Soap is the oldest cleanser around. But the soaps today, which are made of animal and plant oils, water and lye, with the lye disappearing during the manufacturing process, should be more accurately labelled as detergents. Other ingredients such as DEA, Isopropyl Alcohol and Triclosan can cause severe skin irritations in some people, and leave the skin feel dry, itchy and tight. The most common ingredient in conventional bar soaps is sodium tallowate, which produces a harder and cheaper bar of soap.
More and more people are considering the benefits of using handmade soap. Chemical free and mild, everyone can enjoy the purity and healing properties of the natural products, especially those who have sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic, or suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Most are made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, palm, and most importantly, glycerine, which is a clear liquid that is important in keeping skin soft and healthy and gentle enough for children. It is often absent in commercial soaps.
Today’s producers follow a 200-year-old process that sees the natural ingredients made in small batches, then poured into wooden block moulds. The soaps slowly set for several days, allowing any skin-drying side products to rise to the top and be discarded. The soaps are then cut into bars, followed by a month-long drying and curing process and many soap makers use rosemary extract as a natural preservative. As the skin is about 20 percent of total body weight, it is very important for overall well-being and it is the largest human organ as well as the first line of defence against harmful substances and temperatures.
Natural soaps have proven to have healing powers, and people who have sensitive skin often find immediate relief by switching to natural soap as well, as it is very mild and with few exceptions, has no artificial colours, fragrances or preservatives.
Consumers are urged to check labels to review the ingredients in the soaps they are using. The makers of natural soaps caution that if shoppers can't pronounce the ingredients, the product likely contains harsh materials and they should switch to a natural vegetable-based soap that is kinder to their skin. Visit www.vermontsoap.com to learn more from one natural soap maker about how to determine skin types and which ingredients are recommended for different skin types. As skin can appear to be dry in the winter and more oily in the summer, it’s wise to consider changing soap through the year as well. Bath and shower gels, moisturizing cream, household cleaners, and pet products are also available which are made from natural, healthy ingredients.
Consumers will feel good knowing they are looking their best, using products that won’t harm their skin and will allow them to look and feel their best. And as they get more knowledgeable about the quality and benefits of natural products, it’s hoped that the increased awareness will show up in the showers of the average consumer and in their entire lifestyles as well.
