Moisturising Shower Gels

What do you currently use to wash your body in the bath or shower?

If your answer is whatever you have to hand, then you need to know about moisturising shower gels.

A moisturising shower gel, as the name suggests, is a type of gel that is designed to moisture the skin during showering or bathing.

There are many different types of moisturising shower gels available, such as moisturising shower gel for dry skin and moisturising shower gel for sensitive skin.

If you are still not sure if a moisturising shower gel is the right skin-cleaning product for you, then you need to keep reading.

Within the below guide, discover:

What is a moisturising shower gel?
What is moisturising shower gel used for?
What are the benefits of using a moisturising shower gel?
Moisturising shower gel vs. body wash – which is best for your skin?
What is the best moisturising shower gel for dry skin?
What is the best moisturising shower gel for sensitive skin?
How to prevent dry skin after showering
Moisturising shower gel FAQs

What is a moisturising shower gel?

A shower gel is a type of body cleanser that starts in liquid form and then foams up into a lather when combined with water. A moisturising shower gel works in the same way but with the added benefit of containing active ingredients that are designed to hydrate and add moisture to the skin.

If you suffer from dry skin, either all over your body or on specific areas such as the elbows, knees and feet, then a moisturising shower gel can help to lock in moisture during showering or bathing.

Shower gels are typically soap-free and instead get their cleaning abilities from ingredients known as surface active agents, or surfactants. This means that they are less likely to strip your skin of its natural oils in the way that traditional soaps can.

What is moisturising shower gel used for?

Moisturising shower gels have several key uses and can easily be incorporated into your daily skincare regime.

The most common uses for a moisturising shower gel are:

To cleanse the skin

Once lathered onto the skin, a moisturising shower gel can be used to clean away dirt, excess oil and bacteria from the skin.

To treat skin conditions

You can get medicated shower gels that contain active skincare ingredients that are designed to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

To banish bad odours

Scented moisturising shower gels can be used to make your skin smell fresh and lovely. Although, if you have sensitive skin, you should avoid artificial fragrances, as these can cause irritation.

To lock in moisture

A moisturising shower gel should contain hydrating skincare ingredients such as glycerine, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, all of which help to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out during showering.

What are the benefits of using a moisturising shower gel?

The main benefit of using a moisturising shower gel is that it helps your skin to retain moisture when it is being washed. If you experience dry skin after showering or bathing, a moisturising shower gel can ensure your skin stays hydrated and doesn’t lose its own natural oils during the washing process.

Other benefits of using a moisturising shower gel include:

To keep your body smelling fresh
To keep your skin smooth and soft
To prevent premature ageing of the skin

What ingredients should you look for in a moisturising shower gel?

A moisturising shower gel should contain active ingredients that are designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Some of the most hydrating ingredients to look out for include:

Glycerine

Glycerine is a humectant which means that it draws water to itself. This means that if you use a moisturising shower gel that contains glycerine, water is drawn to the skin, which prevents it from drying out.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is another humectant that has surged in popularity in skincare products in the last few years. With the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid is a must-have ingredient for a moisturising shower gel.

Ceramides

If you suffer with very dry skin, eczema or another skin condition that causes dry and flaky skin, then you should look for a moisturising shower gel that contains ceramides. These naturally occur between your skin cells and help to support your skin’s natural barriers.

Lactic acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and also a humectant. As well as being able to hydrate the skin, lactic acid can also help to gently exfoliate it and remove dead skin cells.

Moisturising shower gel vs. body wash – which is best for your skin?

While shower gels and body washes are both liquid cleansers for the body, there are a few key differences between these two skincare products.

A moisturising shower gel tends to have a thicker and firmer consistency, whereas body washes tend to be thinner. The former is more suited to people with dry skin that needs a hydration boost, and the latter is usually gentler on the skin.

Take a look at the main benefits of each below:

Moisturising shower gel

Good for dry and very dry skin
Scent lasts longer on the skin
Infuses your skin with moisture
Exfoliates the skin

Body wash

Good for normal skin/combination skin
Creates a good lather
Can help to treat skin conditions

What is the best moisturising shower gel for dry skin?

If you have dry or very dry skin, then you should not use a normal shower gel or body wash, as these can strip your skin of its own natural oils. Instead, opt for a moisturising shower gel that contains hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides, shea butter and hyaluronic acid.

You should not choose a shower gel that contains parabens, sulfates or phthalates, as these can irritate the skin and cause further dryness.The best shower gel for dry skin is Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Bath and Shower Gel. This 100% vegan moisturising shower gel contains quinoa protein and aloe vera, both of which rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. This shower gel does not contain any synthetic colours or fragrances which could worsen dry skin.

What is the best moisturising shower gel for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you should look for a moisturising shower gel that is hypoallergenic. You should also avoid any shower gels that contain artificial fragrances or harsh ingredients, as these can cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Instead, look for an organic moisturising shower gel that contains natural ingredients, such as Neal’s Yard English Lavender Bath & Shower Gel.

Do you need to use a moisturising cream after a moisturising shower gel?

Even if you use a moisturising shower gel when showering or bathing, your skin may still lose some moisture and hydration during the cleansing process. Therefore, you should still apply a good moisturiser after using a moisturising shower gel.

For best results, apply your chosen moisturising cream while your skin is still damp and gently massage into your skin.

If you have areas of your body that are prone to dryness, such as your feet, then it can be a good idea to invest in a specialised moisturising cream such as CCS foot care cream. Specially formulated to tackle dry skin on the feet, this premium cream contains lactic acid, urea and eucalyptus oil, which can help to hydrate, exfoliate and banish bad odours.

CCS foot care cream can also be used to moisturise other areas of dry skin on the body, such as on the elbows, knees and hands. It can be bought over-the-counter at most pharmacies and online without a prescription.

How to prevent dry skin after showering

If your skin always feels dry after showering, there are several shower and post-shower techniques that you can adopt to keep your skin feeling soft and smooth. These include:

Take warm showers rather than hot ones
Take shorter showers (15 minutes max)
Wash your hair before your body to avoid product build-up
Wash your face last, as the steam will open up your pores
Only use a small amount of moisturising shower gel
Avoid products that contain chemicals or artificial fragrances
Apply a moisturising cream to your body while the skin is still damp

Frequently asked questions

What is a moisturizing shower gel?

A moisturising shower gel is a type of liquid cleanser for the body that also contains hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. These are designed to help prevent the skin from drying out during washing by locking in moisture. You should still apply a body moisturising cream after showering or bathing, even if you use a moisturising shower gel.

Is moisturiser the same as body wash?

No, a moisturiser is typically applied after showering or bathing to restore any moisture loss and to hydrate the skin. A body wash, on the other hand, is designed to cleanse the body of dirt and bacteria during showering or bathing.

Which is the best body wash for dry skin?

If you have dry skin, you need a body wash that contains hydrating ingredients, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera and vitamin B3. One of the best body washes for dry skin is Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Body Wash, which contains prebiotic oats to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Which is the best moisturizing shower gel?

The best moisturising shower gel should contain active ingredients to moisturise the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter and coconut oil. One of the most popular moisturising shower gels is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel, which is enriched with hyaluronic acid and approved by dermatologists.

Can a shower gel be used on the face?

As the skin on your face is much thinner and more sensitive than on the rest of your body, a gentler formulation is needed to clean the face. However, if you have a good moisturising shower gel, this can be used on the face if you run out of a specially formulated face wash.