Using soap while bathing is a common procedure that most of us have been following for years. People use soaps of different fragrances, colours and brands according to their choice. Although soaps are an important cleansing tool for your body, health professionals have repeatedly advised against using soap bars on the face as may harm your skin.

The disadvantages of using soap on the face are:

1. Skin Damage: Harsh chemicals present in the soap can damage your skin.

2. Disrputs Ph balance: Some soaps change the pH balance of your skin, making it more alkaline.

3. Dry skin: The caustic acid found in soap removes the skin’s natural oil, thus making it dry.

4 Accelerate the ageing process: Constant use of soaps can cause collagen breakdown and dehydration which may result in wrinkles, fine lines and a dull complexion.

5. Clog Pores: Regular soap use on the face can cause the pores on the skin’s surface to clog.

There are several types of soaps available in the market, but which one is the right soap for you?

According to Drm Aakriti Gupta, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Skin Specialist at Jivisha Clinic, New Delhi, it is important to know whether the soap you use every day is right for your skin or not. Soaps are generally saline, which is made up of vegetable oil as well as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These are saline or alkaline, in which the pH value (a scale to tell the amount of salt and alkali present in our body) is around 9-10. Whereas, the pH value of our skin is around 5.6 to 5.8. Thus, continuous use of soap increases the pH value of our skin, which can be harmful.

As per Dr Gupta, the pH value in the skin should be equal to the pH value present in our bathing soap. Generally, soaps used for medicinal purposes change the pH value of our skin or make it more alkaline, which is not good for the skin. This is the reason why doctors often ask us to use a ‘soap-free cleanser’ as it cleans the skin without causing any harm.

People having dry skin should only use soap-free cleansers, while those who have oily skin should use soap used for medicinal purposes, which contains salicylic acid. However, those who have normal skin can use any soap according to their preferences but should stop using it after they cross 40, according to Dr Gupta.

Important things to keep in Mind:

1. Use soap that suits your skin type. Most soaps contain several types of chemicals, that clean our skin, but they also reduce moisture.

2. Instead of applying soap, start using good quality face wash as it is good for the skin and prevents pimples on the face.

3. Do not apply soap too often on your face.

4. Try using soaps that have glycerine and milk. Such soaps are good for dry weather as they maintain the moisture of your skin as well as make it soft.

5. Make sure you clean the soap after use and also ensure that no dirt accumulates on it when using it again.

6. Keep bathing soap and laundry soap at a distance.

7. Never use someone else’s soap.