Since the late 1980s, clever marketing caused body washes and shower gels to outperform traditional solid bars of soap. However, the shift toward using personal care products with fewer chemicals and leaving behind less waste has caused bar soap to regain popularity.

Figuring out what is best for you

<ul><li>Bar soap. A bar of soap is a solid chunk of cleanser traditionally made by mixing oil (coconut oil, palm oil, and olive oil) with a liquid (water), and an alkali (sodium hydroxide, known as lye). Today, most soap bars are made using synthetic forms of traditional soap ingredients.</li><li>Shower gel is firmer and gel-like with added fragrance.</li><li>Body washes are liquid cleansers that use mild surfactants. Body washes tend to be thinner and creamier than shower gels.</li></ul>

The difference between bar soap, shower gel, and body wash

<ul><li>If you have dry skin and prefer a liquid cleanser, a body wash may be better as it's more hydrating and moisturising than shower gel.</li><li>Those with naturally oilier skin or who live somewhere hot or humid may want a shower gel or traditional bars of soap.</li><li>People with sensitive skin may opt for a body wash, as it has a lower pH level than traditional bar soap.</li></ul>

How to pick the best cleanser for your skin

There's no right or wrong answer: Just figuring out what's best for you.

Stashed ideas

Should You Use Shower Gel, Body Wash, or Bar Soap?

We wear masks all day, every day: at work, in school, even in malls. Obviously for most of us, our faces would react negatively this. Some YouTube videos would tell me to use stuff with ingredients like salicylic acid that dry out blemishes while some would tell me to keep the pimple moisturized. If you're like me, you'll be at a loss too.

Should you dry out maskne or keep it moisturized

Maskne or acne mechanica (professionally), includes any skin issues caused by friction brought about by pressure, friction, rubbing, squeezing, or stretching. Friction causes the upper layer of your skin to release water, causing your skin to lose its natural moisture. "The constant chafing of the mask in contact with skin can cause the skin barrier to break down and hair follicles to break open, consequently allowing acne-causing bacteria on to the skin," - Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist, New York City.

What causes maskne in the first place?

"The occlusive nature of a mask creates a humid and warm environment under the mask, which can lead to increased sebum and sweat. In turn, this leads to irritation, inflammation, and breakouts," says Dr. King.In short, maskne is a contradicting matter of the skin being dry and oily and getting rid of it also requires drying out the pimples and also keeping them moisturized. How?

First, support the skin barrier with a non-comedogenic moisturizer that contains the trifecta of these soothing ingredients: humectants to moisturize the skin, emollients to seal in hydration and occlusives to reduce friction. Most pimple treatments decrease your skin's natural oil production, so it's important that a moisturizer be there as a buffer for your skin to tolerate the harsh acne regimen. 2. Once you have your hydrating base, use a good spot treatment to dry out the zit. Why spot treat? The goal is to dry out the pimples, not your whole face.

Drying out the zit while keeping it moisturized

1. Salicylic acid- exfoliates the upper layer of the skin) and penetrates deep into pores to remove sebum. 2. Benzoyl peroxide - kills P. acnes and Staph. Aureus bacteria that contributes to acne and helps prevent and clear clogged pores. Opt for micronized formulations; they cause less irritation to the skin and the molecules are stabilized for longer shelf life.Also try adding a topical retinoid into your routine at least 2-3 times a week (every day if your skin is already well adjusted) to help clear gunk from pores, leaving them less swollen.

Ingredients you should look for in a spot treatment

Moisturize maskne because it is inflammation—and inflammation needs hydration. But you should—layer it with targeted treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, to unclog pores and boost skin cell turnover. See a dermatologist about starting a stronger prescription medication if these methods don't work.

The verdict: you should moisturize and dry out blemishes scars

Maskne has been a problem since Covid started.

In this week's Ask a Beauty Editor, Real Simple's Hana Hong answers whether you should moisturize acne or dry it out, plus how to find the best moisturizer for acne and how to dry out a pimple effectively.

Should you Dry out Maskne or Moisturize it

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is touted as one of the most effective moisturizing ingredients for skin, but why are some people complaining that it made their skin drier? That is because it is also widely misunderstood and most of us are content with just knowing that a skin care ingredient is the moisturizing' and do not take time to really understand how it works.

Hyaluromic acid(HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the skin, eyes, and joints that aids in water retention. While HA, when formulated into serums and lotions, can improve our skin's moisture levels , it doesn't necessarily invite the water to the party—it simply encourages it to stay right where it is. "The easiest way to understand HA's function is to think of it as a sponge in the skin for moisture... the more HA, the more water absorption, and the dewier skin will be with fewer fine lines and wrinkles." -Dr. Hysem Eldik, board-certified dermatologist, Marmur Medical

How HA works 

If your skin doesn't <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/8177771/guide-restoring-dry-skin-moisture">have much moisture </a>to begin with, HA won't be very effective on its own. Ironically, it could leave your skin feeling even drier especially when taken in serum form which is believed to be the best vehicle for HA. "How your skin feels after applying an HA product can be unpredictable.. In general, serums tend to dry faster on the skin than lotions or creams. Paradoxically, this can leave your skin feeling dry—even though you are using a moisturizing product like HA."

How HA could leave the skin feeling drier

1. To remedy any tightness after applying HA, Dr. Eldik advises following it up <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/8067005/different-face-lotion-types-application-tips">with a moisturizer </a>to lock in water before it evaporates from the dermis (sunscreen adds yet another "seal" he shares).

How to remedy the tightness poat HA application 

2. Another option is switching to products that are formulated small HA molecules."HA is an evidence-based anti-aging treatment, so it's worth switching to a different formulation first before moving on... if the size of HA is too large—this is measured by chemists as the molecular weight—then it cannot get past the top layer of skin called the stratum corneum.. It would be like throwing spaghetti on the wall. This may account for why you didn't notice an improvement with a past HA product."

Many of us use Hyaluronic Acid without understanding how it works to moisturize the skin.

Understanding how this molecule works will help you apply it more effectively.

Your Hyaluronic Acid Serum Might Be Making Your Skin Drier—Here's Why

Even if you've got a great formula in hand, you'll still want to ensure that it's working properly for your individual complexion, so Dr. David Orentreich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who has served as the guiding dermatologist for Clinique Laboratories since 1987 recommends looking out for these four signs that it may not be the right fit.

While tingling can sometimes indicate that a skin-care product is working, that isn't the case for moisturizers. If you feel any stinging or burning, "this could mean that the moisturizer isn't compatible with your skin or you have a sensitivity to one or more of the ingredients," says Dr. Orentreich.Opt for a sensitive-skin-friendly formula, as these are formulated without irritants and safe for all skin types.

Stinging Or Burning

If your skin is breaking out or feeling bumpy you apply your moisturizer, this may mean that the moisturizer is comedogenic which means its "clogging your pores causing inflammatory pimples as well as open and closed comedones..so you should switch to a non-comedogenic moisturizer." --Dr. Orentreich.Look for products that are oil-free and are infused with hydrators like glycerin, honey, aloe vera, allantoin, urea, and lactic acid.

Breakouts

Moisturizer should help you create a smooth base for makeup, so if you notice that your foundation is pilling(forming into weird balls and quite literally roll off of your face) after you apply it, it may be because your moisturizer is too thick. When that's the case, Dr. Orentreich recommends switching to a gel-textured product. They're thinner, but equally hydrating.

Makeup Pilling

This may seem obvious, but if you've been testing a moisturizer for 2 to 3 weeks and aren't seeing any positive changes in your skin's texture, it's time to swap. Look for more hydrating ingredients, like the ones listed below, to give your skin the nourishment it needs to stay healthy.

Dry Skin

When purchasing a moisturizer, derms recommend looking for the following <ul><li>Humectants to draw moisture to the top layer of your skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic </li><li>Emollients to fill the tiny cracks in the skin's barrier to seal in all of the moisture it's getting from your product. shea butter and cocoa butter</li><li>Occlusives to lock all of that hydrating goodness into your complexion. They form a protective barrier on the top layer of the skin, to give your skin time to soak up all that hydration.</li></ul>

The Trifecta Of Hydrating Ingredients

Because most of us dont know if a moisturizer is working or not unless we breakout terribly

A dermatologist reveals four signs a moisturizer isn't working properly to protect your skin during the winter months.

4 Signs Your Moisturizer Isn't Working, Acoording to a Dermatologist 

Persicaria (syn Polygonum) Tinctorium popularly known as Japanese Indigo is a gorgeous flowering plant despite being part of the taxonomic family with the unfortunate name “buckwheat” and “knotweed.” It is native to Eastern Europe and Asia. Distinctive in color, this beautiful botanical has long been regarded for its antibacterial and skin soothing properties.

Persicaria(syn Polygonum) Tinctorium a.k.a. Japanese Indigo

The Indigo botanical stubbornly draws in all of the nutrients in the soil around it as it matures, making it difficult to grow as it eventually saps the soil of nutrients.Tatcha's natural Japanese Indigo comes from a family-run farm on the banks of the Yoshino River, which floods annually to replenish the soil with vital nutrients and minerals.Though it has been used for centuries, traditional knowledge on the uses of Japanese Indigo was put aside with the advent of synthetic dyes.

Growing Japanese Indigo Dye

Indigo dyeing known as aizome dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when silk and the brighter colors were reserved for the higher social classes leaving the commoners with cotton and darker colors like indigo. Aijiro indigo is the lightest shade closest to white, while noukon indigo is the darkest shade closest to black. Tokyo Skytree's body is not white. Its ajiro indigo.

AS A COLORANT

By the 17th century, Indigo had become widely regarded not just for its robust color, but also for its medicinal properties that transcend mere ointments and oral medication having antibacterial, odor-preventing and insect-repellent properties. Samurais wore cotton cloth, dyed brilliant blue with Japanese Indigo, underneath their armor to heal injuries from combat and prevent infection. Traditional Japanese firefighters followed suit, using indigo-dyed cloth to protect and heal burns.Today, the hue is often referred to as “Samurai Blue.”

As A NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL

Nowadays, it is presented to newborns who have sensitive skin in the form of an indigo-dyed blanket — a testament to its protective qualities.

Indigo is as an antibacterial known to strengthen the immune system and fight common colds when ingested. It can be extracted by powdering the plant's root, flower and even seeds. Superfood indigo is consumed in teas, salts, and even raw powdered indigo sprinkled on sweets, spices, and smoothies.

AS ORAL MEDICINE

Literally soaked into the fabric of Japan’s cultural history, the art of indigo dyeing continues to have a deep influence and importance on fashion today. New York City-based artist Yuh Okano rose to international attention during the late 1990s when her uncanny ability to craft unique pieces of shibori dyed fabric captured the attention Donna Karan (of DKNY) and Martha Stewart. The beauty and durability of Japanese indigo dye has made it inextricably linked to products from acclaimed Japanese denim to contemporary fashion.

Japanese Indigo In Fashion

Shibori is simply the Japanese word 絞り, which translates as to wring or squeeze. To put it in the crudest terms, you could describe shibori as the traditional, Japanese incarnation of tie-dye, only far more intricate and detailed; uses only 1 color; and predates the 1960s flower power era by over 1000 years, and continues to be a vital practise today.Originating in China, shibori dyeing really gained mainstream traction in Japan during the Edo Period but the earliest examples of shibori textiles date all the way back to the 8th century.

Shibori

Fashion designers and jean makers also love indigo dye because unlike cheaply produced chemical dyes, this natural plant dye gets better with age. Instead of fading out to a tired, worn-out look, indigo’s organic qualities mean that it ages like leather.Kojima, a town in Okayama, is home to Jeans Street, a street dedicated entirely to what else --jeans! Its road is dyed in indigo and lined with red and white selvedge lines-- tribute to kojima's iconic indigo-dyed denim and the more than 30 jeans shops some of which are highly regarded brands in the world and loved by celebrities like Beyonce.

AS A DENIM DYE THAT FORTIFIES

Asian countries like like China, Japan, and Thailand, have been using this plant as a remedy for external and internal ailments.Japanese Indigo combined with other herbs is known to calm and comfort irritated skin.

FOR SKINCARE

That's why its not surprising that it's now being touted as a psoriasis treatment: High in tryptanthrin, a nitrogen-rich compound, Japanese Indigo flushes away all toxins and restores balance to the skin. Indirubin another compound derived from its leaves, diminishes and soothes red, dry patches and inflammation while simultaneously strengthening the skin’s natural barrier to boost resilience.As the American Academy of Dermatology reported those with sensitive skin and conditions like psoriasis could benefit and perhaps could see better results using topical indigo than with topical steroids.

As A PSORIASIS TREATMENT

Japanese indigo is described in Tatcha's beauty bible as a treatment for itchy, irritated skin whose use stretches back centuries. For Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai, the uncomfortableness of living with eczema is what has inspired the Indigo line its award-winning skincare collection. This treatment works to soothe and calm irritation caused by eczema, psoriasis, breakouts, or even sunburns, while strengthening the skin barrier and balancing the microbiome.

Tatcha

"It started as one little patch on my hand. The doctors gave me steroids for it and then when I stopped taking the steroids, it came back far worse and ended up spreading to my entire body, excluding my face. I tried everything, including steroids and light therapy, but every year as winter approached it started creeping back up.""[The scientisits at Tatcha Institute in Japan] told me about the concept of samurai blue," says Tsai. "Samurai used to wear dark clothing dyed dark blue from Japanese indigo plant and if they got cut, the fabric would stick to the wound and start healing."

Tatcha's Vicky Tsai On Psoriasis

With Tatcha's newly released product that uses Japanese Indigo as its main ingredient, other skincare brands will definitely follow suit.

Tatcha's Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment is a daily treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and acne prone skin. Read about the brand's soothing, calming product here.

Should You Use Shower Gel, Body Wash, or Bar Soap?

Should you Dry out Maskne or Moisturize it

Your Hyaluronic Acid Serum Might Be Making Your Skin Drier—Here's Why

4 Signs Your Moisturizer Isn't Working, Acoording to a Dermatologist

Japanese Indigo: A blue-chip plant We Can All be Happy About

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