Bar soap may seem simple to use, but there are ways to maximize its effectiveness in keeping your skin clean and healthy. In this article, you will learn the step by step procedure of how to use bar soap the right way and many other benefits of using Bar soap.
Do’s and Don’ts
Before we dive into the details, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
- Don’t use bar soap on your face unless it’s a gentle facial soap bar.
- Take your time in the shower to ensure a thorough cleaning.
- Use a fresh towel after each shower to prevent bacterial spread.
- Don’t use the soap bar directly on your underarms or private areas.
- Rinse your body with warm, not hot water to avoid drying out your and shortening the lifespan of your soap bar.
How to Use Bar Soap in the Shower
1. Choose the Right Bar Soap
Choose a soap that’s suitable for the part of your body you’ll be washing. For instance, use a facial soap bar if you want to wash your face.
There are various types of bar soaps available, so choose one that’s appropriate for your skin type and needs.
2. Wash from Top to Bottom
Wash your body from top to bottom to ensure a total rinse and minimal soap residue. Start with your face and neck, then work your way down your body. Use your hands or a washcloth to scrub, depending on your preference. Scrub gently, making sure not to irritate your skin.
3. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Give your hands a thorough wash, including the fingertips, wrists, and under your fingernails. Rub the lather vigorously for at least 20 seconds, then rinse your hands thoroughly.
Use a clean towel or your elbow to turn off the faucet to avoid transferring germs back to your hands.
4. Rinse off Any Remaining Soapy Residue
Once you’ve lathered your body from neck to toe, rinse off any remaining soapy residue with warm water.
5. Keep Your Soap Bar Dry in Between Uses
To make your soap bar last longer, store it on a wooden or silicone soap dish with good drainage. Move your soap bar out of the shower to protect it from humidity and avoid it turning into a mushy mess.
How to Make Bar Soap Last Longer
If you’ve ever found yourself tossing a nearly-new bar of soap because it’s shrunk to the size of a sliver, you’re not alone. While some bar soaps may last longer than others, there are steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your favorite bar soap.
Not only will this save you money, but it’s also an eco-friendly practice.
Here are six tips to help make your bar soap last longer:
1. Keep it Dry
Keeping your soap dry between uses is essential to extend its lifespan. Avoid leaving it on a ledge in the shower where it’s exposed to a stream of water or excessive steam.
Instead, place it in a soap dish that drains water, and keep the dish on a ledge away from water. If multiple people use the same bar of soap, consider giving everyone their own soap and a place to store it between uses to keep it dry.
2. Use a Washcloth
While your hands are great for producing lather, using a washcloth or loofah can help absorb the lather and retain it for additional use.
This means you’ll use less soap, which can extend the life of your bar. However, be sure not to keep the washcloth around too long before refreshing with a new one to avoid a musty smell.
3. Cut the Bar into Pieces
Contrary to popular belief, a smaller surface area of soap means less soap hits the water, which can make it last longer. Consider cutting your bar of soap in half or thirds to increase its lifespan.
4. Check the Ingredients
A bar soap’s ingredients contribute to its lifespan. Soaps made with oils and fats tend to last longer than those made with softer, liquid oils. Check the ingredients list to ensure your bar soap contains ingredients that will help it last longer.
5. Lower the Heat
Hot water may be relaxing, but it can cause your bar soap to dissolve more quickly. This means you’ll need to use more effort to work up a nice lather. Cooler water not only helps your soap last longer but also enables it to maintain its shape and consistency.
6. Use a Soap Saver
A soap saver is a small mesh bag that can be used to hold your bar of soap between uses. It allows air to circulate around the soap, which helps it dry out faster and last longer.
Tips To Keep Your Bar Soap Clean
Using a bar of soap is a common practice for many people, but it’s important to keep it clean to ensure it remains sanitary for every use. Here are four tips to help you keep your bar soap clean:
1. Rinse your soap before use
Before using your bar of soap, rinse it with running water to wash away any germs or bacteria that may have accumulated on it since its last use. This will help keep the soap clean and prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms.
2. Store your soap properly
To help extend your bar soap’s lifespan and keep it clean, store it away from water whenever possible. This can be achieved by using a soap dish with a draining tray to prevent water from collecting around the soap. You can also place a sponge in the dish to absorb any excess soap or germy gunk.
3. Use Your Own Soap
While sharing a bar of soap with family members may not be a significant cause for concern, using your own soap can help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. By using your own soap, you can also help to extend its lifespan, as it will not be subjected to multiple users.
4. Clean your soap dish regularly
To prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria, it’s essential to clean your soap dish regularly. This can be done by simply washing it with warm water and soap or running it through the dishwasher.
By keeping your soap dish clean, you can help ensure that your bar soap stays clean and sanitary for every use.
Benefits of Using Bar Soap: 7 Reasons to Choose
Bar soap is a popular hygiene product that is often preferred by people over liquid soap. This is because bar soap comes with many benefits that make it a superior choice. Here are seven reasons why you should consider using bar soap over liquid soap:
1. Different Bar Soaps to Choose From:
Bar soaps come in different types, such as traditional bar soaps, syndet soap bars, superfatted soaps, combination soap bars, and transparent soap bars. Each type has unique benefits, so it’s important to know what type you’re buying.
2. You Can Choose for Your Skin Type:
Bar soaps are not one-size-fits-all products. Different types of bar soaps are best suited for different skin types. If you have sensitive skin, look for organic bar soap with skin-friendly natural ingredients. If you have dry skin, choose milder soaps with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, shea or cocoa butter, olive oil, and almond oil.
If you have oily skin, choose bar soaps that include glycerin to help clean the skin without robbing it of too much oil. For acne-prone skin, choose soaps that include salicylic acid to help fight zits and blackheads.
3. Bar Soap is More Eco-Friendly Than Liquid Soap:
Bar soap packaging usually consists of paper or cardboard, which are recyclable and break down more easily in landfills than the plastic packaging of liquid soap. Bar soap also generates less waste because it is easier to control the amount of soap used.
4. Bar Soap is Good for Your Skin:
Bar soaps that contain glycerin, a humectant that attracts and retains moisture on your skin, can help to moisturize your skin. They may also contain ingredients such as aloe vera and botanical oils that are decidedly skin-friendly.
5. Bar Soap Doesn’t Contain Preservatives:
Bar soap does not require preservatives to remain effective, fresh, and safe to use. This makes it a more natural option for skincare.
6. Bar Soap Lasts a Long Time:
Bar soap can last four to six weeks or even longer, as long as you let it dry out between uses. This makes it a more cost-effective option for your skincare routine.
7. Bar Soap is Easy to Use:
Bar soap is a straightforward product to use and is compatible with different skin types. Its solid form makes it easy to control the amount used, which can help reduce waste.
Conclusion
Using bar soap may seem straightforward, but following these tips will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your bar soap and keeping your skin healthy and clean. Remember to choose the right bar soap, wash from top to bottom, and keep your soap bar dry in between uses for a better bar soap experience.
