The Magic of Natural Soap: Unveiling the Process and Perfecting Your Skin
Natural soaps are a beautiful blend of art, science, and nature's finest ingredients. But how does a pile of plant oils and a touch of lye transform into that skin-loving bar in your shower? Let's peek behind the scenes of natural soapmaking and discover the perfect natural cleansers for tackling acne and eczema.
Natural Soapmaking 101: Two Main Methods
There are two primary ways to create natural soap masterpieces:
- Cold Process Soapmaking: This is the most common method. It involves combining meticulously measured oils and lye at room temperature. The mixture undergoes a chemical reaction called saponification, resulting in soap! Cold process soap needs several weeks to cure before use.
- Hot Process Soapmaking: This method is similar but with a dash of heat to speed up the process. The soap mixture is cooked, resulting in a soap paste with a more rustic look. Hot process soap can sometimes be used after a shorter curing time.
The Art of Formulating: It's All About the Ingredients
Natural soapmakers are like culinary wizards, carefully selecting ingredients for their unique properties:
- Base Oils: The stars of the show! Think skin-loving olive oil, moisturizing coconut oil, creamy shea butter, and a plethora of other nourishing options.
- Lye: The essential catalyst that turns oils into soap. No, it doesn't stay in the final product!
- Botanicals and Clays: Add a boost of color, texture, and potential skin benefits. Think soothing chamomile, detoxifying clays, and exfoliating oats.
- Essential Oils: Pure, natural scents infuse the soaps with delightful, aromatherapy-infused fragrances.
Natural Soaps to the Rescue: Eczema Edition
Eczema can make finding the right cleanser tricky. You need something ultra-gentle and moisturizing. Look for natural soaps with these skin-soothing stars:
- Oatmeal: A classic eczema soother, oatmeal gently cleanses and helps relieve itchy, irritated skin.
- Calendula: Known for its calming and healing properties, calendula is a gentle powerhouse for eczema-prone skin.
- Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter: These ultra-rich butters deliver intense hydration and restore the skin's protective barrier.
- Unscented or Lightly Scented: Even natural fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Opt for unscented soaps or those with a light touch of calming essential oils like chamomile or lavender.
Great example of natural soap perfect for people with problem skin is our award winning Daily Milk Soap.
Tackling Acne: The Natural Soap Way
Natural soaps can be excellent allies in your battle against breakouts. Here's what to seek out:
- Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to fight acne-causing bacteria and soothe redness. If you're looking for one of the best natural soaps with tea tree oil, we highly recommend our Deep Dusk Soap with tea tree oil and activated charcoal.
- Activated Charcoal: A natural detoxifier, charcoal is fantastic at drawing out impurities and excess oil from clogged pores.
- Zinc Oxide: This soothing mineral helps calm inflammation, reduces redness, and may even offer some protection against UV rays.
- Gentle Exfoliants: Ingredients like finely ground oats, ground coffee or jojoba beads can help gently remove dead skin cells, preventing buildup that contributes to breakouts.
Important Note: If you have severe eczema or acne, always consult your dermatologist for personalized skincare recommendations.
Indulge in the Purity of Nature with Myrtle & Soap
Ready to elevate your cleansing routine? At Myrtle & Soap, we craft our natural soaps with the utmost care. Explore our collection and discover the perfect match for your skin's needs:
- Sensitive Skin Soothes: Our unscented soaps with coconut milk, honey, extra virgin olive oil and rich butters
- Acne-Fighting Formulas: Tea tree, charcoal, and other carefully chosen ingredients help combat breakouts without harshness.
- A Burst of Natural Scents: From invigorating citrus blends to calming lavender, our essential oil scented soaps transform your shower into an aromatherapy experience.