When it comes to taking a shower, there are two types of people. One type that really likes the sensation of cleansing their body with the same scented, smooth soap they've been using since their growing years. And the other type that feels they can't fully clean up without lathering themselves with a shower gel using a loofah. Regardless of which type you fall in, this story is meant for everyone. When was the last time you questioned your choice or understand what is better than the other? Shower gel or soap, which is better? Well, we're here to tell you the difference between soap and shower gel. Read on as we put an end to the debate around shower gel vs soap and help you make your shower sessions more rejuvenating and relaxing.
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What is the Difference Between Soap and Shower Gel?
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Benefits of Shower Gel
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Is Soap Good or Bad for Your Skin?
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Is Shower Gel Better Than Soap?
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Pure Sense Shower Gels to Consider
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Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions on Shower Gel VS Soap (FAQs)
What is the Difference Between Soap and Shower Gel?
Both soaps and shower gels are designed to cleanse your skin, but that's where their similarities end.
Soap:
Soaps are usually solid blocks that are made with either animal or vegetable fats. They work by dissolving the dirt on the surface of your skin by breaking the oily layer apart and lifting pathogens away from your skin. They can be unscented or contain essential oils or synthetic fragrances. Soaps have been used for years but their sales started to decrease right after liquid soaps and shower gels were introduced in the beauty market.
Shower Gel:
Unlike usual soaps, shower gels have a liquid consistency. They don't cling to your skin and tend to simply cleanse it without infusing your skin with moisturising ingredients. Many shower gels are designed to foam when applied to the skin as many of these contain foaming agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Coco Sulphate (SCS). Both of these ingredients are responsible for the product to lather when it comes in contact with water and is applied to the skin, but they have very different molecular structures that affect the skin in different ways. SLS is a foaming agent with a smaller molecular size that can aggravate delicate skin that is prone to dryness, psoriasis and eczema. SCS is coconut-based with a larger molecular structure that is much gentler on the skin as it cannot penetrate too deeply.
Benefits of Shower Gel:
You need to understand the benefits of shower gel so that you can compare the two and make a better choice.
Here are some benefits of shower gel you should know of:
- Shower gels have a liquid format, which is more convenient to wash your body with
- Their quick-foaming formulations are highly effective at cleaning your body without stripping the skin's protective barrier
- A great variety of cosmetic and self-hygiene purposes are addressed by shower gels. For example, you get oatmeal shower gels that are used to scrub your body mildly. There are antiperspirant chemicals used in some shower gels for people who perspire a lot.
- Shower gels are much better than soaps in the hygiene aspect as soap bars can attract dirt, dust and germs when they’re left in the open or unattended. That doesn’t happen with shower gels as they come in a bottle and the gel is supposed to be pumped out.
Is Soap Good or Bad for Your Skin?
Soap bars are often plastic-free and this makes them a great alternative for people who'd want to cut down on their use of plastic bottles. But keeping packaging aside, the effect of a soap bar on your skin depends on its formulation. Many soaps are drying in nature and hazardous for people suffering from eczema. Most traditional soaps are made with harsh, skin-drying ingredients, and while the plant-based formulations are now available, soaps usually have a high pH and since most people have slightly acidic skin, soaps aren't conducive to healthy skin.
Is Shower Gel Better Than Soap?
Honestly, it’s a personal choice to make between the two, i.e., shower gel vs soap, but we hope these pointers will help you make a better choice. Some people base their choice on the fact that soaps are handy as compared to shower gels. But if you're looking for something that won't dry up your skin and targets specific needs, shower gels are your best bet!
Pure Sense Shower Gels to Consider:
While we're talking about shower gel vs soap, Pure Sense, a premium skincare brand has a range of body care products that you can choose from. All of our products are made with natural ingredients that are intricately chosen from nature. They're also completely free of sulphates, parabens and carcinogens. Not just that, our products are cruelty-free and earth-friendly along with being suitable for all skin types as well. Here are the Pure Sense shower gels that we'd recommend for you -
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Grapefruit Body Cleansing Gel (Shower Gel):
This Body Cleansing Gel is a luxuriously unique cleansing gel that cleanses your skin gently without stripping off moisture. This shower gel has a nourishing formula that pampers your skin by hydrating it. It is made with pure ingredients that leave your skin nourished and uplift your senses too.
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Relaxing Macadamia Exfoliating Body Cleansing Gel (Shower Gel):
Relaxing Macadamia Exfoliating Body Cleansing Gel is packed with vitamin E beads that work as natural exfoliators. It is sure to deeply and gently cleanse your skin while removing dead skin cells. This cleansing gel will nourish your skin and leave it smooth, soft and younger-looking. It has a warm fragrance that is sure to calm your senses too.
Conclusion:
Frequently Asked Questions on Shower Gel VS Soap (FAQs):
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Can we use shower gel on the face?
There are some people who feel that a shower gel can be used on the face as well. But, avoid washing your face with a shower gel as most of these contain SLS that might damage the skin on your face. It's always better to use a face wash that is formulated in a way that won't cause any harm to the sensitive skin on your face.
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Can I use shower gel on dry skin?
If you have a dry skin type, you need to look for a shower gel that is sulphate-free and enriched with moisturising ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, coconut oil and hyaluronic acid. You can also opt for shower gels that contain barrier-strengthening ceramides, which may be able to prevent your skin from drying out.
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Can I use shower gel every day?
Yes, if you wish to clean all the impurities from your skin, it's important to use a shower gel every day. A pH-balanced shower gel or an organic shower gel should work for you if you are on the lookout for something that won't dry out your skin or cause damage.
