Synergy Skin Care Blog

By: Aimee A. Tabilon

People, nowadays, are becoming more aware of the potential danger brought about by synthetic chemicals contained in a product. That's why most of us prefer to use products made from natural and organic sources, whether for internal or external use. It is important to note that even as we pamper our skin, we should take extra care.

Handmade soaps

Handmade soaps are derived from natural ingredients that do not leave your skin feeling dry, itchy, and tight. These are free of chemicals that are not beneficial, and sometimes even harmful to the skin. These soaps are the result of chemical reactions between natural oils, water, and lye. But after the saponification process is complete, no any trace of lye is left because of the changes in the molecular structure; hence, soap is created.

Handmade soaps are made from coconut milk, palm oil, castor oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, to name a few. These are all natural ingredients. In some cases, goat's milk, which has the same pH as that of the skin, and butter milk are also used. Milk soaps are very gentle, and are popular for sensitive skin. There are also natural additives which are added to handmade soaps: essential oils (which give the soap its natural fragrance and also healing properties); natural exfoliants; natural colorants (such as natural clay, alkanet root, and madder root); carrot juice; aloe vera juice; and tomato juice.

Handmade soaps are generally produced using cold press method, allowing the ingredients to interact with each other at their own rate.

Handmade soaps vs. Commercially produced soaps

Unlike conventional bars of soaps, handmade soaps are made from natural and organic ingredients that do not irritate the skin, but rather make the skin soft, smooth and silky. These are effective in cleansing the skin, and at the same time, protecting and nourishing it. On the other hand, commercially produced bars contain petroleum, harmful chemicals, fillers, detergents, irritants, high animal fats (sodium tallowate), and cheap additives, which are potentially harmful to the skin. These soaps leave the skin dry and itchy. Technically speaking, commercial bars are not really soap; these are surfactant-based bars or detergents that are more effective in cleansing clothes rather than your skin.

Benefits of Handmade soaps to the skin

• Handmade soaps use all natural ingredients; these are also high in naturally-occuring glycerin, which is a natural emollient and a humectant, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
• Contain essential oils which give a mild, natural aroma to the soap and also contribute to the healing properties. There are different variants to choose from: Orange tangerine, avocado, almond, cottonseed, vanilla rose petals, jojoba, lavender, lilly of the valley, cucumber melon, black raspberry.
• Environment-friendly because these do not contain detergents that are considered pollutants, and may be harmful to other living things. These are not tested to animals as well.
• Make bathing a delightful and luxurious experience because of its creamy, fluffy lather and magnificent smell.
• Have many natural properties which are beneficial for individuals with psoriasis, eczema, sensitive, and hypoallergenic skin.
• The aroma which comes from essential oils relieves stress and relaxes your mind as well.
• Made from high quality ingredients that pamper, replenish, and revitalize the skin.
• Those that contain aloe vera promote skin rejuvenation.
• Do not strip the skin of its natural oils.
• Have an assurance of quality control because these are made using cold press method.
• Cost-efficient because these soaps do not only cleanse the skin, but pamper and protect it as well.
• These soaps are excellent for all skin types, even in children and babies.
• Additives are free from artificial preservatives.
• Handmade soaps which contain neem oil, lemon balm and other natural additives can provide antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  

There are still numerous benefits of handmade soaps if we are to consider each of the additives. Those listed above are only the general ones. The next time you shop for your daily skin care needs, never forget to include a handmade soap in your basket. Just try to imagine a satiny soft, smooth, younger-looking skin that only handmade soaps can give. Don't give any commercial soap a chance to ruin your precious possession - your skin!