Is your favorite soap helping your skin – or hurting it?

If you use a  ‘traditional’ hand soap to wash your hands or body, you may be hurting your skin rather than helping it.

That’s because many popular soaps contain harsh surfactants, high PH balances and strong detergents that aren’t good for your skin.

“Just because a product is labeled as ‘soap’ doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin,” says Richard Price, M.D., of Price Skincare Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi. “And unfortunately, most people who use these products do so several times a day, increasing the risk of harming their skin.”

Below, you’ll find three reasons why skin doctors like Dr. Price advise against using traditional soaps followed by three types of cleansing products that promote healthy skin.

Three Ways Traditional Soaps Can Harm Your Skin
· Strips Natural Oils: Traditional soaps often contain harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate. These remove the natural skin oils and can lead to dry skin and irritation.
· Disrupts the delicate pH balance: Traditional bar soaps can have a high pH balance (in the range of 9-10) while the skin’s natural pH is closer to 5. This disparity can weaken the skin barrier, increasing the risk of irritation and infections.
· Can be too harsh: Soaps that contain ingredients with strong detergents or fragrances can worsen skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and sensitive skin. 

Instead of Traditional Soaps, Use These Cleansers
· pH-Balanced Cleansers: Rather than use soaps with a high pH balance, look for non-soap cleansers that are ‘fragrance-free’ and for ‘sensitive skin’ such as Cetaphil and CeraVe.
· Syndet (Synthetic Detergent) Bars – Unlike soap, synthetic detergents are made from petroleum products and contain strong antibacterial agents and preservatives. While they resemble soap, they are formulated to be milder such as Dove Sensitive Skin.
· Oil-Based or Cream Cleansers – Made for dry or sensitive skin, these cleansers work without stripping moisture from the skin.

Wondering if your soap is right for your skin? Call us at 601.992.3996 to schedule a consultation or your annual skin check. Your skin will thank you.