Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. As a beauty editor for over four years, I never gave much thought to the types of body washes I use. But after moving to New York from Florida, I noticed my skin became more reactive to seasonal weather changes.
Since a huge part of my job is consulting experts, I chatted with dermatologists about all things body washes for women to figure out how to fix my dry skin. Unlike harsh bar soaps that remove excess oil, these liquid body washes are gentle and made with moisturizing ingredients, says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, of MDCS Dermatology in New York. Not to mention, the best ones smell amazing, and lather richly to a spa-like cleanse, making them ideal for women with dry, acne-prone, and bumpy skin, or those who just want to upgrade their shower routine.
Body washes keep skin clean by removing dirt, pollutants, excess oil, and dead skin cells, says Dr. They can also invigorate the skin, banish acne, soothe irritation, and maintain moisture levels to prevent dryness, making them a holy grail product in my at-home routine. Body washes aren't a one-size-fits-all pick, but by following guidance from my most trusted dermatologists, you'll learn how to shop smartly for your next game-changing beauty product.
And as our resident body wash enthusiast, I tested dozens of cleansers over three months to determine my no-fail picks across all budgets. The best body wash benefits your skin type by cleansing away impurities without messing up your protective skin barrier, says dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, of Union Square Dermatology in New York. "This balance becomes especially important during seasonal changes when your skin's needs may evolve." Now it's time to pick a body wash for women that is compatible with your skin type.
Reach for moisturizing body washes infused with humectants like glycerin to hydrate the skin, emollients like jojoba oil or ceramides to support the skin barrier, and occlusives like petrolatum or beeswax to lock in moisture, says dermatologist Hadley King, MD. Also, gravitating toward fragrance-free and unscented soaps helps avoid irritating eczema-prone skin, says Dr. You should avoid comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil that clog pores and lead to zits.
Instead, use a salicylic acid body wash because it's an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate pores to exfoliate and remove excess oils gently, says Dr. Benzoyl peroxide also effectively dissolves excess oil and penetrates pores to address breakouts without adding extra moisture that could exacerbate oiliness, says Dr. Dealing with keratosis pilaris (KP)?
Extract — continue reading at the source.
