Soap is Soap?

Are all soaps the same, that is the question? To some degree yes, but are there soaps that are better for your skin quality? Without a doubt, YES. There are certain soaps that are better for your body than for your face. And there are certain soaps that are meant for different conditions of the face. Some are for dry skin & some are for oily skin, while yet others are meant to just get you clean. Ahhhhh, the wonderful world of soaps. There are as many choices as there is cereal in your kitchen cupboard.

So how do you choose? Well, let’s briefly discuss your skin. Your face has a pH between 4.5-5.5 which is acidic. Most bar soaps like have a pH of 9.5 which is alkaline. Now a 7 is considered neutral which is water, so it’s like making your coffee with salt sea water. Just imagine how drying this can be to your skin no matter what the condition.

The question should be “Store brand or professional brand?” Obviously, using soap vs. taking care of your skin with soap are completely different goals. You need to know the ‘trade’ secret, [so shhh… lean a little closer and I’ll tell you] it’s ACTIVE INGREIDENTS! Not all ingredients are as important as others! For example; Fragrances in professional products usually use essential oils. Whereas store brand products usually use a synthetic, which is known to be carcinogenic. Or they may be using a synthetic coloring which is almost always a carcinogen. And that’s another topic for another Blog— seriously don’t get me started.

Professional brands use active ingredients that do what they are meant to do. Store brands may only use up to 6% of active ingredients where a professional will use up to 60%.

So… there you have it, and now I ask what kind of soap do you prefer?

Pictured & Author: Mia Hudson : Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Esthetician and Esthetics Instructor at La’ James International College Des Moines.