Personal hygiene is important for your health and overall well-being. Most people shower regularly and use soap to clean their bodies. Keeping yourself clean is something you probably learned at a young age, but have you ever considered what would happen if you didn't use soap?
When you use soap and water, it helps by removing impurities that could eventually cause your body harm. Everyone should have a washing and grooming routine that they follow. No one wants to be the smelly person people keep their distance from when they see them. Instead, be the person people know is going to smell amazing.
We are going to go over why you should wash your body with soap. You will also find out the best soap you can use.
The Importance of Using Soap
One of the reasons people shower on a normal basis is to meet social standards. When you use soap and stay clean, you may feel more comfortable around other people. However, using soap does more than just make you smell nice.
Soap also helps you remove dead skin cells and keeps your pores clear. When you remove these impurities, you allow your normal skin cells to function correctly. Using soap also helps you wash away bacteria and other irritants that could cause skin issues.
For some people, using soap is more crucial than it is for others. If you work with harmful chemicals, animals or have a job considered unhygienic, soap is a must. When you get home from work, taking a shower can help protect you from potentially dangerous substances.
Even though soap is essential, certain soaps can cause more harm than good. You want to stay away from soap with harsh ingredients. Your skin has a natural barrier that helps protect it, and some soaps can strip the skin. Finding a soap that can cleanse while also protecting your skin is key. There are plenty of soaps out there with nourishing ingredients that can help hydrate your skin instead of drying it out.
Soap Products To Try
Some brands, like Spongellé, offer soaps that are actually good for your skin. They are full of beneficial ingredients that will help you cleanse and protect your skin. Here are some soaps you can use that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
Papaya Yuzu Soap
Papaya Yuzu Vegan-Friendly Boxed Flower is a cloud-like sponge infused with soap. This scent will give you vacation vibes like you're on a tropical escape. The sponge gives you a bouncy buffer to help wash away the dead skin cells.
Yuzu is a hybrid citrus fruit that originated in China but now grows all over the world. The fruit contains several vitamins and antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals.
Honey Blossom Soap Buffer
The Honey Blossom Soap Buffer will give you a heavenly bathing experience. The scent marries warm honey with blooming lavender for relaxing vibes. It also has other nourishing ingredients to help soothe your skin.
Plus, the sponge is made with a self-preserving formulation that prevents bacterial growth and resists contamination. Your loofah, on the other hand, can get dirty quickly. They are kept in a wet environment, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. They can contain fungal organisms that can cause skin infections.
French Lavender Body Wash
French Lavender Body Wash delivers a moisturizing cleanse with a combination of amino acids, glycerin, and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe and nurture your skin's natural barrier. The body has naturally derived ingredients that will nourish overall skin health.
It is free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, and harsh solvents, which can damage your skin. This body wash will work for all skin types. Plus, it is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. It is also made to extend the life of your favorite Spongellé buffer. Simply apply the body wash to your buffer and lather your skin to wash away impurities.
Soap Ingredients To Avoid
Several harmful ingredients could be hiding in your soap. We've already mentioned a few of these, but let's get into why they're bad for your skin.
Parabens
Parabens are estrogen mimickers, so they can enter your bloodstream as soon as they are applied to your skin. When in circulation, your body will mistake it for estrogen, which can have serious consequences. Parabens can diminish muscle mass and increase fat deposits. They can also lead to early puberty and create reproductive issues in both men and women.
Sulfates
Sulfates are chemicals that help soap bubbles form. Common ingredients in soap, body wash, and shampoo are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. These sulfates strip your skin of its natural oils. They can also help the product penetrate the surface of your skin. People with sensitive skin should steer clear of sulfates since they can cause irritation.
Triclosan
Triclosan is often used in antibacterial soap. This chemical is also found in toothpaste, face wash, and other personal care products. Some studies have discovered that this chemical promotes the growth of bacteria resistant to antibiotic cleansers. When you wash with the same soap that contains this harmful ingredient, it can become a problem over time.
It can create dioxin, which can lead to problems with your endocrine system and thyroid functions. It is a carcinogen that can also make its way into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you should definitely try to stop using products with triclosan.
It's also important to note that the FDA found that antibacterial soaps don't provide any more benefits than plain soap and water. There is no real reason to be purchasing soaps labeled antibacterial. You can still kill germs without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
Common Showering Mistakes
You may be using the right soap but are still making mistakes when you're showering. If you want to take care of your skin, there are things you should try to avoid.
Using Hot Water
Taking a long, hot shower in the winter might feel wonderful, but it can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave you feeling dry and irritated. Using warm water and limiting your showers to five to 10 minutes can help protect your skin. If you have eczema or other skin problems, this is very crucial. Hot water can cause a flare-up and make your other skin issues even worse.
Using Soap Everywhere
Even when you're using the right kind of soap, you still shouldn't apply it everywhere. Soap isn't needed to clean every part of your body. You need it to clean places like your armpits and feet, but every part of your body doesn't need to be thoroughly scrubbed. Soap can sometimes throw off your pH balance, so be cautious around that area. Clean the places that are dirty with soap and allow the warm water to clean the rest.
Using a Dirty Loofah
As we mentioned before, a loofah can be great for washing your body, but it can also attract harmful bacteria. You can actually clean your loofah by soaking it in bleach diluted with water and then rinsing it out. You can also hang your loofah outside of the shower in a place where it will be able to dry quickly.
You should only use a natural loofah for three to four weeks and a plastic one for two months before replacing it. You can avoid the potential risk of bacteria altogether by using one of Spongellé's sponges. Thanks to our self-preserving formulation, the sponge prevents bacterial growth and resists contamination. Plus, you won't need to worry about cleaning it between washes.
Not Rinsing Well Enough
Leftover soap and hair products may create skin irritation and blocked pores. You could be inadvertently causing acne if you're not rinsing off well enough. This mistake is one of the most frequent bathing blunders.
If you struggle with breakouts on your back, it may be from your hair products. Try rinsing your hair with your head leaning back, so the conditioner goes straight down the drain and not down your back, preventing "bacne."
Not Using a Lotion After
As soon as you get out of the shower, you should be reaching for the lotion. A lotion or cream will lock the moisture into your skin. Try Honey Blossom Body Lotion right after drying off.
This lotion has the perfect combination of shea butter, argan oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E. It offers a unique and pampering feeling day and night. The emollient formula will provide your skin with just the treatment it needs.
Stay Squeaky Clean
Using soap is essential if you want to wash away harmful impurities. However, you want to make sure it's a nourishing soap, so you don't end up stripping away your skin's natural barrier. Read the label and try to avoid harmful ingredients. Instead, look for a soap that contains nutrients your skin needs, like pro-vitamin B5. Spongellé has many options that are all great for your skin.
Sources
Bar Soap Vs. Body Wash: Which is Better for the Health of Your Skin? | Healthline
Common Showering and Bathing Mistakes: What Not to Do | Web MD
Do You Know What’s Growing on Your Loofah? | Cleveland Clinic
