When we wake up in the morning, return home from outside, or feel very tired, taking a bath helps us feel refreshed. Bathing brings a sense of relief and happiness. In summer, we often feel like bathing once or even twice a day. The sensation of cool water on the body instantly revitalizes the mind. During the monsoon or winter, a warm water bath offers comfort and refreshment. Regardless of the season, a bath always helps us feel fresh and energized.
While bathing, we typically use soap not just for its fragrance, but also to cleanse the body, as water alone is not enough to remove dirt and sweat. Soap is a household essential, and a wide variety is available. Recently, shower gels have gained popularity, though not as much as traditional soaps. Soap remains more commonly used, largely because it is widely available and affordable. One can find soaps priced as low as 10 rupees, while premium options also exist. They come in various colors and fragrances, contributing to their continued high demand. Shower gels, on the other hand, are generally more expensive and thus less widely used.
Interestingly, shower gel has been around since the 1800s. According to dermatologist Dr. Dipali Bhardwaj, shower gels often contain moisturizers that help keep the skin hydrated. They also offer additional skin-care benefits due to their specialized formulations. However, not all soaps are good for the skin. While some are beneficial, others may actually damage it. Many soaps simply provide a pleasant fragrance and appearance but lack the nutrients the skin needs. High-quality soaps typically have a pH level around 5.5, which is close to the natural pH of the skin and therefore less harmful. Soaps with imbalanced pH levels, however, can lead to irritation or dryness.
In households with multiple members, the same bar of soap is often shared among everyone. In such cases, using a shower gel can be a more hygienic and skin-friendly alternative. Whether a soap suits your skin or not depends on its ingredients and your individual skin type. That’s why it’s important to understand your skin’s needs and choose products accordingly. Just because a soap is cheap doesn’t mean it’s safe—it could potentially harm your skin in the long run.