Let’s talk dry skin-you know the dry skin that just doesn’t seem to stop itching even after applying your tenth application of lotion in one day? If your skin is still acting up and fighting back with dry, rough, and scaly patches, then it’s time to change up your soap routine.
While most of us think about what type of moisturizer we use when it comes to making dry skin better, it’s just as important to look at the soap we use regularly.
Think about it-how many times a day do you wash your hands? Chances are, it’s more than you think, and each time you wash your hands, you are stripping away some of that moisture you are desperately trying to keep on your skin. But, we can’t get around handwashing nor can we get around the fact that many body washes can also be super harsh on the skin.
So enter the topic of soap for sensitive skin. Take a deep breath knowing that you have options, and none of them involve giving up handwashing (yuck) or using that harsh soap that makes your skin even more dry and irritated.
We have tips and tricks that will completely change the soap game when it comes to both hand soap and body wash for anyone who has dry and sensitive skin.
Soap For Sensitive Skin
Let’s talk about some options here. We are sharing some of our fav picks when it comes to buying a soap or body wash, but we are also breaking down exactly how you can make your own soap with just a handful of ingredients and little to no time.
Let’s start with our favorite store-bought soaps that are especially great for sensitive skin.
- Southern Natural Lavender Goat Milk Soap: Perfect for added moisture, only contains natural oils and is gentle on skin.
- Shea Moisture African Black Soap: A great option for irritated skin that would work well as a total body soap. This bar soap will leave your skin smooth and soft without you having to worry about irritation.
- Tom’s Of Maine Natural Beauty Bar: Tom’s Of Maine is well-known for their natural skin care products, and this soap bar is a great choice for anyone who is needing a less fragrant option that is super gentle but will also leave your skin moisturized. This soap contains olive oil and vitamin E making it great for dry and damaged skin.
DIY Soap for Sensitive Skin Option
If you’re looking for more of a DIY option that will save you money while also supporting skin health, then you can easily whip up your own soap for sensitive skin that you can use as a body wash or a hand soap.
Here’s our favorite way to make it
Here’s what you need
- ½ cup of unscented castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
- 2 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp. raw honey
- 1 tsp. Vitamin E
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Here’s how to make it
Add all the ingredients to a plastic bottle and shake!
Use as your go-to body wash or hand soap for sensitive or super dry skin.
The Bottom Line
Hand soap and body wash can be super harsh on already dry and sensitive skin. Many products contain chemicals and harsh fragrance that can make our already delicate skin so much more irritated. To completely avoid the hassle of trying to stay on top of moisturizing your skin after every time you wash your hands, try making your own, or choosing a gentler and natural soap option. Sometimes this will be all you need to help soothe that irritated skin and finally see how well your moisturizer is actually working with harsh soaps aside.
