The harsh chemicals present in soap can damage the skin.
Some soaps change the pH balance of the skin, making it more alkaline.
Using soap while bathing is a common procedure that most of us have followed for years. People use soaps of different fragrances, colors and brands according to their choice. Although soaps are an important cleansing tool for the body, health professionals have repeatedly advised against using soap bars on the face as they can damage the skin.
The disadvantages of using soap on your face are:
1. Damage to skin: The harsh chemicals present in soap can damage the skin.
2. Alters the Ph balance: Some soaps change the pH balance of the skin, making it more alkaline.
3. Dry skin: The caustic acid found in soap removes natural oil from the skin, leaving it dry.
4 Accelerates the aging process: Constant use of soaps can cause collagen degradation and dehydration, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion.
5. Clog pores: Regular use of soap on your face can clog the pores on the surface of the skin.
There are various types of soaps available in the market, but which soap is right for you?
According to Dr. Aakriti Gupta, cosmetic dermatologist and skin specialist at Jivisha Clinic, New Delhi, it is important to know whether the soap you use every day is suitable for your skin or not. Soaps are generally saline, which are composed of vegetable oil in addition to sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. They are saline or alkaline, in which the pH value (a scale to know the amount of salt and alkali present in our body) is around 9-10. While the pH value of our skin ranges between 5.6 and 5.8. Thus, continuous use of soap increases the pH value of our skin, which can be harmful.
According to Dr. Gupta, the pH value of the skin should be equal to the pH value present in our bath soap. Generally, soaps used for medicinal purposes change the pH value of our skin or make it more alkaline, which is not good for the skin. This is why doctors often ask us to use a 'soap-free cleanser' as it cleans the skin without causing any damage.
People with dry skin should only use soap-free cleansers, while those with oily skin should use a medicated soap containing salicylic acid. However, those with normal skin can use any soap as per their preference, but should stop using it after the age of 40, according to Dr. Gupta.
Important things to keep in mind:
1. Use a soap suitable for your skin type. Most soaps contain various types of chemicals that clean our skin, but also reduce moisture.
2. Instead of applying soap, start using a good quality facial cleanser as it is good for your skin and prevents pimples on your face.
3. Don't apply soap to your face too often.
4. Try to use soaps that contain glycerin and milk. These soaps are good for dry weather as they maintain the skin's moisture and soften it.
5. Make sure you clean the soap after use and also make sure no dirt builds up when you use it again.
6. Keep bath soap and laundry soap at a distance.
7. Never use someone else's soap.
