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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
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Personal Care and Style
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Bathing
Bath Recipes
How to Use Bodywash Download ArticleExplore this Article parts 1 Selecting the Bodywash 2 Applying the Bodywash 3 Maintaining a Good Bodywash Routine Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Melissa Jannes
Last Updated: September 12, 2024
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This article was co-authored by Melissa Jannes. Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in Pennsylvania. This article has been viewed 205,184 times.
Bodywash is a great way to clean your body in the shower or bath. Most body-washes have a silky smooth texture that feels great against your skin. Start by selecting a bodywash that contains natural oils and no fragrance or sulfates. You can then apply a small amount of bodywash with a washcloth to exfoliate and clean your body. Always moisturize after you use bodywash so you skin stays soft and hydrated.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Selecting the Bodywash
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1 Look for a bodywash that contains hydrating ingredients. Check the ingredients on the label of the bodywash for hydrating oils like coconut or argon oil. Shea butter and coconut butter are also great for hydrating your skin. Getting a bodywash with hydrating ingredients will ensure it keeps your skin soft and moisturized.[1]XResearch source
Avoid bodywashes that contain chemicals, additives, and harsh ingredients.
2 Get a bodywash that is fragrance and sulfate-free. Body-washes that contain fragrance or perfume can dry out and irritate your skin. Sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate, sodium laurel sulfate, and cocamidopropyl betaine can strip your skin of its natural oils. Steer clear of body washes that contain these ingredients.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Avoid a bodywash that lathers or foams a lot. The lathering that occurs when the body wash mixes with water can strip the natural oils on your skin and make it very dry. Go for a bodywash that lathers only a little bit. Avoid bodywashes that lather a lot when mixed with water.[3]XResearch source
You should also avoid body-washes that advertise “foaming” action, as this will cause it to lather a lot when used.
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Applying the Bodywash
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1 Use a small amount of bodywash in the shower or bath. Squeeze out a dime sized amount of bodywash, as you do not need much to clean your whole body. Avoid using too much bodywash at once, as this can irritate or dry out your skin.[4]XResearch source
Take a warm shower or bath when you use the bodywash so you can wet and clean your entire body.
2 Apply the bodywash to your body with a washcloth. Use a wet washcloth to apply the bodywash from head to toe. Gently rub your body with the washcloth to help clean your skin and remove dead skin cells.[5]XResearch source
Avoid using just your hands to apply the bodywash, as it is more difficult to clean your entire body with just your hands.
Make sure you rinse out the washcloth regularly to prevent germs and bacteria from accumulating. You can also replace the washcloth once a week.
Stay away from using a loofah to apply the bodywash, as it can harbor bacteria and germs. It can also increase your chances of developing acne.[6]XResearch source
3 Do not put the bodywash on your face. Bodywash is made for your body only. Use a facial cleanser for your face. Putting bodywash on your face can increase the risk of developing skin irritation and dry patches in this area.[7]XResearch source
4 Rinse the bodywash off with warm water. Once you have cleaned your body with the bodywash, use warm water in the shower or bath to rinse it off. Make sure you get all the bodywash off of your skin. Having soap residue left on your skin can irritate and dry out your skin.[8]XResearch source
5 Pat your body dry. Use a clean towel to gently pat your body until it is completely dry. Do not rub your body dry, as this can irritate your skin.[9]XResearch source
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Maintaining a Good Bodywash Routine
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1 Apply moisturizer after using bodywash. Keep your skin moisturized by putting on a moisturizer as soon as you’ve dried off from your shower or bath. Using a moisturizer after you have washed your body with bodywash will lock in moisture on your skin and prevent dry patches.[10]XResearch source
Make sure you use a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut butter, and oats.
Apply moisturizer in areas that tend to get very dry, such as your knees, your elbows, your feet, and your hands.
2 Switch to a gentler bodywash if your current bodywash dries out your skin. If you notice your bodywash is causing you to develop dry patches or irritated skin, try switching to a bodywash made for sensitive skin. Look for a bodywash that has more natural or hydrating ingredients.[11]XResearch source
3 Talk to a dermatologist if you develop skin issues. If your skin becomes irritated, dry, or red due to the bodywash, see your dermatologist for guidance. You may be allergic to certain ingredients in bodywash or have skin that is too sensitive for conventional soaps.[12]X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MDBoard Certified PediatricianExpert Interview
Your dermatologist may recommend a particular soap brand or a prescription bodywash to address your skin issues.
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Question I bought Aveeno body wash for sensitive skin by mistake, when I wanted to use it in a bath. Can I use this body wash in a bath? Tamara Top Answerer You can definitely use it in the bath. Simply pour some on a washcloth or sponge and rub it into a lather before washing your skin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9
Question How do I keep my hair dry? Community Answer If you want to keep your hair dry in the shower then I recommend using a shower cap. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 15
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Tips
Opt for bodywash instead of bar soap if you want to be more hygienic. Bar soap can often carry bacteria and germs on its surface.[13]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about personal hygiene, check out our in-depth interview with Joel Warsh, MD.
Co-authored by: Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician This article was co-authored by Melissa Jannes. Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in Pennsylvania. This article has been viewed 205,184 times. 5 votes - 60% Co-authors: 13Updated: September 12, 2024 Views: 205,184 Categories: Bath RecipesArticle SummaryX
To use bodywash, squeeze a dime sized amount onto a wet wash cloth. Next, gently rub your body from the neck down with the washcloth and avoid putting bodywash on your face. Be sure to work up a good lather to clean your skin and remove dead skin cells! Then, rinse the bodywash off thoroughly with warm water and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. For tips on choosing a bodywash, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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John Rieley
Dec 14, 2019
"Older man using washes for the first time. Info here is invaluable and succinct, with nice illustrations."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician 5 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13Updated: September 12, 2024 Views: 205,184
John Rieley
Dec 14, 2019
"Older man using washes for the first time. Info here is invaluable and succinct, with nice illustrations." Share yours!
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Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Selecting the Bodywash 2 Applying the Bodywash 3 Maintaining a Good Bodywash Routine Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Melissa Jannes 
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Co-authored by: Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician This article was co-authored by Melissa Jannes. Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in Pennsylvania. This article has been viewed 205,184 times. 5 votes - 60% Co-authors: 13 Updated: September 12, 2024 Views: 205,184 Categories: Bath Recipes Article SummaryX
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1 Look for a bodywash that contains hydrating ingredients. Check the ingredients on the label of the bodywash for hydrating oils like coconut or argon oil. Shea butter and coconut butter are also great for hydrating your skin. Getting a bodywash with hydrating ingredients will ensure it keeps your skin soft and moisturized.[1] 
2 Get a bodywash that is fragrance and sulfate-free. Body-washes that contain fragrance or perfume can dry out and irritate your skin. Sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate, sodium laurel sulfate, and cocamidopropyl betaine can strip your skin of its natural oils. Steer clear of body washes that contain these ingredients.[2] Advertisement 
3 Avoid a bodywash that lathers or foams a lot. The lathering that occurs when the body wash mixes with water can strip the natural oils on your skin and make it very dry. Go for a bodywash that lathers only a little bit. Avoid bodywashes that lather a lot when mixed with water.[3] 
1 Use a small amount of bodywash in the shower or bath. Squeeze out a dime sized amount of bodywash, as you do not need much to clean your whole body. Avoid using too much bodywash at once, as this can irritate or dry out your skin.[4] 
2 Apply the bodywash to your body with a washcloth. Use a wet washcloth to apply the bodywash from head to toe. Gently rub your body with the washcloth to help clean your skin and remove dead skin cells.[5] 
3 Do not put the bodywash on your face. Bodywash is made for your body only. Use a facial cleanser for your face. Putting bodywash on your face can increase the risk of developing skin irritation and dry patches in this area.[7] 
4 Rinse the bodywash off with warm water. Once you have cleaned your body with the bodywash, use warm water in the shower or bath to rinse it off. Make sure you get all the bodywash off of your skin. Having soap residue left on your skin can irritate and dry out your skin.[8] 
5 Pat your body dry. Use a clean towel to gently pat your body until it is completely dry. Do not rub your body dry, as this can irritate your skin.[9] Advertisement 
1 Apply moisturizer after using bodywash. Keep your skin moisturized by putting on a moisturizer as soon as you’ve dried off from your shower or bath. Using a moisturizer after you have washed your body with bodywash will lock in moisture on your skin and prevent dry patches.[10] 
2 Switch to a gentler bodywash if your current bodywash dries out your skin. If you notice your bodywash is causing you to develop dry patches or irritated skin, try switching to a bodywash made for sensitive skin. Look for a bodywash that has more natural or hydrating ingredients.[11] 
3 Talk to a dermatologist if you develop skin issues. If your skin becomes irritated, dry, or red due to the bodywash, see your dermatologist for guidance. You may be allergic to certain ingredients in bodywash or have skin that is too sensitive for conventional soaps.[12] 
Tamara Top Answerer You can definitely use it in the bath. Simply pour some on a washcloth or sponge and rub it into a lather before washing your skin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9 
Community Answer If you want to keep your hair dry in the shower then I recommend using a shower cap. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 15 