The Power of Soap: Understanding How Soap keeps our skin and our bodies healthy and happy
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The humble soap bar is one of the most incredible scientific developments in human history. It’s up there with antibiotics as well as anaesthetics in the number of lives it’s saved.
Every day it helps us combat viruses, skin infections and so much more. And anyone that tells you that there is a more powerful cleanser for the human skin is using pseudoscience!
So how does a natural soap bar clean?
To answer this properly, I’ll need to get into the nitty gritty of soap’s molecular structure (which is actually really fascinating!).
Soap molecules are like little pin-shaped superheroes with a hydrophilic head (water lover) and a hydrophobic tail (water hater). When you mix soap with water, these molecules come together to form micelles, which are like teeny-tiny soap bubbles. The heads of the soap molecules stick out of the micelles, while the tails hide inside.
Now, here's where the action begins. Nasty pathogens such as bacteria and viruses have sneaky lipid membranes similar to those micelles we mentioned earlier. These membranes are like fortress walls that protect the baddies and help them infect our cells. But guess what? Soap molecules are here to save the day!
When you wash your hands with soap and water, those soap molecules surround the pathogens on your skin. The hydrophobic tails of the soap molecules dive into the lipid membranes of the pathogens, causing them to go "BOOM!" The membranes rupture, releasing important proteins into the water around them. And just like that, the bacteria are vanquished, and the viruses become useless—ka-pow!
Soap's Additional Benefits:
Still with me?
Soap doesn't stop there. It also helps clear dirt and any tiny remnants of defeated pathogens from your skin. The micelles created by soap trap these particles, making it super easy to wash them away with water.
And here's a fun fact: soap molecules break the chemical bonds that make bacteria, viruses, and grime that stick to surfaces. It's like giving them a slip 'n slide ticket, so they can glide right off your skin!
The Power of Hand-Washing:
Let's take a trip back in time to the mid-1800s when hand-washing became a game-changer. Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis made a ground-breaking discovery—washing hands before delivering babies significantly reduced mortality rates. But can you believe it? His idea faced ridicule and rejection! It took years for hand hygiene to gain recognition. Even Florence Nightingale championed hand-washing, but it wasn't until the 1980s that there were nationally endorsed hand hygiene guidelines in the USA. So, when you're tempted to skip the sink, remember the impact your hand-washing has on others.
Choosing the Right Soap:
Extensive research has shown that when it comes to everyday hand-washing, natural soap triumphs over its antibacterial counterparts. The mechanical action of washing with soap and water is already highly effective in removing dirt, grime, and those pesky microbes. According to the research, antibacterial soaps offer no extra benefits over plain soap—don't fall for the marketing tricks!
Stay informed and make savvy choices—don’t settle for just any old soap. Check those ingredient labels like a pro and go for soaps that are packed with natural goodness, giving your skin an extra dose of love and care. For example our soaps are packed with skin-loving oils like avocado and macadamia, leaving your skin extremely healthy and happy. We also include extra vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts like pumice, eucalyptus, and lemon myrtle—they bring extra superpowers to the party like exfoliation. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and synthetic additives—they have no place in your skin care kingdom. Your skin deserves nothing but the best! It is your largest organ after all.
So, there you have it—the incredible power of soap in a nutshell. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as soap is so important to our health and happiness.
It is why I love soap!
Soapy hugs,
Emma xx