Moisturizing Bar Soaps & Their Use

Bar Soaps

Bar soaps have been around for much longer than their gel or liquid counterparts. They are, however, often misunderstood. Soaps are a cleansing product, used for a variety of purposes, from body care to housekeeping.

Back in the day, soap was made by combining boiled fats with ashes. Overtime, the production processes for soap became more complex and refined, as did the ingredients used in them, making soap essential in every household.

Although soap started out differently, it is the industrialization of soap production that created the hard bars we know of, now. Soaps are generally harsh, as they are alkaline and contain preservatives, artificial colours, and synthetic fragrances. They can thus be irritating to the skin.

However, soaps are now available in an array of compositions, with ingredients that moisturise and protect the skin.

Moisturizing Bar Soap

When choosing a soap, it is important to check for the pH level. This is because the skin is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5. If the soap has a pH of 9 or higher, it can strip the skin of essential lipids and proteins, leaving it dry and irritated. Lower pH levels are better for the skin, so choose a soap that has this key element.

Soaps that have too many preservatives, chemicals and fragrances can also be a bit too harsh. Natural moisturising ingredients like cocoa butter, berries, grapeseed oil etc. nourish the skin and protect it from harm.

A good moisturizing soap should leave the skin clean, soft and nourished. Soaps can actively hydrate the skin, and the velvety foam can keep you feeling pampered in the shower.

Like their liquid counterpart, soaps too can address multiple skin conditions. Those with sensitive skin can choose a soap that soothes the irritation, while gently cleaning and moisturising the body.

Make sure you use only warm or lukewarm water on your skin. Hot water strips the skin of natural oils, which can leave it feeling tight and dry. Pat dry with a soft towel, to keep the skin soft, and follow up with a moisturiser to lock the goodness in.

Uses of Bar Soap

Get innovative with your favourite bar soap and these fun ideas:
 
  • Body washes – If the bar format is uncomfortable, turn the soap into a liquid version. It’s easy to do and will leave you with a foamy, soft composition
  • Felted soap – The benefit of two actions in one; felted soap can clean and exfoliate together!
  • Clean fingernails – If you’re going to do some work in dirt or mud in the garden, first scrape your fingernails on a bar of soap. The soap will create a barrier between your nails and the dirt; so, when you are done, a good wash will clean it all up
  • Smelly shoes – A soap left overnight inside a smelly shoe will absorb the odours overnight
  • Closet smells – The same rule applies to cupboards as well – musty smells will go away
  • Bug bites – Rub a soap on a bug bite to help with the itchy feeling
  • Unstick zippers – If your zipper is stuck, just run a bar of soap along with it and it should slide open
  • Broken glass – Tiny pieces are difficult to scoop up, but a bar soap will pick up all the tiny shards. Just make sure you throw it out once you’re done as it will be unusable