The *exact* right amount of soap to use in the shower, according to a dermatologist
I asked dermatologists, and this is how much body wash to use whenever you're showering. Turns out that less is more (which makes your products last longer, too).
The *exact* right amount of soap to use in the shower, according to a dermatologist
I asked dermatologists, and this is how much body wash to use whenever you're showering. Turns out that less is more (which makes your products last longer, too).
From what I’ve learned over the years, there are two camps when it comes to how much shower product to wash yourself with: The conservative, and the extra. I fall into the former camp, and my boyfriend is in the latter—which causes drama in the bathroom because it means having to refresh our supply of body wash way more often than I personally think we should.
In the pursuit of being right (so sue me), I sought the advice of dermatologists to see what the professional-recommended amount of shower product is. The good news (at least, for me): A “less is more” approach is the smart way to go.
“Use [enough body wash] until there’s good, visible lather over the body,” says Robert Anolik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “The amount is a variable based on the size of your body.” For a more specific, measurable amount though, he suggests a shot glass full of your body product—”Just like the volume of sunscreen you should put on your body when headed to the beach.”
Connecticut-based dermatologist Mona Gohara also errs on the conservative side when it comes to your head-to-toe cleansing regimen. When using a body wash or foam, she suggests using only “enough to fill your palm.”
If you’re working with a bar of soap, though, it’s probably easiest to just follow Dr. Anolik’s advice of using enough to lather with. Whichever way you go though, if you’re following derm’s orders, you won’t need to replace your shower products once a month like I do (thanks to an over-user, cough-cough). In the event you do run out, you can use shampoo as body wash, albeit temporarily.
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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