Selecting which soap to use on your face and body may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have particularly sensitive or oily skin. Ingredient lists often contain long stretches of unrecognizable chemicals that can cause symptoms ranging from dryness to breakouts and rashes.
The path to choosing the best bar soap for your individual skin type starts by choosing to go natural. While not every natural ingredient is best for every skin type, these components are healthier for your skin than the rough detergents found in standard soaps.
The long-standing recipe for bar soap includes two major ingredients: fat and lye. The fat may be animal or vegetable based. When the two are combined, lye loses its harmful qualities and glycerin is produced. Glycerin is wonderful for people with sensitive or naturally dry skin, and is often used to treat more extreme cases of eczema. The fat and lye components might be synthetic or natural.
The best bar soap ideally comes from more natural ingredients. Some synthetics may even result in skin damage! For example: mineral oil creates a film over dry skin that makes it feel softer to the touch. However, the skin is unable to ‘breathe’ normally and receives no real nourishment. Instead, it becomes dryer than before due to being essentially trapped in a layer of chemicals; likewise, acids remove oils from acne-prone skin and may cause it to appear clearer for a time. What they really do is remove a good layer of skin, which can cause more problems than the initial acne.
If you experience extreme skin problems on either end of the spectrum, it may be best to visit a dermatologist before experimenting with the best natural ingredients to correct your problem. After all, you want healthy skin that is soft and free of rashes, dry patches, and blemishes!
Natural ingredients—especially plant-based ingredients—form the basis of the best bar soap for virtually any skin type. Commonly referred to as “castile” soaps, these products use the healing properties of plants and botanicals to actually correct skin problems. People with oilier complexions or acne problems find relief in natural astringents. Citrus, avocado, and cucumber oils help remove excess oil without stripping the skin of its much-needed natural oils. Along with glycerin, dry-skin sufferers find relief in nourishing oils such as jojoba and coconut. Instead of simply coating dry skin, these ingredients relieve problem spots and prevent further drying. Olive oil provides a great base for the best bar soap. Since it acts with your skin’s natural oils, it suites all skin types without causing new problems or damage.
The best bar soap should also contain some kind of exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliates are amazing for dry and oily skin alike, and oatmeal is one of the best natural exfoliates available. Oatmeal scrubs dead skin away while imparting skin with nourishing oils. Ground almonds and sea salt are also ideal, but they have a tendency to be a little too coarse for everyday use.
Finally, the best bar soap should smell great. Showers and baths should be relaxing occasions. Botanicals not only help with skin problems, but they also smell wonderful. Some stronger scents linger long after the bath to keep you feeling fresh all day. Essential oils are a natural way to get the right scent for your perfect cleanser.
Whether you seek relaxing aromatherapy, a bare essentials-type product, or unscented hypoallergenic skin cleansers, Pure & Gentle provides the best bar soap to keep your skin soft and blemish free. Our products are made from only the finest natural ingredients – with oils to nourish and oatmeal to exfoliate. Treat your skin and your senses to a more luxurious bath with the best bar soap for your complexion!
