Did you get some beautifully packaged soaps for Christmas? It’s a lovely gift and always smells amazing – perfect for displaying in the bathroom or storing in drawers with your clothes to keep them smelling fresh. However, these highly fragranced soaps aren’t always the best from a skincare perspective.
Soap can dry out your delicate skin. Some of the highly fragranced soaps that we often gravitate towards, have a higher pH than your skin’s natural protective barrier, meaning they can strip away the skin’s natural oils and leave it vulnerable to irritation and infection. This is of particular importance in the winter, when the cold wind and air already make skin feel uncomfortable!
If you love using soaps, try opting for more mild versions made from vegetable or plant-based oils, such as shea butter or coconut oil. These are gentler on the skin and will help protect its natural balance.
It’s also important to moisturise after using soap – use a light moisturiser specifically designed for sensitive skin to keep your complexion looking healthy and hydrated throughout winter.
As we know, washing hands with soap and warm water frequently can help to reduce the spread of viruses (like COVID, flu, etc.). For this reason, keeping those fragrant soaps by the sink in the bathroom is a great idea – just be sure to keep some moisturising hand cream next to them! Just a reminder, it’s recommended that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and be sure to dry them thoroughly, without being too vigorous with the towel!
Hopefully, this has been a helpful reminder about the importance of using gentle soaps and moisturising regularly – especially during the winter months when our skin may need that extra bit of protection and tender loving care! Happy New Year everyone!