Using Bar Soaps

Q. I always use bar soap and my friend tells me I am damaging my skin. Is that true, is bar soap damaging to skin?

A. Not as a general rule. Bar soap has really gotten an undeserved bad reputation. Most bar soaps are not bad. Spa Magazine’s January edition quotes Jennifer Reichel, M.D., director of Pacific Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, as saying, “Some bar soaps can be very gentle and moisturizing and do not necessarily trap oils and chemicals.” The soaps that are best to avoid are the ones that contain synthetic detergents and high amounts of perfume. These can be over drying and the chemicals can be detrimental to your skin. Organic soaps and soaps with emollients like coconut oil, she butter or olive oil can be very good for your skin. Your question was if bar soap was damaging. You did not ask if bar soap is the best choice of cleaner for your skin. In truth, your friend may be aware of the fact that while not damaging, there could be cleansing solutions that are better choices for you. If you have any skin care concerns such as, anti-aging, acne, or dryness the skincare industry is full of real effective cleansers that can target these problems better than the simple bar of soap. Your face especially may benefit from targeted higher end cleansers. That said, many soaps in bar and pump formulas are effective, safe and many times beneficial in cleansing your skin.