3 STEPS TO CHOOSE A HAND SOAP
Why choose a hand soap specifically designed for the skin?
Although spring marks the start of the warm season, there are still many nasty viruses roaming the environment. How to protect yourself? Especially in spring, when the body's vitamin reserves are well depleted, think about a balanced diet, extra vitamins and, importantly, hand hygiene.
Studies show that people touch their faces an average of 23 times an hour, and 44% of the time their hands come into contact with mucous membranes, increasing the chances of contracting various viral and bacterial diseases. So whether you're going to work, to the shops, or maybe just out through your stairwell, keep in mind that dirty hands don't come into contact with your face, including your nose, eyes and mouth.
In spring, most nature lovers also start the picnic season - hand sanitising can temporarily replace hand washing when enjoying a snack in nature. And yet, whenever possible, choose to wash your hands with soap, under a running water fountain. In addition, hand soap is preferable to shower gel or other hygiene products. Why? Hand soaps are most often enriched with stronger ingredients to neutralise bacteria, grease or dirt of any kind. On the other hand, body soaps or shower gels are usually milder than hand soaps, so they won't always do the job.
3 arguments in favour of liquid hand soap
It's no secret that hand soaps vary in both formulation and format. For example, if we look at what is on the shelves, we can choose between liquid soap and traditional solid soap (bars). We prefer liquid soap in our homes for a number of reasons. For example:
- They are convenient to use when you have many soap users in the house and children too, and it's much more hygienic.
Using liquid soap reduces the chance of bacteria being "exchanged" with other soap users; - With the dispenser, liquid hand soap is easy to refill and, unlike bar soaps, convenient to use even when you're running low;
- Liquid soaps usually have a lower pH level, so they are gentler on the skin.
But be warned - soaps containing chemicals will do more harm than good, so it's worth paying extra attention to the composition of liquid soaps.
3 steps to choose a hand soap
When choosing a hand soap, I recommend paying attention to 3 factors:
Avoid parabens, or overly synthetic preservatives.
They are widely used to prevent bacteria and mould in hygiene products, but they also extend the life of the product. However, when several hygiene products with relatively small amounts of parabens are used at the same time, they are absorbed into the skin and, even with a "safe" amount of parabens in each product, can have adverse effects overall. For example, paraben soaps often contain methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben.
2. Choose a liquid soap with a moisturising formulation.
It is important to choose a moisturising formulation, especially during the viral season when we wash our hands more often. As I mentioned above, liquid soaps are more likely to be successful as they will do less damage to the outer layer of the skin. However, the moisturising ingredients in soaps can also vary. Instead of mineral oils, try to choose a natural moisturising formulation - it will not only perform its function, but will also give the illusion of soft skin. For example, aloe vera extract is a natural moisturiser - its emollient properties prevent skin irritation and promote wound healing. Other moisturising elements can also be added to the formula, such as betaine. This natural moisturiser from sugar beet, which is also enriched in our liquid soap, will leave your skin silky and smooth.
3. Choose a scent you like.
There's no doubt about it - this is the hygiene product you use most in your daily life. So choose a liquid soap that smells good and won't get old so quickly. Or better still, add variety to your daily routine by changing the scent of your liquid soap from time to time. For example, our soaps come in refreshing grapefruit, subtle lavender, sweet grape or summery lime blossom. If you are sensitive to fragrances, I recommend you test the soap beforehand to make sure you don't find it too intense. Also, if your skin is particularly sensitive, the soap, like any other skincare product, should be tested in small amounts, preferably on the forearm or on the skin near the elbow.
Take care of yourself in spring - boost your immunity and enjoy the joy of buds bursting!
In love,
Maija Rieksta-Riekstiņa
Vegan Fox creator and manager