Soap: Good or Bad?




Nov 16, 09:28 pm

    Soap contains surfactants that allow oil and water to mix. The more surfactant, the better the soap is at removing oil. However, too much surfactant can be harsh on skin, especially dry skin. Healthy skin has a pH of about 5.6 to 5.8 on a scale from 0 to 14, but most soaps has a pH between 9 and 10, which is harsh.

    Oily skin should reconsider using harsh soap because many soaps contain lards or fats that can block pores. In a controlled study, the number of pimples increased among the group using conventional soap, rather than, say, a “cleansing bar”.

    Among soaps, the harshest are Zest and Camay, while the least irritating to the skin are Dove, Purpose and Aveeno Bar. For oilier skin, try Neutrogena Cleansing Bar Oily Skin Formula.

SOAP FACTS

Acne soaps: Used correctly, can reduce breakouts.

Castile soaps: It is milder because it uses olive oil as main fat but many castile soaps contain other irritants.

Deodorant soaps: The antibacterial agents help reduce body odor but has high pH levels that can be too harsh.

Facial bar: Just smaller than a bath bar.

French milled soaps: Additives to reduce alkalinity helps, and they do not dissolve as quickly.

Natural soaps: Vitamin E and aloe vera do not make better soap.

Oatmeal soaps: Sounds wholesome, but depends on other ingredients.

Superfatted soaps: May contain hydrating elements like lanolin and parafin.

Transparent soaps: Usually milder but may clog pores for those who are acne-prone. These are also softer soaps. Always read ingredients.

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