The 5 types of shower gel (and which one suits you best)

Eliminating the matter that adheres to the epidermal surface is essential in humans, both aesthetically and health. The external cleanliness is not only an indication of customs and neatness, but it also indicates us to the rest of people the general health status, socioeconomic status and many other parameters that define the individual. In a world where more than half of communication takes place non-verbally, the physical presentation to the environment is as important as what is said.

For this reason, the shower is partly a social construct and partly a basic necessity. Without going any further, a European inhabitant showers 6.8 times a week. Dermatologist experts recommend that this habit be daily, with an even higher frequency based on parameters such as the physical activity that the individual performs, their skin type, the environment and many others more factors.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and the first biological barrier to the entry of pathogens. Therefore, it is our duty as citizens (and animals, after all) to take care of it so that it remains aesthetically and physiologically viable. To do this, we present the 5 types of shower gel that exist and their particularities in the following lines.

• We recommend you read: "The 5 best bath gels of 2018 from the supermarkets"

How are shower gels classified?

A shower gel, as its name suggests, is defined as a liquid product commonly used for body washing during showering. Unlike liquid soaps, these gels use detergent compounds, petroleum derivatives or vegetable sources as the main ingredient.

Among other things, the properties of shower gels are based on their surfactant potential. This means that, depending on their greater or lesser dispersion in the water, they are capable of emulsifying the mixing, thus allowing a quick and thorough cleaning of the body surface and many other objects. The properties of the gel surfactants can be summarized in the following list:

• Moistening: surfactants come into direct contact with grease and dirt and wet it.
• Solubilization: By rubbing, the lighter lipid fractions are separated from the body dirt.
• Emulsification and detergency: the surfactant molecules are located on the surface of the fat droplets, producing an emulsion that is easy to remove.
• Dispersion: due to polarity phenomena, the dirt particles in the mixture are dispersed and are more easily removed during rinsing.

Interestingly, surfactants are classified as harmful to the skin, as they can cause peeling, redness, dryness, tightness and, in the most severe cases, allergic reactions and eczema located. Therefore, the formulation of hygienic agents with surfactants must find a balance between the efficacy of the product and the sensitivity of the patient, the second always being the highest priority.

We have already laid the foundations of what a shower gel is and how it works at the biochemical level, so we are prepared to dissect the types of gels present in the market based on the needs of the consumer. Go for it.

1. Scented gels

The aroma is very important for the final acceptance of the product by the consumer. After all, we are mammals and, as such, we are largely guided by the organoleptic properties of everything around us (especially smell). You will be surprised to learn, however, that scent is not simply a scent in the world of scented gels.

Within the properties of the product we find the following categories:

• Top notes: they are the first contact with the fragrance. They are perceived in an interval of 15 minutes and 2 hours after their application. "Pink pepper" and aldehydes are some of the most common top notes in gels.
• Heart notes: perceived up to 6 hours after application. They harmonize the top notes with the base notes. Floral chords are typical heart notes.
• Base notes: reaffirm the identity of the gel and give it its characteristic essence. They are perceived after 2 hours and are those that remain on the skin in the long term. Notes of cedar, amber, and musk are common in shower gels.

2. Relaxing gels

Relaxing gels are those that can help the individual to relax and slightly get rid of the stress accumulated during a long work day. They do not have muscle relaxation properties as such (they are not drugs), but their aromas are generally based on lavender, orange blossom, coconut, lemon and other spices can be useful in creating a relaxed atmosphere during the hour of the shower.

Anyway, don't get carried away by relaxation: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), no shower should last more than 5 minutes. This is the only way to achieve sustainable energy use and not exceed 95 liters of water per day per head.

3. Toning gels

The collagen and elastin fibers in the skin degrade over time, resulting in a loss of epidermal support and the consequent dreaded wrinkling and sagging. Toning gels argue that they can reduce this event by up to 85% and multiply up to 3 times the fat burning, thus reducing the volume of thighs and other accumulation structures by more than 20% adipose.

Of course, it is difficult for us to fully believe these "miraculous properties", since we are not dealing with pharmacological products prescribed by a doctor. In any case, depending on your skin type and habits, toning gels they can help you a little to maintain the long-awaited epidermal firmness that is lost over the years.

4. Exfoliating gels

Cosmetics with an exfoliating nature are based on a simple premise: in their mixture they present fine-grained microparticles (such as plant and seed extracts) that, by repeatedly rubbing against the epidermal surface, promote the peeling of dead cells and removal of dirt that may have stuck.

By eliminating impurities and dead cells, the correct oxygenation and oil balance in the skin is promoted, which translates into a better appearance, shine and smell of the epidermis. In any case, consult an expert before deciding to take a cleansing routine based on exfoliants: their indiscriminate use could cause irritation.

5. Moisturizing gels

Moisturizing shower gels often contain extracts of vegetable oils to combat the extremely dry nature of some skin types. Its application can promote the reduction of wrinkles, a greater epidermal softness and a more friendly appearance.

The gel and foam dilemma

Surely you've ever heard that the more lather a gel generates, the better for your skin, right? Nothing is further from reality. Although the production of foamy matter is commonly associated with the detergent capacity of the gel, both Terms are not synonymous, and many truly effective detergents do not form any kind of foam.

Curiously, the most dermocomplatible shower gels are usually the least foaming, as they have more skin-friendly surfactants, based on chemical reactions that are beyond our competence at this time. As a general rule of thumb, the more lather a gel produces and the cheaper its price, the more likely it is to irritate the consumer's skin in the long run.

Resume

After this quick lesson on hygiene and surfactants, you are sure to be ready to choose the best type of shower gel that suits your body routine. The ideal product is not universal, but it is a unique and non-interchangeable item based on the needs of the individual. A person with very oily skin may require the continued use of an exfoliating gel, while a patient with dry skin may only worsen his condition.

Therefore, before deciding to undertake any skin care routine, we recommend that you go to a specialist dermatologist to guide you in the appropriate method of action for your specific case. Each body is different and requires different care, do not forget.