Get the Most Out of Your Bar of Soap Instead of a Mess

The biggest complaints people have about bar soap are that it gets too mushy and that they can't get a good lather. We discussed last week the benefits of switching to bar soap, so this week, let's get into the few easy steps you can take to avoid the primary issues with using bar soap:

First and foremost, make sure you're using the right soap. If it's for your face, for example, make sure it's a facial bar.

Next, you're probably going to need to adjust your water temperature. We all know that hot water depletes your skin's natural oils, making it more susceptible to dryness, acne, and signs of aging.

It might surprise you to learn that hot water is just as bad for your bar of soap. They work best in not too hot/not to cold water. So give up the showers hot enough to summon Lucifer and turn the temperature down!

Natural bar soaps don't contain any sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or other foam boosters. Instead they rely on a combination of oils - like coconut and castor oils - and glycerin to create a foamy lather. Once you have your warm (not hot!) water running, do a quick rinse to wet the skin, then rub the bar in your hands for about 15 seconds to create a lather, and then rub over your body. When you're in the shower doing a full body wash, always remember to wash from top to bottom, never from bottom to top - for obvious reasons.

Hard water can make it very difficult to lather no matter what soap you use - if you have hard water, consider getting a water softener. It has many benefits other than simply improving your soap's ability to be foamy.

It's important to keep your soap dry between uses. It is the water on the surface of the soap that makes it mushy and also provides the breeding ground for bacteria. Use a towel to pat the surface of the soap dry, then store it on a wood or silicone soap dish with good drainage, in a place where it won't get wet when the shower is turned on by someone else. Good drainage while the soap is stored between uses is essential.

And that's it! That's all it takes to care for your bar soap, keeping it long lasting and in good condition. Thanks for following and reading! Next week: is it really necessary to separate your laundry before you wash it? Why or why not? Stay tuned...