Different Types Of Soap Bars

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There are many different types of soap bars on the market, and with so many to choose from, it can be a challenge to find the one that’s most suitable for our skin.

We take for granted that there are so many types these days, and they all seem to serve different purposes, not just for essential cleanliness. Where did it all begin, and why was soap created?

A brief history of soap

Soap-making dates back to 2800 B. C with Mesopotamians, Babylonians, Egyptians, the Romans and Ancient Greeks.

Soap was made by mixing oil, fat, and alkaline salts to form a soap-like substance. It was used to clean cooking utensils or for medicinal purposes to treat skin diseases and sores.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that soap bars were created and used to wash wool in the textile industry. Years ago, the most basic soap was created by taking animal fats and mixing them with lye ( a metal hydroxide obtained by leaching wood ashes).

Over the years, soap recipes became more widely known, but soap was expensive, and demand was high until 1791. A Frenchman named LeBlanc discovered a chemical process that allowed soap to be made and sold much cheaper.

Over 200 years later, there was another Frenchman who learned of the ingredients glycerin, acid and fats and how well they worked together. This led to the beginning of modern soap being made.

This new method of soap making is still used today to create soap that we see and purchase.

Science moved on and creations developed when more was learned about the ingredients. Bathing soaps became a separate product from laundry soap and were therefore made as milder soaps to be sold for personal use. In the 1970s liquid hand soap was invented and available to purchase and these days soap is also an ingredient in many beauty products.

Today we see more modern and appealing ingredients in soap products such as palm oil, olive oil and coconut oil. Some brands also add fragrances, colours, and a touch of decor to make their products more appealing to buyers’ eyes.

Gentle soaps

Many of us will have heard of Dove soap, a bar made with synthetic ingredients. While using artificial ingredients, we may be led to believe that they would produce harsh products.

They produce gentle soaps, such as Dove, which can be used on all skin types.

Different skin types

Everyone’s skin is different, so we can’t all use the same products when cleansing the skin. Choosing the right one can be as tricky as choosing the right perfume.

Some people may use different soaps for the body and the face. The skin on the face is much more delicate due to constant exposure to heat, cold weather and outside elements. Using the same bar may be too harsh for the body and the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. It’s more beneficial to know your skin type before you purchase a soap.

Dry skin

If your skin feels dry, tight, or itchy after washing with a certain soap, this is an indicator that the product isn’t suitable for your skin type.

 

Sensitive skin

Try using a product such as Simple Purifying Gel Wash for sensitive skin. A delicate product that doesn’t zap the moisture out of your skin and is the daily detox that is 100% soap-free, with no colour, perfume or harsh chemicals. Look for organic ingredients that keep your PH balance correct.

Transparent soaps are also good for sensitive skin as they are made with additional glycerin, which helps to increase their moisturising properties.

Save on Avon cosmetics. 

 

Medically diagnosed skin conditions

For those prone to dry skin, such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, it is best to choose a glycerin-based soap, as recommended for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free products are more suitable. These will be gentler on the skin.

Try those with added ingredients such as vitamin E, Shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil. These will add moisture and keep your skin from drying out.

Oily skin

Oily skin can be challenging to maintain. It occurs when our body produces too much additional oil. Using a product that already has added moisture can often make matters worse. Try using a similar product that’s recommended for dry skin. Mild ingredients such as sea salt, brown sugar, oatmeal, and peach pits will help. Use non-comedogenic products ( a skincare product or cosmetic that is formulated so as not to cause blocked pores).

Combination skin

Those with combination skin can use a bar made with synthetic surfactants ( Syndets) or superfatted soaps ( soaps that contain excess fat compared with their alkali content).

Suppose you have skin that has been medically diagnosed with eczema, allergies or psoriasis. In that case, finding a suitable soap for this skin type is essential so it doesn’t become inflamed and aggravate the delicate layers. Some gentle exfoliating soaps are ideal for this skin type as long as they are not overused.

Some products on the market help with blackheads, uneven skin texture and breakouts. Avoid the scented and fragrance soaps that can alter your natural PH levels.

Are you looking for an Aloe Vera range for your skin? Take a look here at our facial wash to suit all skin types.

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