Soaps are “chemical products” that are an important part of our personal cleaning and care in our daily life. Soap is the name given to the salt consisting of an acid (fatty acid) and a base (alkali) reaction.
Undoubtedly, the first use of soap, which has a history of more than 2,000 years, was for cleaning purposes. Over the years, the way soap is made, and the additives put in it have diversified and multiplied. Today, different types and varieties of soaps are produced by adding dyes, perfumes, deodorants, bacterial agents, creams, lotions and various additives into the soaps.
There are many types of soaps on the market that differ from each other in terms of brands, varieties, colors, fragrances and packaging. The developing technology has brought herbal and anti-bacterial soaps into our lives. Although soaps are the first products that come to mind when it comes to cleaning and hygiene, many of the soaps sold in the market can do more harm than good because they are not suitable for the pH value of the skin.
Soap Types and Their Effects on the Skin
Effects of Soaps and Harm of Deodorant (Perfumed) Soaps: It is very pleasant to use because it destroys bacteria that create odors on the skin and leaves a pleasant smell on the skin, but it is also harmful to the skin. Such soaps can be used for body cleansing; however, scented soaps should be avoided for facial cleansing. These soaps, which are also at risk of causing allergic reactions, are not compatible with the pH of the skin.
Drying and Oily (Creamy) Soaps: While washing your face with soap, you can feel as if it has been cleaned very well and observe that your pimples are dry. Although this may seem like a desired situation, it may also be the beginning of a process that leads to other problems. Soap purifies the skin from all oils. However, the skin also needs natural sebum oil. Sebum oil protects the skin and provides flexibility. If your skin dries or gets oily immediately after soaping, it means that the soap you use is not suitable for your skin’s PH balance. Excessively greasy soaps clog skin pores and prevent them from breathing. Blackheads, pimples and acne form on the skin that cannot renew itself and the healthy structure of the skin is disrupted.
Anti-Bacterial Soaps: Antibacterial agents are used more in soaps with anti-bacterial properties. Since antibacterial soaps will irritate the skin quickly under normal conditions, they should only be used in hospital conditions and when the risk of infection is higher.
Natural Fruit Soaps: These are soaps that many people think are less harmful because of their name. However, soaps that are suitable for the natural balance of the skin are specially produced and “synthetic soaps” although they do not sound very good.
Vitamin Added Soaps: Just like natural soaps, although it sounds very good, the vitamins contained in such soaps will not provide any benefit as they will flow away with water.
Effects and Harms of Soaps. Although soaps are products used for cleaning, contrary to popular belief, they are not antiseptic, that is, germicidal. Soap ensures the mechanical removal of dead skin cells, various bacteria, oily excretions, dried sweat and powders that are on our skin. Each skin type requires different cleaning methods. Especially, the skin that has acne problems should be cleaned very sensitively and carefully. For people who have this type of skin problem, using soaps that are not suitable for the pH balance of the skin for skin and face cleaning will make their acne problems more severe. Using a product specifically designed for this type of skin problem in skin cleansing, will be a better choice in terms of skin health and beauty for people who have acne problems.