A quick read on natural soaps and their benefits

If there is one thing that everyone is passionate about these days, it is our health. It is slowly becoming the number one priority, and everyone is focusing on how to feel good and look good and therefore looking around for the best options to achieve that. 

In this article, we will focus on the largest organ of our body -the skin.

One of the best ways to keep our skin healthy is to drink a lot of water to flush out toxins and hydrate it. Most of us do that, but what about its external care? 

Many organic and natural soaps have made a splash in the market, and people are constantly searching for the newest, real, natural soaps, shampoos and cosmetics in the marketplace. So what's the fuss?

Well, the fact is that a regular bar of soap or body wash is nothing but mere detergent and chemicals which dehydrate and make your skin age quicker. That is why people are opting for natural soaps.

Natural soaps are made from natural oils, herbs, flowers, clay, and aroma oils. Natural soaps do not have chemicals, unlike the soaps you find in your department store. Using a handmade natural soap can protect your skin from all types of skin problems. So let's take a look at the benefits of natural soap.

'Here are a few benefits of a natural soap: -

1. Paraben-free - 

Parabens are a group of chemicals added to cosmetics to increase their shelf life. However, studies have shown that parabens are not suitable for our health in the long run. Paraben makes our skin broken, cracked, painful, swollen and causes rashes and other problems. It may even result in premature ageing. Natural soaps are paraben-free, but they may not have a longer shelf life like synthetic soap.

2. Glycerine -

Glycerine is a byproduct of saponification. Many companies that make these OTC(over the counter) soaps remove the glycerine produced and sell it separately to the companies for their moisturising lotions. Hence when you use regular soap, your skin feels dry, and our soap must be gentle on our skin. The natural soap makers retain the glycerine produced during saponification to create a soap that cleans and moisturises.

3. Great for the environment -

Natural soaps are better for our environment as there are no chemicals, unlike regular ones. Natural soap is made of natural oils, flowers, herbs, clay, glycerine, and plants and therefore is 100% biodegradable. We play a small part in keeping the environment safe by using natural soap.

4. Therapeutic effects - 

Today life is full of stress, and it is essential to take out time to detox. Some natural soaps have herbs and spices that heal, clean and keep our skin healthy. The aroma oils like lavender and tea tree in some soaps have a calming effect on the senses.

5. No foam boosters -

People love bubbly lather, and commercial soaps lather a lot. The foam, bubbles, and froth we know and love are due to surfactants--synthetic foam boosters, lathering agents, and detergents that are not good for our skin. Organic soap comes from an environmental friendly process using all-natural ingredients to make the bar, and there are no foam boosters, so it is more natural. Also, the pH level of natural soap is between 9 and 10, and it means that it is much gentler on your skin, making the skin less prone to irritation. 

6. No chemicals for longer shelf life – 

We need to be more focused on our health now more than ever due to the degradation in the quality of air, water and food resources. People are switching back to fresh food rather than frozen and fast food. Similarly, the natural soaps are new, considering they do not have a long shelf life. Each bar may last between a year to up to 3 years. Though they get better as they age, once opened, it is advisable to use them within three months. They don't get spoiled after that, but it's just that they may look different and dry.

7. Rich in natural ingredients and antioxidants –

If you're looking for a way to improve your skin and possibly wish to reverse some of the damage you've done, switching to a natural soap is a great way to start. Some oils like citric oils, rosemary, and clary sage oil are natural antioxidants, and some natural soaps are safe for children.

Many people are developing skin problems due to toxins and chemicals already present in the environment. They do not want to aggravate them by using synthetic products, and that is why many people use natural soaps, cosmetics and shampoos as an alternative.

While natural soaps are usually skin-friendly, a patch test is a must before using any new cosmetic soap, or shampoo be it natural or synthetic. Apply a small portion of the product on your elbow, wait for a minute, and then rinse it off. Wait for 24 hours for any reaction. If there isn't any, you can apply the product to your skin.

Some individuals have started making soaps at home, for personal use, or commercially. Not many of us can make time for that, so it's easier to purchase a soap online from a store that has credibility and suits your preferences. 

You can make the switch by shopping consciously today!