It seems that the familiar hygiene product used by our mothers and grandmothers cannot be that bad. However, one of the first pieces of advice is: “Never wash your face with household soap!” This is because soap can severely disrupt the skin's lipid balance, leading to dryness and other problems. Nevertheless, many people continue to use soap not only for laundry but also for personal care. There are many brands that produce soap specifically for the face, which indicates that the rule of “no soap” can be interpreted in different ways. Let’s consider the pros and cons of washing with regular soap.Advantages:Antibacterial effect. During the coronavirus pandemic, it is recommended to wash hands with soap more often, and this also applies to the face.Helps fight acne. Soap can dry out the skin, making it useful for localized application on inflamed areas.Removal of dead skin cells. Dry areas of skin easily peel off in a mildly alkaline environment.Natural composition. The soap contains no fragrances or additives, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions.Promotes wound healing. The antibacterial properties of soap help accelerate the regeneration of cells. Disadvantages:Destruction of the protective fat layer. After washing, it is necessary to use a moisturizer, especially for people with dry skin.High pH level. The natural pH of the skin is slightly acidic (4-5), while most soaps have a pH of 9-10. This can cause irritation and dehydration of the skin.Problems for oily skin. Drying out the skin can lead to increased oil production, which may cause blackheads.Risk of allergy. Although this is rare, it is advisable to test the soap on a small area of skin before use.
