Complements Why you shouldn’t wash your face with bar soap

03/28/17

• Share This
• 
• 
• 

At any given consultation and appointment, I typically discuss with my client their at-home skin care regimen and what products they use. I am not going to lie, when I hear someone say they use bar soap on their face, I cringe. Whether you use bar soap out of habit or convenience, let me explain why it does more damage than good.

Potential of hydrogen, or pH, is the measure of hydrogen ion concentration of a solution, and plays a big role in skin health. Most bar soaps are alkaline, meaning they have a higher pH, which causes the skin to be stripped of natural oils and dry out. The higher the pH of bar soap, the more it will dry out your skin.

Some will argue that certain bar soaps are free of fragrances and other ingredients that typically irritate the skin, making them gentler on your skin. But they are all still too drying compared to liquid, foam or cream facial care products. The binders that hold a bar of soap together naturally have a higher pH than products formulated specifically for cleansing the face.

Using bar soap can damage the outer protective layer of the skin. This leads to accentuated wrinkles and pores, and can cause acne and inflammation, which makes breakouts worse.

Next time you wash your face, put down the bar soap and reach for a true facial cleanser instead. Your skin will thank you!

If you need help with creating a skincare routine that works best for you and your lifestyle, schedule a consultation with Mount Nittany Physician Group Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery by calling 814.231.7878.