You can get natural soaps in a variety of ingredients, colors and sizes. A real natural soap will not contain any synthetic chemicals. To prevent and clear up acne, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends you wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Not all natural soaps are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, especially if they are made by unregistered soap makers at home.
The Features and Ingredients in Natural Soaps for Acne
A natural soap for acne should not contain any synthetic chemicals or ingredients that can irritate your skin. Often, natural soaps are made in smaller quantities than commercial soaps and are made of saponified oils, lye glycerin and different essential oils. A natural soap without chemicals should be less likely to irritate your skin and be better for your sensitive skin. Many natural soaps for acne contain essential oils that have been used to treat acne.
Make Sure Your Natural Soap for Acne Won’t Make Your Skin Worse
Look at the list of ingredients before buying a soap that is considered natural. Dermalogica, an information website done by the International Dermal Institute, warns that certain ingredients may make your acne worse. Look for the following ingredients and avoid them:
- lanoline
- fragrance
- D&C pigment red
- mineral oil
- sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
The Benefits of Natural Soap for Acne
If you have acne, you need a cleanser that is mild and effective. Natural soaps are designed to be gentle and treat your acne effectively. Soap makers often use essential oils that are good for oily skin and have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Mayo Clinic indicates that tea tree oil is also beneficial in treating acne and indicates that tea tree oil concentration should be five percent. Many natural soaps contain tea tree oil.
Precautions When Using Natural Soap for Acne
Not all natural soaps are going to be safe for you acne skin. Some natural soaps may contain harmful chemicals even though they claim to be natural. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), for example, is a product that is naturally derived and manufacturers are allowed to call their product natural if it contains SLS. SLS is known to cause skin irritation.
If the soap maker does not understand how essential oils work, he or she may produce a soap that will irritate your skin and make it worse. Speak with your naturopath or herbalist if you are concerned about what essential oils to look for.
Different Types and Ingredients of Natural Soaps for Acne
You can get natural soaps in liquid form as well as in bar form. Many natural soaps are unscented but you can get them scented as well.
The following essential oils are used as an anti-inflammatory:
- bergamot
- eucalyptus
- ginger
- lemon
- peppermint
- rosemary
- rosewood
- tea tree
Essential oils with anti-bacterial properties are:
- clary
- sage
- eucalyptus
- lemon
- sweet marjoram
- rosewood
- tea tree
Disclaimer:The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.