Which soap is best for YOUR skin?
ARE ‘medicated’ soaps worth their higher cost? We asked Dr Alexis Granite, a consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic in London, for her verdict.
OILATUM SOAP BAR FOR DRY SKIN
£3.50, amazon. co.uk IT’S claimed this gently cleanses without drying (it contains no preservatives, colours and fragrances) and moisturises.
VERDICT: This contains liquid paraffin to reduce water loss from the deeper layers of the skin. A really good alternative to everyday soap. 5/5
EPSOM SOAP BAR
£2.50, epsomsalts.co.uk ITS manufacturer says this can heal skin and boost circulation. Magnesium in it is said to help remove dead skin and dirt.
VERDICT: There is not much science behind Epsom salts but this is relatively inexpensive so it certainly can’t hurt to try for removing dead skin cells and improving the complexion. 2/5
AQUADERM AQUEOUS FOAMING WASH BAR
£2.80, mistrys.co.uk ESSENTIALLY a solidified form of aqueous cream, this is formulated for sensitive and dry skin conditions — for those allergic to conventional soaps, cleansers or moisturisers.
VERDICT: As a wash-off soap substitute, this may be beneficial for the dry skin associated with eczema. Aqueous soap contains paraffin oils which leaves a creamy layer on the skin, trapping in water to help avoid dryness. A good reasonably priced alternative. 4/5
DETTOL ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP
99p for 2 bars, pharmacyfirst.co.uk SAID to contain ingredients to kill bacteria and give protection from ‘unseen germs’.
VERDICT: Studies have shown no added benefit to washing with anti-bacterial cleansers compared to soap and water. 1/5
PSOROLIN MEDICATED BATHING SOAP
£3.25, worldsend.co.uk THIS is claimed to fight the micro-organism Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast-like fungus linked to dandruff and psoriasis. It contains oil of extracts of
Wrightia tinctoria, a flowering plant, and aloe vera. VERDICT: Wrightia tinctoria has long been used for medicinal properties. At this price it’s worth trying with emollients and any regime prescribed by your doctor. 3/5