Handmade Soap

Skin covers 20 sq. ft of the human body and works as the largest human organ protecting the body from dehydration, temperature and harmful infections by showing up the first indications. 60% of anything applied on the skin can be absorbed by it. Many women suffer from sensitive skin. Handmade soaps made with natural ingredients offer many a benefit to the user. They are different from the mass-produced soaps in their composition and properties.

Handmade Soaps are generally made using cold process method thereby letting the ingredients take their own time to interact with each other thereby passing on the benefits to the user. Glycerin soaps and olive oil soaps are much sought after for their gentle and beneficial properties.

Handmade Soap

If soap has been leaving your skin dry and tight, it may be time for you to switch to a natural handmade soap. Handmade soaps are usually made of olive, coconut and vegetable oils by weighing them and warming them to melting point and then cooling them. Potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide is used as an alkali. Alkali is generally referred to as lye.

Handmade soaps come in many an option - handmade organic soap, glycerin soap, olive oil soap, to name a few. These soaps are purely vegetarian and very gentle on the skin. Soaps made of animal extract have a tendency to clog the pores. A handmade soap made of natural and organic material can help replenish and rejuvenate the skin.

Natural products such as essential oils, spices, grains and herbal teas are used to create handmade soaps. They are usually free from preservatives. Essential oils in natural handmade soaps exude a natural smell that play no small role in healing the body, mind and spirit. Handmade organic soaps enriched with eucalyptus oil offer medicinal properties to battle viral attacks, muscle aches and sinus ailments. You can pick up a handmade soap at craft fairs, specialty stores and online beauty bazaars.

Glycerin soap

Known for its skin softening properties, glycerin plays a major role as a natural humectant. Humectants are substances that attract and retain moisture. For the skin to remain supple, soft and elastic, it is essential for the skin to remain moist and hydrated. Glycerin soaps aid in absorbing water from the air as it is highly hygroscopic. Handmade glycerin soaps retain the natural glycerin that is formed during the soap- making process. Glycerin is used in making clear soaps that are gentle on tender skin and children. But they tend to dissolve faster in water.

As we age, our skin loses its texture due to continuous exposure to the polluted environment and use of harsh chemicals. It then becomes dry and develops wrinkles. This phenomenon can be delayed by using handmade glycerin soap as glycerin has the natural tendency to retain the moisture in our skin by helping our skin to absorb more moisture from the air. It is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin, delicate skin and for children too. Glycerin works as a soothing emollient.

Olive Oil Soap

Popularly known as castile soap, handmade olive oil soap is popular for its rich source of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish the skin. Handmade olive oil soap is very mild, creamy and helps the skin to remain moist thereby preventing dryness of the skin. Oleic acid present in olive oil helps generate low and creamy bubbles. Olive oil is well suited for soap making as it has a very low pH.

Olive oil soaps tend to boast of deeper penetrating qualities when compared to soaps made with other vegetable oils. Olive oil soap works wonders on inflamed skin and sensitive skin. Properties such as healing of wounds, disinfecting and soothing the skin are additional benefits of olive oil soap. People with rough, extra sensitive and damaged skin would do well to use soaps enriched with olive oil.

Packed with the essence of nature's gift such as natural herbs, spices and vegetables handmade organic soaps are popular for their lack of artificial preservatives. Organic soaps come with the goodness of lavender, peppermint, Shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, clover honey, bee wax and palm kernel oil. Organic soaps made of neem or lemon balm offer antiseptic, anti inflammatory and astringent properties. Organic soap enriched with aloe vera enhances growth of new skin tissue.

Be wary of soaps that claim to use synthetic fragrance oils. They may lead to skin irritation and sensitivities. Handmade organic soaps are free from dyes, synthetic colors and scents. Instead handmade organic soaps use natural colorants such as madder root, alkanet root and natural clay. You can try handmade organic soap made with goat's milk. Hailed as a natural moisturizer and used as a beauty aid for centuries, goat's milk has a pH similar to human skin.