Glycerin Soap

Are Soaps Bad for your Skin?

You remember the face of your mother when you returned from playing covered in dirt and muck, how she used to order you take a bath quickly and handed you the soap. No matter how much you protested, she wouldn't allow you to come outside unless you lathered yourself with the soap and were completely clean.  Now imagine the same soap that made you feel squeaky clean also robbing your skin of moisture and drying it out. You would think twice about bathing with soap, right?

Why is Soap bad for the skin?

Soaps are salts made from mixing of animal or vegetable oils (acid) with Sodium hydroxide NaOH or Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)(base) . These salts are basic or alkaline in nature with a pH value of about 9-10 while our skin has an acidic nature with a pH between 5.6 and 5.8. Using soap on your skin increases the pH of our skin harming it.

Common Skin Complaint: Too Oily or Too Dry

Dr. Shweta Iyengar says, "The most common skin complaints we hear are either about dry skin or oily skin and most soaps are the leading causes for dryness of skin, so they are bad for your skin. On the other hand, those with oily skin wash their faces many times in a day which causes rebound oiliness (their skin produces even more oil to compensate)." She feels that since soaps may change the balance of moisture and oil of your skin, they may harm your skin.

Other chemicals in soaps that aren't good for your skin:

• Surfactants: Surfactants allow the mixing of water and soap. They help in the cleaning action by surrounding dirt particles and oil and dissolving them in water so that they easily come off with running water. However their action also harms the skin by making it dry and tight.
• Detergents: The detergents are made from synthetic materials and are known to also rob the moisture off the skin making it dry and irritable.
• Fragrances: Sandalwood, rose, strawberry or aloe vera- you get a soap of whichever flavor you wish, but if you delve deeper, fragrances do more harm than good for the skin and they tend to irritate the skin. Those who find their skin red or itchy after bath should choose a non scented soap.

Dr. Vidula Patel, Dermatologist with L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai says, "Yes, to some extent, soaps are harmful for the skin especially for those with dry and sensitive skin. The normal pH of our skin is slightly acidic and soaps being alkaline, increase skin's pH which is not good. Any soap which lathers much is alkali based and not suitable for our skin." She says that is the reason that they recommend ‘soap free cleansers' which do not lather that much and clean the skin as effectively. So the lather that we feel makes us cleaner, actually strips the moisture off our skin.

Dr. Vidula recommends that those with dry skin should use soap free cleansers and those with oily skin to use medicated soaps containing salicylic acid (a hydrooxybenzoic crystalline acid that preserves skin surface). She adds that those with normal skin can use any soap but they should cease to use it after the age of 40 since the skin starts ageing then.

So are soaps bad?

No, there is a change in the way soaps are manufactured today and they are made with considerations for all skin types.  But different soaps are suitable for different skin types.  So if your skin feels tight, dry, itchy or red after bathing then your soap doesn't suit you.

Types of soaps and their properties:

• Regular Soaps: We don't think twice about buying soaps when we have a fairly normal skin, we may be loyal to one brand of soap or would change it frequently. Most soaps contain fragrances, detergents or other chemicals which may clean our skin but may also take away the moisture from it.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is a byproduct of soap making process which is removed by the manufacturers to create other products like lotions. Glycerin soaps are generally translucent and help your skin absorb the moisture in the air, keeping  skin soft. Glycerin soaps are excellent for those with dry skin and sensitive skin and for those with conditions like Psoriasis (a disease with white scaly patches caused by allergy to substances that occur naturally in the body). However those who have oily skin may find that glycerin soaps may block the pores of their skin.
• Mild Soaps: These soaps contain moisturizing cleansers that clean the skin without taking away the moisture of the skin. Often these mild soaps contain the words ‘milk', ‘cream' and ‘lotion'. These are more expensive than regular soaps but are good for those with sensitive or dry skin.
• Anti bacterial soaps: Anti bacterial soaps contain high amount of Triclosan (actually a phenol!) that is known to have many side effects on the body. Dr. Vidula says "Anti-bacterial soaps are bad because they excessively dry out the skin but they can be used when the person is suffering from some infection or when you have been somewhere that is unhygienic". Recent research also shows that antibacterial soaps and hand washes are not more effective than the regular warm water and soap; they also are blamed for creating viruses which are resistant to anti bacterial soaps.

Dr. Shweta says, "Many people start using Dettol when they suffer from itchy skin, but it gets worse since these soaps are drying."  She advises to use anti bacterial and anti septic soaps only for washing hands or when you get excessively dirty.

If you still wish to go ahead and use an anti bacterial soap, don't forget to moisturize afterwards.

Ways to make the soap work for you!

Dr. Shweta gives these following solutions:

• Choose a soap that suits your skin type.
• You may require separate soaps for your body and your face. Since some people may have an oily face type and body of normal skin type.
• Don't wash your face too many times in the day; it will only dry your skin.
• Choose a soap with glycerin (unless if you have oily skin) or with moisturizing cream.

What about the alternatives?

Herbal/Organic:

There are herbal or organic natural soaps that are available in the market. These claim to be devoid of harmful chemicals. These are also quite expensive. However, before you buy these, check the labels of the soaps to ensure that they are made from natural ingredients. Also as Dr. Shweta says, "Herbal soaps may contain extra ingredients which are good for the skin but we must remember that it is the basic surfactants that cause the problem and just adding a few ingredients will not make them good." She says that buying a glycerin or moisturizing soap will serve the same purpose as these organic or natural soaps.

New Glycerin Soap

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Van Der Hagen Glycerin Shave Soap, 2.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12) List Price: $23.88 Sale Price: $19.94 You save: $3.94 (16%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Each hypo-allergenic Glycerin Shave Soap contains 40-percent moisturizers , including Vitamin E & Oat Extract to help soothe skin and protect against razor burn. Features Hypo-allergenic shave soap for an Exceptional Shave Helps protect even the most sensitive skin With vitamin E and oat extract

Dial Glycerin Soap White Tea & Vitamin E- 3 Bars Sale Price: $7.59   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features Vitamin E complex contains nutrients and moisturizes Leaves no filmy residue

Avalon Rosemary Glycerin Hand Soap, 12-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3) List Price: $23.85 Sale Price: $21.45 You save: $2.40 (10%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Formulated with a special blend of gentle, plant-based cleansers, our certified organic herbal blend, certified organic essential oils, our signature vitamin and amino acid complex special skin conditioners as well as moisturizing glycerin. Features Perfect for frequent washing. Gentle, effective cleansers blended with moisturizing glycerin and certified organic peppermint cleanse, refresh and moisturize hands. Benefits all skin types

Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaii Glycerin Soap 3 Bar Gift Set On Monkey Pod Tray, 20-Ounce List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $11.61 You save: $8.38 (42%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features This set contains an assortment of 3 of our most popular fragrances, and they come dressed on a beautiful wooden tray. This is a great gift for someone you care about, and also makes a wonderful affordable luxury when you deserve a little treat. Enjoy! We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaiian Glycerin Soap Rain Forest, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $20.97 Sale Price: $11.03 You save: $9.94 (47%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features They gently lift dirt from your skin leaving you refreshed, moisturized, and smelling great for hours. Made completely by hand and from scratch We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaiian Glycerin Soap Coconut Mango, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $20.97 Sale Price: $11.95 You save: $9.02 (43%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features They gently lift dirt from your skin leaving you refreshed, moisturized, and smelling great for hours. Nothing says Hawaii like Coconut Mango fragrance We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaiian Glycerin Soap Plumeria, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $20.97 Sale Price: $11.95 You save: $9.02 (43%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features They gently lift dirt from your skin leaving you refreshed, moisturized, and smelling great for hours. Made completely by hand and from scratch We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaiian Glycerin Soap Guava Berry, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $20.97 Sale Price: $11.20 You save: $9.77 (47%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features They gently lift dirt from your skin leaving you refreshed, moisturized, and smelling great for hours. This sweet luscious fruit is a Maui favorite. We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Col. Conk World's Famous Shaving Soap, Bay Rum (Net Weight 2.25 Oz) Sale Price: $3.98   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description * Bay Rum Scent * Contains: Avocado Oil and Vitamin E * Net Weight 2.25 oz. * 2 1/2" Diameter by 1" Tall Features Bay Rum Scent Contains: Contains: Avocado Oil and Vitamin E Net Weight 2.25 oz. 2 1/2" Diameter by 1" Tall

My Pet Fish ® Soap, Handcrafted Glycerin Soap, Made in USA List Price: $6.75 Sale Price: $6.50 You save: $0.25 (4%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description My Pet Fish ® soap looks just like the fish in a bag you win at a carnival, only Mom doesn't have to feed it or remember to change the water. With a small toy fish in the middle of clear, vegetable based, glycerin soap, getting clean eventually wins you a toy! Simply peel the plastic bag from your soap, and you have a soap shaped like a bag of water. Unique and fun, this unscented soap is great as a party favor or stocking stuffer. Please allow us to choose a color for you. :) **Our soaps meet vegan standards and are hypoallergenic. We never test on animals. Features Handcrafted in the USA Clear hypoallergenic glycerine soap Looks just like the fish you win at a carnival...but doesn't require feeding! Toy Fish inside...a prize for getting clean Fun for children from 1 to 100