Being mindful of your skin’s health should be a top priority. But did you know that using soap to clean yourself can be risky for your skin? I, therefore, have some great alternatives for you!
You can use a fiber brush, body scrubs, shower gels, herbal products, and oil cleansers instead of soap. In fact, you can also make use of some unusual ingredients, including milk, yogurt, and clay.
Let’s continue the discussion so that I can elaborate on how each of these items will clean you and why they are better than soap.
9 Best Alternatives to Soap for Shower
There are many benefits to showering without soap, including saving time and money and reducing your exposure to chemicals.
Soap can be harsh on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a gentler alternative to soap for your shower, try one of these nine options.
#1 Water
Showering does not necessitate the use of soap. Your body can be thoroughly cleaned, and dirt can be removed with just water.
However, if you still feel the need to use a soap product, choose mild cleansers to clean your underarms and private areas.
#2 Dry Brushing
Did you know that just brushing your skin with a high-quality natural fiber brush may clean you? Brush your body while you’re dry. It will exfoliate your body, remove dirt, and eliminate dead skin cells.
After that, if you want, you can rinse yourself with only water in a shower.
#3 Cleansing Oil
By using cleansing oil on your body, you can clean all the dirt and dead skin cells while preserving the skin’s moisture barrier. Because it is light in weight, it will simply wash away without leaving any trace on your skin.
Oil cleansers are beneficial to all skin types and will not trigger outbreaks on your skin.
#4 Body Scrub
Body scrubs are often used to clear out dead skin cells and encourage the healthy building of new ones. It helps soften and smooth rough or dry skin. Scrubbing draws out impurities and clears congestion.
Body scrubs are also easy to make and can be assembled in your kitchen! You can use common kitchen ingredients like olive oil, salt, sugar, and honey to make your own scrubs.
Mixing these ingredients in the right proportion will give you a scrub that suits your skin type and can be used just as effectively as any store-bought scrub.
The main benefit of making your own body scrub is that you know exactly what’s going into it and can avoid any harsh chemicals or irritants. Here are some recipes for scrubs you can make at home:
#5 Shower Gel
Shower gels or body washes are often infused with granules that make them perfect for exfoliating. Most shower gels are fragranced with a scent that’s enjoyable in the shower and also lingers on your skin afterward. Moreover, a shower gel’s thick lather makes your skin feel soft like a baby’s! The liquid format of shower gels is also more convenient!
#6 Clay
The clay detoxifies the skin, removes clogs from your pores, and absorbs impurities. It is an excellent choice for those with acne because it also shields the skin against breakouts.
Combine the clay and rose water to give your body a rose scent. You can combine it with water if you don’t have it. The clay will leave your skin glowing naturally.
#7 Herbal Products
My ultimate preference for soap alternatives is herbal products. Considering that they are made from natural plants, they have therapeutic qualities. Additionally, I love how they smell and make my skin feel.
They are the ideal type of body care since they cleanse your body and make you feel calm.
Your skin is cleansed thoroughly and more efficiently when you use herbal products. In addition to cleaning your body of dirt, it removes any dead skin cells that might clog your pores and make your skin look dull.
#8 Milk
Want to know the secret to having the softest skin? Use milk!
When it comes to eliminating old skin cells and promoting the growth of new ones, milk’s lactic acid is an efficient exfoliant. Additionally, it helps treat acne-prone skin and even cleans your skin of extra oil and grime.
It will give your skin a beautiful glow and make it softer, smoother, and more hydrated.
#9 Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the greatest alternatives to soap because it has several benefits.
It removes excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin. It can also lighten brown spots on your skin, heal acne, and exfoliate the skin to reveal a fresh layer beneath.
Besides being clean, it will also nourish your skin. It can enhance collagen, enhancing your skin’s general appearance. It keeps the skin healthy and radiant. Additionally, it eliminates acne scars, balances skin tone, and minimizes wrinkles.
Can Soap Be Harmful to Your Skin?
Soap can certainly be harmful to your skin, as the self-care products you use on your body parts strongly influence healthier skincare. The soap can alter your skin’s pH, kill beneficial bacteria, and even remove essential oils from the skin.
If you’re already dealing with dry and/or sensitive skin, using soap on your face can further irritate the skin.
pH
Your body’s pH level needs to rise. The body releases extra sebum when it rises to keep the pH in check.
Using soap maintains the pH balance, resulting in the body producing no excess sebum and your skin becoming excessively oily.
Oil
Your skin’s natural oil is important because it keeps it hydrated, healthy, soft, and smooth. Using soap will remove the oil from your skin. Every time you wash your body with soap, a barrier that protects you from harm is removed.
No layer of oil can have two different effects on your skin.
- The skin gets drier, scalier, and more prone to cracking.
- Your skin’s oil production increases, making it extremely oily and increasing the chance of breakouts.
It could also cause additional skin irritations.
Furthermore, using soap might damage your skin because it contains chemicals that are toxic to the skin.
What Should You Do if Soap Has Already Damaged Your Skin?
If your skin has already been harmed and is dry, moisturizing is the best cure. Shea butter and coconut oil are the greatest moisturizers for your skin. Moisturize your skin at least three times every day. Furthermore, take short showers of 15 to 20 minutes, use soft products, and be gentle on your skin.
However, before using any moisturizing product, test a small area of your skin to check for any reactions, including a rash or itching.
If there is no reaction, it signifies the product is safe for your skin, and you can continue using it.
Conclusion
Avoid using soap now; instead, opt for alternatives for better and healthier skin. The alternatives will make you completely clean and notice how smooth your skin feels.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.