SMART THINKING

It’s time for soap’s return to the skincare limelight.

Why bar soap is making a comeback.

While bar soap dates back to 2800BC, it has been the scourge of the beauty industry for the past decade. Blamed for obliterating healthy bacteria, stripping away natural oils and messing with the skin’s natural pH, it is often seen on the blacklist of dermatologists. Conventional soaps often do have a much higher pH than the skin. And while soap is very good at removing dirt, sweat and oil from the skin, it can also damage its protective layer and cause skin to feel dry, itchy, irritated and inflamed. Washing your face morning and night is important to keep the skin healthy, but it’s a good idea to avoid conventional bar soap, particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin. Instead opt for a liquid cleanser with a low pH. However, not all bar soaps are created equal, and as we seek more sustainable options, bar soaps are looking at making a comeback thanks to their lack of plastic packaging. If you want to go the bar soap route, look for a low pH formula, like the Gallinée Cleansing Bar ($19) and the Ethique Bliss Bar ($26.95). VISIT MiNDFOOD.COM Learn how to make your own soap, using this easy-to-follow recipe. It’s lovely knowing that each and every time you enjoy a shower or bath, the lathery bar is filled with herbs and flowers of your choosing. mindfood.com/make-your-own-soap