Debunking the Harsh Myths and Misconceptions about Soap

Tag : Mild Soap

(PRWEB) June 30, 2008 -- When it comes to skin care, soap hasdeveloped a harsh reputation as drying, unsanitary, irritating andfilled with moisture-stripping, pore-clogging detergents andfragrances. Yet, many of today's soaps are actually superior toother cleansers and washes when it comes to gentle, effective skincare. The key, experts say, is to choose the right soaps for yourparticular skin type and purpose, and to use them as needed.
"Cleansing bars are becoming more popular today," says Joshua Fox,MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesman for theAmerican Academy of Dermatology. "From clearing acne-prone skin tomoisturizing dry skin, certain components in soap can make thesebars very effective," he explains.
All soaps are not created equal:
Dr. Fox recommends using the following types of soap for a varietyof skin types and body parts:
- FOR OILY OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN, choose soaps with salicylic acid,which is a beta hydroxy acid that sloughs off pore-clogging deadskin cells, or benzoyl peroxide, which dries up pimples. "Theseingredients are most often used on the face, but can be used onother body parts that are prone to oiliness or breakouts, such asthe jaw, chest and back," Dr. Fox points out.
- FOR DRY SKIN, mild "superfatted" soaps with moisturizingingredients work best to avoid stripping the skin of its naturalmoisture and oils, particularly on the face. "Soaps withingredients such as shea butter, glycerin and Vitamin E can addmoisture during the cleansing process, allowing for the use of alighter, oil-free moisturizer to avoid clogging pores," Dr. Foxnotes.
- FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, Dr. Fox recommends looking for a soap that ishypoallergenic, which indicates that there are fewer ingredientsshown to spur allergic skin reactions. In addition, one should useonly luke warm water, avoiding too much lather, scrubbing andrinsing well to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
- FOR NORMAL SKIN, a variety of botanicals and organic soaps areavailable on the market to address any temporary or fluctuatingneeds. Try soothing lavender when skin feels irritated, or organicoatmeal soap for itching and light exfoliating. "Those with normalskin should also take note of subtle changes in the skin; if itbecomes a bit oily or dry, switch to soaps that address thoseconditions, and switch back when skin normalizes again," Dr. Foxadvises.
- FOR IRRITATED OR WEATHERED SKIN that has been overexposed to sunor wind, Dr. Fox points out that dry-skin soaps with moisturizingagents like shea butter or cocoa butter can work well. In addition,soaps with aloe vera and other cooling agents can soothe chapped orburned skin.
- BODY SOAPS can differ from those used on the face if the skin'scondition varies as well. "If your skin is dry everywhere, however,then it's important to use moisturizing soap on the entire body -the same holds true for oily skin," Dr. Fox says. Deodorant soapscan be used on skin sections that are most prone to producing odor,but they may be harsh and should be avoided on the face and neck."There's a difference between scented soap and deodorant soap," Dr.Fox points out. "There are many soaps with herbal or naturalfragrances and scents that do not contain deodorizing agents, andthese can be easier on sensitive areas of the body."
- FOR HANDS, Dr. Fox points out that antibacterial soaps are notnecessary - and may actually be harmful. "The chemicals thatprovide an antibacterial effect can be harsh and drying, andmedical research into whether overuses of these products seem tomake us more prone to resistant bacteria is ongoing," he pointsout. Instead, lathering with a mild antibacterial bar soap forapproximately 30 seconds, followed by a warm water rinse, issufficient to sanitize the hands. Storing a bar of soap in aslotted dish while basically safe can promote bacterial overgrowthin comparison to a soap pump. In a Triclosan review of soaps, 48%of soaps even when not listed as antibacterial had theantibacterial Triclosan in them. Most studies did not reveal adecrease in the bacterial count after use of an antibacterial soap.
The last word on lathering up:
In addition to using the right soap for your skin type, using soapthe right way can ensure skin looks and feels healthy. "Sometimesour soap habits can be more of a culprit in drying or irritatingthe skin than the soap itself," he says. "Soap should be used onlyonce daily on the body and twice on the face, with just enoughlathering to clean the skin surface and without excessive rubbingor sloughing," he advises. "Rinsing twice with lukewarm rather thanhot water will remove more of the soap and the dirt, and reduce theamount of moisture stripped from the skin's surface," Dr. Foxconcludes.
Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D
Joshua L. Fox, M.D., is a leading authority in the field ofdermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, andlaser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the AmericanAcademy of Dermatology and the American Society for DermatologicSurgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topicsfor numerous televisions networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC andTelemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. Hehas received multiple research and clinical awards, includingrecognition from Top Doctors, Who's Who, Journal of DermatologicSurgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the AmericanSociety for Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award, aswell as certificates of recognition for service from multiplehospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Foxhas authored and presented papers of his research on lasers,cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites,photosensitivity and various rashes.
As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center forLaser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expandedthe practice to one of the largest in dermatology, laser andcosmetic surgery, with more lasers than any hospital on the easterncoast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University MedicalCenter of Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of thePsoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation, among others.He has also been a fellow of many societies, including theInternational Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy ofCosmetic Dermatology and the Society for Investigative Dermatology.Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer PreventionProgram in Queens, New York (since 1987). Dr. Fox has been Chief ofDermatology of several major teaching hospitals, including Mt.Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center, and iscurrently on the staff of eight NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox is alsothe founder of New Age Skin Research Foundation at www.newageresearch.org , committed to research and advocacy in dermatology. Dr. Fox andAdvanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser & CosmeticSurgery have been used as a resource center educatingdermatologists, laser surgeons and cosmetic surgeons and othersabout lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery. www.advancedd.com .
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