How Do I Choose the Best Soap for Dry Skin?

Choosing the best soap for dry skin requires carefully reading the list of ingredients used to make the soap. You should be aware of any ingredients that you might be allergic to and which could increase skin irritation. You should also consider whether you're looking for an all natural soap. If the soap will be used for washing the face or the entire body may also influence your decision. You'll probably want to consider soaps that include ingredients like essential oils to moisturize the skin and soothing herbs or oatmeal to calm any irritation.

Most commercially manufactured soaps often use chemicals to in the soap making process, and are not always the best option when selecting a soap for dry skin. Carefully read the list of ingredients even when choosing what is advertised as an all natural soap for dry skin because it might contain ingredients to which you might be allergic. For example, some soaps contain perfumes that could cause a reaction in some individuals, even if the perfumes are actually essential oils that have been added to the product.

If you are looking for a dry skin soap for washing the face only, it is a good idea to consider the causes of dry skin in your particular case. Daily washing with a harsh soap can dry the skin out, as can using very hot water. Choose a gentle soap that is hypoallergenic, which is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It also is a good idea to choose a soap for dry skin that contains ingredients known to alleviate dryness. Those ingredients include several types of herbs, oils, or oatmeal.

Among the herbs that frequently are used in the making of soap for dry skin are olive oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. These oils are said to be very similar to the natural oils secreted by the skin. Jojoba oil, which is in reality a liquid wax, is an effective cleanser of the pores; people with other types of skin problems might prefer soap for dry skin that contains jojoba oil to reap this additional benefit. Herbs that are effective to soothe dryness and nourish all types of skin include chamomile, burdock, and dandelion.