Bar soaps are designed to remove dirt and oil from the skin. However, several dermatological experts warn that the powerful essential components of these personal hygiene products could have a negative effect if used in facial cleansing.
Specialists recommend choosing products for a facial cleansing routine that maintain the balance of the elements of the skin’s natural barrier.
The Power of Surfactants
To fulfill their purpose, common bar soaps are made with chemicals called surfactants. These chemicals’ main function is to dissolve dirt and oil, helping water clean any surface.
Surfactants are present in almost all known cleaning products and are divided into those derived from synthetic detergents and those based on soap. Bar soaps are made with components that fall into the latter category.
Excessive Cleansing That Wipes Out the Good
The soap-based surfactants used in bar soap manufacturing have a powerful cleansing effect on any surface. However, excessive cleansing can wipe out the elements that facial skin needs, leading to negative consequences such as:
- Dryness, redness, and irritation.
- Removal of the skin’s moisturizing factor.
- Destruction of the skin’s microbiome.
Not all bacteria are harmful.
The cleansing effect of bar soap tends to completely eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbiomes from the facial surface. However, not all of the microbiome should be exterminated.
On the contrary, some of these elements are beneficial for skin health and help combat dermatological problems such as acne and atopic dermatitis.
In short, if you want to maintain a balanced microbiome on your facial skin, you should use other types of cleansers that are not as harsh as those generated by bar soap.
Many dermatologists agree that soap isn’t even necessary to keep your skin clean. A little warm water is enough to remove dirt and facial oil without stripping the skin’s natural components and oils.
With information from ActualidadRT.com
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