Real soap. I know. This probably sounds funny to read, but many of the products available today are synthetic knockoffs of the real thing. And trust me, there are benefits to using real soap. There was this era that happened where things that were 'enhanced' and altered chemically were better than the original. However, it turns out, soap handcrafted, cured and hand trimmed are way better than the manufactured counterparts Yes! And today, I m going to tell you that the soap you are using may not be soap at all. Those soaps that are mass produced in a perfectly square block and hard as a rock are not even soap, they are (to me) a detergents.
But before I start, I advise (no matter what natural ingredients), you always use your soap to wash your body but try avoid face washing (as the PH of hard soaps is generally high). That's what I do ;).
1. Ingredients matter
Next time you’re in the market for soap, look closely at the ingredients. Check to see if the product you are looking at is even called soap. Those mass produced bars found at the store called cleansing bars, are imitation soap :).
2. Beautiful and soft skin
For soft, clean, moisturised skin, you need to use real soap. Handmade cold process soap retains its natural glycerin from the method of mixing Lye (derivative of certain kinds of wood ash and soft water) with fats (oils). Through the saponification process (mixing oils with lye) the chemical reaction creates a very high glycerin soap. And you sure can feel the difference. It is natural and really good for your skin :).
Always remember, especially when bathing, that your skin is the body’s largest organ and it is very porous and absorbent. It absorbs whatever it comes in contact with, much the same as sticking something in your mouth. We often tell people that what ever you put on your body, you should be able to eat. It may not taste good, but you won’t need to get your stomach pumped. Chronic use of chemical laden body care products will result in the body storing them in the body fat.
3. Pick the right one
Some bar soaps can be gentler on sensitive skin. However, before you pick up any bar soap for your face, it’s important to make sure it’s been formulated for use on your face. There are many skincare brands that offer bar soaps made just for your face. But remember to look for bar soaps that are unscented, hypoallergenic, and include high levels of moisturising ingredients, such as:
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
And always try to avoid ingredients like:
- Dyes
- Parabens
- Fragrance
- Lanolin
- Formaldehyde
4. Side effects of using bar soap on your face
Traditional bar soaps aren’t a good choice for your face, even if they smell fantastic and are great for your body. Bar soaps are often scented and dyed. The scents and dyes may irritate the sensitive skin on your face. This could leave your skin red, itchy, or blotchy. They may be abrasive. Putting a bar of soap directly on your face can be abrasive and irritate your skin.
Bar soaps can be very drying. Any cleanser you use on your face needs to have moisturising ingredients. Most traditional bar soaps don’t contain these ingredients and will strip your skin of moisture. It can be hard to reach your entire face. Because of the shape and size of bar soaps, you might miss parts of your face. My advice - traditional bar soap is simply too harsh to use on delicate facial skin as most bar soaps have a high pH value. That makes them great for getting dirt and grease off of your body, but wrong for getting oils and buildup off your face!! Remember this.
5. Avoid face but wash the rest of the body
Most bar soap isn’t made to go on your face. It’s too harsh and can irritate your skin. There are many options when it comes to facial cleansing. (so for the face, try to find and stick to your own routine). The right choice for you will depend on your skin type and personal preference. No matter what, it’s important to choose a cleanser that’s made specifically for your face. And proper face washing, including using appropriate cleansers, can help keep your skin healthy.
6. Something for everyone
Whatever your skin type, favourite scent, or ingredient preference is, there is a bar soap for you.
Handcrafted soap is often made with specific ingredients to work for various skin types. You can find a handmade soap for oily skin, acne prone, sensitive skin, one perfect for babies and so much more. The same goes for scent preference. Whether you like floral, sweet, spicy or musky, you’re sure to find a bar of soap your sniffer will love (I love natural soaps made with pure honey, lavender, cherry blossom, etc.).
To me, a handmade bar of soap just brings something a little extra 'to the table' when it comes to 'presentation'.
And bringing this little handmade bar of soapy goodness into your own shower is like treating yourself to a present every time you lather up.
And trust me, we all deserve it.
Until next time, S.
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