Soaps are available in different shapes, forms, sizes, and smells. There are liquid soaps, but the most popular one is bar soap. For women, the usual options are bar and liquid soaps, but there are now buttercream and foaming gel. For men, the options are limited to bar soap and liquid soap. Many men are particular about the smell and not much about the ingredients. The thing is, there is a soap for men with attractive smell (สบู่ ผู้ชาย หอมๆ, term in Thai) and packed with good ingredients.
Men’s skin is different from women’s skin. Therefore, you have to pay special attention to the soap’s ingredients. One thing you have to remember is that not all skin cleansers are created equal. Cleansers primarily consist of ingredients that aim to moisturize and deodorize the skin, especially preventing skin problems like pimples, wrinkles, and acne.
Men’s skin structure
If you are going to compare the structure and texture of men’s skin with that of women’s, you will notice that men’s skin is thicker. It has a deeper layer of collagen in the dermis. Men’s skin tends to be oilier than women’s, and it has something to do with hormones. The amount of sebum in the skin is primarily dependent on the level of androgens in the body, a male hormone.
Hence, you have to choose a soap that is designed and specially formulated for men’s skin types. It should have a stronger ingredient, but be gentle on delicate skin. One of the must-have components in men’s soap is sodium lauryl sulfate. It is effective in cleansing the body, but some people with delicate skin find it drying. Nonetheless, it is suitable for the majority of men, especially those with excessively oily skin, as it can help strip away excess oil without altering the skin’s natural oil barrier.
For people with pimples, you have to choose a soap that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as it helps prevent acne breakouts. However, you should choose a soap that has the right ratio and proportion to ensure that the soap will not strip off the skin’s natural oil.
Should men consider exfoliating?
Another important factor that men should look for in soap is the exfoliating component. Some soap has exfoliating particles, but, then again, they are not all created equal. Some contain harsh particles, and if you have sensitive skin, you have to be mindful of the exfoliating agents you use. If the exfoliating component of the soap is too harsh for your skin type, you would want to try soap containing hydroxy acids. It has both anti-exfoliating and anti-aging benefits.
When searching for soap, you have to think of something that would complement your skin type and needs. Not all soaps are created equal, and what seems to be compatible with women’s skin is not always compatible with men. It is a matter of experimenting and trying out which one works best for your skin type.
