All soaps are not created equal by type. For example, "cleansing" soaps may actually be the most inappropriate for your skin. You might also find that soaps from the past have much better skin properties than those of more expensive brands.
There are many soaps available. They can differ in their chemical ingredients as well as the effects they have on your skin. You can choose the best soap bar for your skincare needs by knowing what to look out for.
How traditional soap is made
Traditional soaps were made from oils (animal fats and vegetable oils) and liquids (mostly water). This triggers a chemical reaction called saponification. Saponification is the process of making soap from oils, liquids, and alkali.
This may sound harsh, but it is necessary for soap making. Properly made soap contains no lye.
These are the different soap types:
The Genuine Soaps
Only soap made in the traditional manner, with alkali salts and fatty acids, is considered "true soap". This soap can be made by both large manufacturers and small artisans.
Bar soaps that are genuine bar soaps have surfactants. These reduce the surface tension between oil, water and dirt.
It was thought that soaps could cause skin pH imbalances because soap has an average pH of 8 to 9. The pH balance of soaps is not as important as previously thought.
While there are hand soaps that are 100% natural, most soaps today have synthetic fragrances, hardeners, colorants, and scents. This is not always a bad thing, but it is something to be aware of if you have any special skin conditions. If you are looking for an all-natural bar with natural ingredients, make sure to read the label.
Syndet Bars
The majority of bar soaps that you find in stores are not soap. Actually, they're syndet soap bars. Syndet is a combination of the words "synthetic" and "detergent".
Syndet bars are free from vegetable oils and alkali-saponified animal fats. These gentle cleansing bars are soap-free. These soap-free cleansing bars are quite gentle on the skin.
Syndet bars are not considered soap by consumers. They will never be advertized in that manner. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that syndet bars be soap-like.
Superfatted soaps
7 Superfatted soaps can be described as soap bars with extra oil.
Super fatting increases the soap's moisturizing properties and reduces irritation to the skin. However, some people find super fatted soaps too fatty and not enough cleansing.
Transparent soaps
Transparent soaps may be either true bar soaps or synthetic soaps. However, the added glycerin can make them milder.
Transparent soaps can cause skin irritation. It all depends on the ingredients and formulation of a product. Mild soap does not always necessarily mean a transparent bar.
Combination bars
Combination bars sound exactly like they are. They are made up of a variety of cleansers that work together to minimize irritation of the skin and reduce dryness accordingly. Combination bars are made up of ingredients from superfatted soap or syndet bars
In conclusion: Here are four steps on how to choose the right bar soap for you.
It can be rather difficult for you to choose the right bar for your skin. Knowing what you want will help you cut down your options.
You must decide what is most important to your priorities. If you are committed to using all-natural, vegan skincare products, then a traditional handmade soap might be the best choice. Be sure always to check the ingredients list of the product as not all soaps are vegan or all-natural.
If you think it is more important for the product to be affordable and easily found in most stores? Syndet bars are your best choice for cleaning then.
A facial bar and a soap for your body are great options. You may find a bar that has strong cleansing properties to work well on your skin. However, it is likely to be too drying for your face.
You will need a moisturizing bar for your face than you would for your body. It has to be gentle and not irritating.
Pay attention to your skin. Regardless of the type of soap you use, if your skin feels tight, dry, itchy or flaky, it is clear that you have to change the type of soap. The right soap will not only leave your skin clean and fresh, but it will also prevent you from feeling stripped. A bar that works well for a friend doesn't necessarily make it right for you.
Every person's skin reacts to soaps and cleansers differently. Try out the products first before buying. Pay attention to the way your skin feels after washing, and not just after using the product for a few days.
Ask your dermatologist for recommendations. Your dermatologist will be able to offer great advice based on your skin and individual circumstances.
You can ask an esthetician for advice if you feel confused about which soap to take.
