(DERMATOLOGY 101)

Soaps were originally made by combining animal fats and potash. Today, most soaps and cleansers are “syn-det” or synthetic detergent soaps and are made of vegetable oils or petroleum distillates. Most name-brand soaps and cleansers are syn-dets. Mercury-based preservatives, fragrances, and petroleum derivatives are commonly added to the vast majority of soaps and cleansers. Glycerin is a natural by-product of the soap making process. Most soap manufacturers remove and re-sell the glycerin. Sappo-Hill Soap™ is sold at our office. It contains glycerin and is made from vegetable oil.

The primary function of the skin is to serve as a protective barrier from environmental hazards, especially from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and injurious chemicals. An ideal soap or cleanser is one that removes the aforementioned agents without damage to the skin.

Our skin has a pH of 5.5, a self-adjusting exfoliation rate (auto-adjusting for sex, age, environment, stress, sleep-deprivation, hormonal change, and chemical exposure), and a natural lipid barrier. Harsh cleansing can disrupt barrier function. Please do not “exfoliate” with scrubs, brushes, or chemicals.
Avoid use of anything but the hands to clean the skin. Use a soap or cleanser only when and where needed. Never use a toner, astringent, cleansing grains, or a buffing machine.

Good Facial Soaps:
Sappo Hill Brand™ (available here or on our website, for $3 a bar, in different fragrances)
Derma-Topix™ Cleanser (available here at AlphaDerm or on our website)

Good Body Soaps:
Lever 2000™ white bar soap (if you have to use an antibacterial soap to avoid body odor)
Sappo Hill Brand™ (available here at AlphaDerm or on AlphaDerm website)

Therapeutic Soaps:
For acne: PanOxyl™ 2.5%,5%,10% Bar (contains benzoyl peroxide which kills bacteria)
For acne: GlyDerm™ Cleanser (contains glycolic ester for clogged pores)
For combination skin: Sappo Hill™ Oatmeal Soap

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