wash your face with more effective cleansers than bar soap. Some alternative face wash soaps you can use are:
- Cream-based cleansers are ideal for dry and sensitive skin because they are nourishing and soothing to the skin.
- Foam cleansers are commonly cautioned for those with oily or mixed skin because they remove excess oil without reducing the skin's moisture.
- Clay cleansers are effective at preventing acne, absorbing oil, and cleaning pores. This washing product is especially recommended for people with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
- Gel cleanser that effectively cleanses pores and removes oil from the skin.
- Oil-based cleanser that effectively unclogs pores and removes makeup. This cleanser softens the skin and is generally appropriate for all skin types.
Simple steps washing your face, according to dermatologists
The way you wash your face every day might have an impact on the condition of your facial skin, besides choosing a soap that works best for your skin type. As reported by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, dermatologists recommend the following face washing routine:
- Choose an alcohol-free, mild, non-abrasive cleanser
- Splash your face with warm water
- Apply cleanser with fingertips
- Avoid rubbing the skin too hard
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel
Choose a facial skin-formulated cleanser when cleaning your face. To keep your skin moisturized, gently wash your face and apply lotion. If you have any questions regarding facial skin, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina