Skip to main content

Soaps-some facts about them

Health and hygiene are important for the very existence and well-being of mankind. Hygiene without soap is as unimaginable as breathing without oxygen. When soaps are rubbed on the skin, a little of it separates and unites with the grease of the skin. It also softens the superficial layers of the skin and facilitates their removal by water. This is the reason behind the fresh feel we get after a bath. 

Why is soap used?
Our skin gets enveloped in layers of dust, grime and dead cells in which bacteria and germs thrive well, also giving it an unclean dull appearance. To avoid this,soap is used in conjunction with water to clean the skin. The function of water is to wet the skin. Now the soap can be worked into a lather which disperses dirt and grease, enabling it to be washed with additional splashes of water.


Soap-flip side
While washing away the dirt, soap has a drying effect on the skin. So excessive and frequent use of soap should be avoided. It can strip the skin of its protective coating and make it vulnerable to infections. Again, if after using a soap, the skin gets irritated or appears shiny, it is not suitable for you.

Types of soaps
We have toilet soaps, scrubbing soaps, laundry soaps, carpet soaps, medicated soaps, aroma therapy ‘body bars’ and several more soaps flooding the market. There are also special soaps for babies, cleansing gels and face washes too. Body soaps are available for our canine friends too! The present craze for herbal products has been extended towards soaps also. Soaps with Neem, lavender, sandalwood and other essential oils are also available. New additions are soaps with fruit and flower essence and fragrance – peach, apple raspberry, cherry, aloe vera , almond etc.

Toilet soaps are also available as bottled body wash. Liquid soaps are also widely used for washing hands, especially at hotels, clinics, airports and other public places. Medicated soaps are used for skin problems: sulphur soap is used for scabies, naphthol soap for psoriasis and soap with carbolic acid for antiseptic effects. Glycerin soaps being mild are mostly prescribed for those with dry skin.

Points to remember while selecting a soap:
* Choose a soap which suits your skin type.
* The soap should have a mild perfume or color. Strong perfumes might be used to mask odor of substandard fat. Again, dark color might be used to conceal the dirty color of other harmful ingredients.
* If a soap causes allergic reaction, then discontinue its use immediately.
* Soap with a good percentage of olive oil is good for baby’s skin.
* Soap with a high percentage of moisturizer is good for winter, in summer, a lemon or lime-based soap is more refreshing.

See also: Baths/ Shampooing your hair/ Body Odor /About deodorants and anti-perspirants
Labels:

Comments

  1. Anonymous11:27 AM

    use camper soap they have special shampoo and conditioner too! and it 's good for the environment cost more then normal stuff but it's natural meaning the bugs won't be as bad smell the chemicals they put in the stuff we normally by!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Malini9:06 AM

    The soap I’ve found to be best for my face is Dead Sea Mud soap from Adovia. It is expensive, but the bars last a long time…and what price wouldn’t you pay for a safer, better product?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments posted on this blog are moderated and approved only if they are relevant, on-topic and not abusive. Avoid using links to your site/blog in the body of your comment unless it is highly relevant to the post.

Popular posts from this blog

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…
3 comments
Continue reading »

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...
Post a Comment
Continue reading »

Pore shrinking mask recipes from home

A face with large open pores when seen from close quarters doesn’t look so good. While it’s quite common for oily skins to have a tendency towards open pores, an attack of pimples also leaves ugly scars and open pores behind.  Even though the scars may fade away after some time, open pores appear to be more obstinate and hardly show any signs of shrinking.  Age also takes its toll by giving an uneven/pigmented tone to the skin and making the open pores more prominent. Heredity could also be a contributing factor in determining your pore size. It’s not easy to get rid of these pores or shrink them completely or permanently using serums, lotions or face packs. Even resorting to drastic chemical/surgical procedures at the dermatologist’s isn’t quite capable of giving satisfactory results.  Nevertheless, you can try and minimize their appearance at least temporarily with clever makeup and a few natural skin care masks such as these: * Cleanse your face with a mild ...
130 comments
Continue reading »

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...
Post a Comment
Continue reading »

Kapalabhati Pranayam for wrinkle-free, radiant complexion

Did you know that Kapalabhati Pranayam / kriya can also be used to enhance your beauty and ward off skin aging? Done the right way,  Kapalabhati Pranayam can be used as a beauty aid - it can give you a wrinkle-free, luminous forehead and radiant complexion. Kapalabhati For Beauty   ‘Kapalabhati’ Pranayam breathing exercise is an excellent way of maintaining good health and fighting diseases. ‘Kapala’ means ‘skull’ (and ‘forehead’ also) and ‘bhati’ means ‘shining’. By doing kapalabhati, the ‘nadis’(nerves) of the brain get good exercise. This is achieved by exercising the diaphragm. There will be a glow on the forehead. After the age of 25, the tell-tale signs of ageing start making their appearance in the form of fine lines on the forehead. A regular practice of Kapalabhati for 10-15 minutes everyday will give you a tight forehead sans wrinkles for many years to come. Avoid Botox, try Kapalabhati Why resort to Botox   and other expensive chemical or surgica...
160 comments
Continue reading »