Taking a shower should be a simple task. All you have to do is enter the shower and wash off the dirt. However, as men become more aware of the products they use on their skin, this simple task has now become a bit confusing when it comes to choosing between bar soap and body wash.
Both bar soap and body wash do the same thing, but each has its own purpose. Since a man’s skin is oilier and hairier, you will need to find a cleanser that can effectively clean off the dirt without damaging your skin. So, before you make your choice, let’s look at the differences between the two.
Difference Between Bar Soap And Body Wash
Bar Soap
Bar soap is a solid cleanser traditionally made using oil and an alkali. It has been around for ages, and you probably grew up using it for shower time. Bar soaps easily break down the oil on the skin and are very effective in removing dirt. Traditional bar soaps customarily have a pH between 9 and 10.
However, this is changing, and you can find one that moisturizes the body as well as cleanses it. Such bar soaps leave the skin feeling fresh and soft, not dry and tight.
Body Wash
A body wash is a liquid cleanser made up of mild synthetic surfactants. Body washes work the same as bar soaps but are milder, having a pH balance between 6 and 7. Body washes also contain extra ingredients, such as oils and emollients, which help moisturize the body.
Which One Should You Use?
It all comes down to preference. The choice between either depends on how each makes your skin feel after you shower. However, when choosing a product, you should choose one based on the following:
pH Levels
Now, this may be a bit technical but bear with me for a minute. The pH level in your favorite body wash or bar soap is very important because it can affect your skin negatively or positively.
Skin is acidic and is covered in an acid mantle that protects the skin from infections, moisturizes the skin, and helps the skin maintain its pH balance, which is around 5.5. The older you grow, the more the acid mantle is damaged, making the skin less acidic and, therefore, dryer.
Therefore, in your quest for the best bar soap or body wash, look for products closer to the skin’s pH. A body cleanser that ranges between 4.5 and 7 should do the trick.
Skin Type
Though men tend to be oilier than women, your skin may be dryer than most men’s and you should therefore look for a product that hydrates your skin. If you have sensitive or dry skin, a body wash is usually better because the pH levels of most body washes are lower. Bar soaps are generally more alkaline and can alter your skin’s pH, damaging your skin.
Irritants
When choosing between the two, look out for harsh ingredients. Harsh chemicals and certain fragrances can irritate the skin and trigger acne or eczema, and using cleansers filled with these is a showering mistake you should not make. If you have sensitive skin, ensure that you read the ingredients on the label to avoid damaging your skin further.
Cleansing Power
Though body washes clean your body well, if your skin is oilier than most, consider using a bar soap. Because of their nature, bar soaps are more effective in removing dirt and excess oils from the skin.
Cost
We all love to save some coins, and this comes to play when choosing between bar soap and body wash. Generally, bar soaps are cheaper than body washes. However, a body wash that comes in a large container will last longer compared to a bar of soap.
Eco-friendly
As the war on climate change and global warming intensify, many skincare products are joining in the fight. However, when comparing bar soaps and body washes, bar soaps are better for the environment because most are nowadays packaged with recyclable paper, while body washes come in plastic containers.
Luckily, if you prefer body wash and are interested in preserving the environment, some brands offer refill or recycling options.
Hygiene
One of the reasons that many people avoid bar soap is the hygiene factor. Bar soaps need to be stored properly to avoid contamination with bacteria. Body washes can be stored anywhere and are more hygienic since the soap is in a bottle. In this criterion, body washes win, especially if you are sharing a space with other people.
Consider Your Skin
So, whether you are a bar soap guy or a body wash one, the important thing is to find a product that takes care of your skin and makes you feel refreshed after a shower.
