What
Is Soap?
Soap
is the oldest cleanser around. It is created by a chemical reaction between
oils, water and lye. Although lye is used to make soap there is no lye
left after saponification (the chemical reaction that makes soap) is complete.
There is no such thing as a bar of soap that was made without the use
of lye. Different kinds of soap are made using a variety of different
oils. Both animal & plant oils can be used in the soap making process,
each adding different qualities to the soap.
Conventional Bar Soaps
Much of the soap available in the store today is not really soap at all,
but a detergent. Detergents are a petroleum based product, like gasoline
and kerosene. Have you ever noticed how regular soap leaves your skin
feeling dry, itchy and tight? Alkali, the most common irritant in soap
is often the culprit. Others ingredients in mass-marketed soap have been
proven harmful to human health and can cause severe skin irritations in
some people.
These include ingredients such as DEA, Isopropyl Alcohol, BHT and Triclosan (commonly found in anti-bacterial soap). The most common ingredient in conventional bar soaps is sodium tallowate. It is the natural product of combining tallow, or beef fat, with lye. The attractiveness for tallow for mass producing soap is that it processes quickly, produces a hard bar of soap and is cheap and plentiful.
The
New Bar On The Block
While there is nothing new about handmade soap, its popularity is growing
rapidly. The sales of handmade soap continue to grow as part of society’s
movement toward buying products that are healthy and good for the environment.
With the ever increasing use of synthetic chemicals and studies about
their dangerous effects, consumers are on the lookout for more “green”
alternatives.
Benefits
Of Handmade Soap
Evidence abounds of the healing properties of a handmade bar of soap.
Those who suffer
from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people that
have sensitive skin or
are hypoallergenic often find immediate relief by switching to handmade
soap. Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is very mild. They
are often made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, and
palm and do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional
bar soap.
One of the biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is glycerine. Glycerine is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy. Glycerin soap is especially good for sensitive and delicate skin, and for children. Because it is a high quality by-product in the soap making process, many mass commercial soap manufacturers often extract the glycerine and sell it as a by-product to be used in higher priced products like lotions and skin creams.
Handmade
Soap Is Good For Your Body
For adults, the skin covers approximately 20 square feet of the human
body. It is the largest human organ and is the bodies first line of defence
against dehydration, temperature, infection and harmful substances. Handmade
soaps give your skin the care it deserves and make bathing a gentle, soothing
experience.
Handmade
Soap Is Good For Your Mind
For many of us today, life seems to move at an often hectic pace. While
the stress of everyday life increases, personal time is at minimum. A
fragrant, handmade bar of soap is a simple indulgence that fosters a feeling
of relaxation and being pampered. Treat yourself or someone you love to
the benefits of handmade soap!
About
the Author:
Chere Deshayes is the owner of Bath Plantation, a company that specializes
in fine handcrafted bath and body products. Subscribe to her FREE newsletter
at http://www.bathplantation.com/newsletter.html
or visit her site at http://www.bathplantation.com.
©2004 Natural Good Health
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