8 Best Alternative Products for Soap
Soaps are a product that we use daily despite knowing that they have a lot of chemical content. It is a necessity for us. Soaps contain chemical emulsifiers and surfactants that are harmful to our skin. They are made of sodium laurel sulphate that strips our skin’s natural lipid layer and disrupts its pH. Especially if you have sensitive skin, soaps are just not good for you. Therefore, it is advisable to ditch soaps and try other alternatives instead. There are many soap alternatives for cleansing the skin without negatively affecting its protective layers. These natural products are healthy for your skin and do not harm the environment as chemically-laden soaps do.
Here Are 8 Alternative Products For Soap:
Clay
Clay is a great product for absorbing impurities directly from the pores. It calms the redness and inflammation making it perfect for those who struggle with acne. There are different types of clays and each one has its own unique properties. You can mix it with pure water, rose water and other herbal hydrosols, kefir, yogurt, raw apple cider vinegar, etc., to give it an extra-healing boost.
Full Fat Yogurt
Dairy products are incredibly beneficial for the skin because these are capable of dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells. You can use yogurt with added ingredients as a great alternative to soaps. This will not only clean your skin but also nourish it. If you have dry skin, then opt for kefir instead because of its high lactic acid content. This will slough off dead skin cells and revitalize dry tired skin.
Mashed Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are not only beneficial when consumed but also when applied on the skin. Some of these have enzymes that deeply clean the pores when used as an alternative to soap or as a mask on the skin. Cucumber, banana, avocado, papaya, tomatoes, lemon, etc., are some of these useful fruits and vegetables, each having a special benefit to offer. Using these on the skin will help remove dead skin cells and break the sebum stuck in the pores.
Herbal Bath Powder
Herbal bath powders have been used for centuries in India for the purpose of keeping the skin clean, preventing unwanted skin conditions, and also for adding fragrance to the skin. People who have skin problems usually ditch soap and start using herbal bath powder. This amazing soap alternative is brought forth by Ayurveda. It has great results on the skin. It clears up or reduces any skin condition you may have like acne or eczema.
Orange Peel Powder
Citrus fruits are really good for the skin. Orange peel brightens the skin complexion as it has skin lightening properties. It is rich in limonene and vitamin C that boosts collagen production and promotes youthful looking skin. Just dry some orange peels under the sun and then grind them in a mixer to make a fine powder. Use this as a soap-free alternative for cleansing your body. Add water, cooled green tea or milk to about ¼ cup or ½ cup of orange peel powder and clean yourself with it.
Oil Cleansing
If you have very dry skin, then oil cleansing is the perfect choice as a soap alternative for you. Sesame oil and coconut oil are among the most popular choices when it comes to skin care. Just apply the oil all over your body and wait for 20 minutes. Then take a shower wlukewarm water. Use a washcloth to gently remove the excess oil. After showering, you will end up having soft, smooth, supple and moisturized skin.
Milk
Cleopatra, the Pharaoh of Egypt isn’t the only one who knew the amazing effects of milk on the skin, we know those too. Milk is a natural cleanser as it contains lactic acid (an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)). It removes the dead cells from skin, leaving it looking soft, smooth and moisturized. However, we aren’t Pharaohs of Egypt and can’t afford to waste so much milk every day. So, we can reap the benefits of milk by filling a bathtub with warm water and adding 2-4 cups of whole milk or powdered milk to it. Soak in it for 20 minutes and scrub your skin with a washcloth to remove dirt and dead cells. You will be amazed by the results.
Gram Flour and Whole-Wheat Flour
This is an ancient Indian alternative for soap which has innumerable benefits. Gram flour has protein which rejuvenates the skin. The whole-wheat flour acts as a scrub in removing dirt and dead skin. Make a paste of this, apply it on your body and wash it off. You can add turmeric powder because it has antiseptic properties and sandalwood powder for more skin benefits. Making this paste with rose water and adding honey or lemon juice adds more to the results of this alternative soap.
