As of 2017, more than two-thirds of American households used body wash, and the numbers are projected to grow over the next decades. In fact, of the over $3 billion spent on soap products every year, a full 87 percent of the items purchased are liquid soaps. The rise in body wash sales isn’t surprising when you consider the average American lifestyle. Today’s families like both convenience and aesthetics when it comes to their daily routines, and body wash ticks all the boxes that make U.S. buyers drop their dollars.

While many people turn to one-size-fits-all products, body wash is one area where you can benefit from taking a more personalized approach. Everybody has a different skin type, and the soap product that is perfect for dry skin can cause issues for those who tend to break out. The right choice for you will depend on which of the three most common skin types you have.

The common skin types are:

• Oily skin is characterized by having a greasy feeling all over your face instead of just in certain zones. It is also common for people with oily skin to have thick skin with a distinct texture. You may notice acne on your face, back, and arms, and have regular breakouts.
• Dry skin is caused by your pores not producing enough moisture to nourish your skin. You may notice a dull appearance, wrinkling, and tightness. When your skin is irritated, you tend to feel a burning or itching sensation.
• Combination skin has both oily and dry areas, and is the most common skin type. Most people with this skin type have oiliness in the chin, nose, and forehead while also experiencing normal to dry skin in other areas.

Body Wash for Oily Skin Types

There are several things to consider when choosing a body wash for oily skin. It’s important that you don’t introduce any additional oil onto your already shiny skin. However, using a product that is too drying can backfire and trigger your already prolific pores to send out more skin lubricant.

The most important thing is to find a body wash that is balanced, gentle, and effective in cutting down oiliness. For best results, avoid showers that are overly hot or cold when cleaning oily skin.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

As a top body wash for oily skin, this product is backed by plenty of science and recommended by dermatologists. With two percent salicylic acid as its active ingredient, Neutrogena Body Clear provides a gentle cleansing effect while also actively treating acne outbreaks including stubborn back acne that is hard to reach with other spot treatments. It rinses clean and pulls out impurities from your skin without messing with your normal pH balance or triggering irritation.

This body wash is perfect for both men and women, with a pleasant, neutral fragrance that doesn’t lean too masculine or feminine. If you like your morning shower to act as a daily wake-up call, Neutrogena makes this body wash formula in uplifting pink grapefruit as well as the original scent. Neutrogena Body Clear provides a nice lather, so you don’t need to use a ton of product to get that squeaky-clean feeling. Sold at department and drug stores across the United States, Neutrogena Body Clear body wash will set you back about $6 for an 8.5-ounce bottle.

Body Wash for Dry Skin Types

When it comes to dry skin, introducing moisture is your top priority, and everything from your body wash to skin cream should be rich and nourishing. Don’t worry about overdoing it as dry skin will generally drink up whatever you throw at it and come back asking for more. Expect to notice less lather in this category of body wash because these products are designed to clean without stripping already sensitive areas.

AHAVA Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash

Packed full of nourishing ingredients, this product is as much a lotion as it is a body wash, with a cream formula that delivers intense moisture while it cleans. The hibiscus and fig formula is infused with fig extract, dead sea minerals, and hibiscus, which reduce inflammation and heal the damaged skin that often accompanies dryness.

There are several varieties, each with a mild scent that works well for both men and women, including lotus flower & chestnut, and tropical pineapple & white peach. All AHAVA Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash varieties are designed to work for people with allergies, making this product an ideal choice for even the most sensitive dry skin.

While it’s the performance of this body wash that impresses most people, the brand is also socially responsible. You won’t find any GMO ingredients, parabens, or petroleum products in AHAVA Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash. In addition, the brand boasts PETA certification for its vegan and cruelty-free formula.

AHAVA is considered a more high-end skincare product, but it is still widely available and can be found at online retailers like Amazon as well as both cosmetic shops such as Ulta and department stores like Target. This body wash can be purchased for around $18 for a 17-ounce bottle that should last you a long time with daily use.

Body Wash for Combination Skin Types

Balance is the word of the day when you’re dealing with combination skin, and you will want to look for a wash that can combat oily areas without removing moisture from your drier patches. Many people find that a gel formula with conditioning properties is the perfect choice for combination skin, and you can really benefit from additional ingredients like botanicals to gently heal and nourish your body from top to bottom.

Avalon Organics Bath and Shower Gel

No matter what your skincare challenges are, Avalon Organics Bath and Shower Gel can handle them. This top pick is packed with skin loving ingredients, and can deal with a wide variety of skin challenges without missing a beat. The light lavender scent is suitable for both men and women and provides a soothing and calming effect in the shower. In addition, ingredients like quinoa protein, vitamins, and aloe vera provide a balanced mix that works with all skin challenges.

Avalon is a brand that cares about both their customers and the environment, and this body wash is both vegan and cruelty-free. The plant-based formulation is biodegradable, has no parabens, or GMOs. It also uses natural ingredients over synthetic chemicals whenever possible – even the preservative is gentle.

You can find Avalon Organics Bath and Shower Gel at retailers like Walmart and Amazon with a price tag of approximately $15 for a 32-ounce pump bottle.

There are dozens of products that you can buy without catering them to your individual needs, but body wash is part of your skincare routine, and it pays to choose an option that works in harmony with your individualized body chemistry. Each of these top products is targeted to a unique set of skin characteristics, so you will not only emerge from your daily shower clean, but nourished and healed. With consistent use, you will find your skin vibrant, glowing and balanced when you choose a body wash that fits your skin type.

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