Choose soaps according to your skin type


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Soaps - Types

The procedure of maintaining a healthy skin starts with keeping it clean. There are quite a few organic and professional skin care products available but nothing as popular as the ubiquitous soap. But it is important to keep in mind that different soaps are used for different types of skin.
Soaps
Germs, dirt, and contaminants get deep into the skin’s pores and then cause various types of skin problems. Soap helps the skin to get rid of dirt, bacteria, grit, and grime with the help of water. Soaps come in all shapes and sizes and with a variety of ingredients. Different types of soap are manufactured to cater to different types of skin.

All soaps are composed of fatty acids. These are taken from vegetable or animal sources. These fatty acids in soaps help rid the skin of unwanted contaminants. It also helps remove dried out perspiration which produces bad body odor.
History
For centuries, soaps have been the key substance for skin cleansing. In the biblical period, soaps were made from plant derivatives. The Greeks used oils and flour of lentils. For cleaning themselves Romans used a type of clay found near Rome called "sapo" from which the word soap is derived.

In the medieval period, Marseilles in France was the first soap producing centre in Europe. For centuries, soap was produced on a small scale using mixtures of plant ashes and fats.

By the late eighteenth century, soap making had turned into an industry. Soaps were made outdoors in huge kettles and then sold from door to door.

Vegetable soaps are made from vegetable oils such as olive oil, soybean, cocoa butter, palm oil, mango butter & shea butter. These soaps are gentle to the skin and remove impurities without drying the skin. Vegetable soaps nourish the skin leaving it smooth and moisturized. They do not contain any detergents or harmful chemicals.

Most of the commercial soaps widely available contain detergents or sometimes animal fats.
Choose soaps based on skin types
  • You should use soaps depending upon your skin type. Dry skin is sensitive and easily chapped. It is very prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Soaps containing oatmeal or avocado extracts are best for dry skin. Soaps with lavender, spearmint and peppermint oils are good for people with dry skin as they remove impurities gently.
  • Oily skin is extremely prone to acne and blackheads. An antibacterial soap helps clear blemishes and removes toxins, oil and dirt which cause breakouts. Soaps containing almond oil, calendula oil or tea tree oil are considered ideal for oily skin. However it is advised not to use such soaps in excess.
  • Sensitive skin is actually a skin condition which occurs due to hormonal changes, allergies to cosmetic ingredients, or environmental factors. Sensitive skin is often characterized by blotchy skin. It chaps and burns easily and is prone to rashes. This condition can get worse by using ordinary soaps. Use only mild, soothing soaps, mainly oatmeal based soaps.

There are countless varieties of soaps available in the market. Not all soaps suit all types of skin. So it is important to use a mild, gentle soap which cleanses, nourishes and moisturizes without stripping the skin of moisture and essential oils. Some of these facts should be kept in mind while using any organic or professional skin care product to get the best results.