One of the most common questions we get about skin care is whether washing your face with soap can cause dryness. If soap is part of your daily routine, you might have already noticed that your skin lacks moisture and elasticity. But is soap the real cause of your dry skin? Read along as The Dermo Lab will share with you some scientific data about this topic.
Watch out for this type of soap!
We asked the dermatologist Dr. Ali Atwi a few questions to figure out the relationship between soap and skin dryness. As he explains, the use of alkaline soap (pH higher than 7) can damage the skin. Since your skin’s natural pH is mildly acidic, alkaline soap can disrupt cellular function and lead to dryness. So, when choosing a soap, go for one with a pH between 5.5 and 6. He also highlights the negative effects that the famous laurel soap has on your skin since it is alkaline.
Adding to this, Dr. Ali Atwi advises against sharing bar soaps with multiple people as it can transmit bacteria and germs. It is preferable that each member of the family has an individual soap bar or just go for liquid body wash to avoid any harm.
What’s the difference between soap and face wash?
Now you know why some soaps are considered harsh on the skin. The more alkaline the soap is, the drier the skin becomes. So, next time you want to buy soap, watch out for this crucial benchmark. We’ve also looked at the pH of several well-known brands soaps and it turns out that most of them are higher than 7.5. So, using these soaps can result in skin problems in the long term.
Instead, face wash is more suitable for the skin’s acidic nature as its pH is usually between 4.5 and 6. This makes it gentler on the skin while cleansing as effectively as soap.
Dr. Ali Atwi also adds that it’s important to choose your face wash according to your skin type. For example, for oily skin, go for a face wash that reduces sebum production and unclogs pores to prevent inflammation. As for sensitive skin, look for a chemical-free and alcohol-free face wash.
What about micellar water?
Now that you know the difference between soap and face wash, what about micellar water? Is it a good alternative to soap?
The truth is, micellar water works as both a face wash and a cleanser. The only difference is that traditional cleansers have a gel texture whereas micellar water, as the name indicates, is water-based. It gently removes all impurities without damaging your skin’s protective barrier.
It is characterized by the small micelle particles it contains which attract impurities like a magnet. Keep in mind that a few drops of micellar water on a cotton ball and wiping your face is enough to get rid of all impurities in an instant.
Micellar water moisturizes the skin while cleansing it, which is quite important for preventing dryness that results from stripping the skin of its natural oils. This makes it also suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
So, if you’ve started noticing the drying effects of soap on your skin, don’t hesitate to switch to micellar water for everyday use. This skin care product will leave your skin feeling refreshed and gradually restore its elasticity. After fully cleansing your face, you won’t even need to rinse it off … Can you find better than micellar lotion as an alternative to soap?
For optimal results, we recommend Micellar Lotion from Eau Thermale Avène, a prominent brand in the field of skin care. It is both a makeup remover and a cleanser. It gently removes all traces of dirt and impurities. It can also be used for eyes and lips. This lotion has an alcohol-free formula and is rich in Avène thermal spring water with soothing and anti-irritant properties.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
