Soap: A Wolf In The Disguise Of A Sheep

A decade ago, the common Indian population would use herbal soaps to get rid of the contaminants, germs and dirt.

Natural soaps were easy to use on the skin and also on the pocket. They would also get the job done. Pure Neem soap bars and pure sandalwood soap bars were most common. These were followed by Ayurvedic soap bars.

These days, there are over 3 dozen soaps, shampoos and anti-bacterial hand disinfectants available at any supermarket. Majority of these personal hygiene products use 75% or more chemicals and artificial fragrances.

Every year, manufacturers are introducing more potent anti-bacterial soaps to kill even the last germ that exists in your home and on your body.

In the last 10 years, the Indian consumer has started believing that anti-bacterial soaps are their friends. Using these personal hygiene products in excess has become the norm.

Parents insist that their children not only use commercial anti-bacterial soaps, but also commercial hand sanitisers.

Before eating a meal, after coming home, after travelling in public transport, kids are being asked to use these products to protect themselves from contaminants and germs.

Are these soaps really good for us, considering that they are created primarily from chemicals? Does using these products give rise to superbugs?

These and many other questions will be answered below. Continue reading to find out more.

Using Chemical-based Bar Soaps With Artificial Fragrances

1) Commercially available soap bars use triclosan as an active ingredient. Triclosan-based products used in excess not only dry up your skin but also kill skin cells.

2) That's not it, this is the start of the list. This active ingredient aggravates skin disorders, does not protect against viral and other infections and is also carcinogenic in nature.

3) 9 out of 10 parts of the chemicals that are used in soap-based fragrances are petroleum-based synthetic compounds. Unscented soaps use a masking scent, which is basically a gimmicking trick. Petroleum-based synthetic compounds can cause irritation, skin rashes and reproductive toxic agents. Synthetic fragrances have also been known to have carcinogenic effects.

Using Anti-Bacterial Bar Liquids And Sanitisers

1) There is a reason why children these days fall ill easily and have an abundant number of skin allergies. Artifical fragrances and chemicals are the biggest skin allergens that exist.

2) The human body has a natural defense mechanism against germs and pathogens. This is known as the immune system. The immune system in humans develops when a child is young. Over-using anti-bacterial liquids and sanitisers prevents the body from developing a fully-functional immune system.

Solution To Your Dilemma

1) Use your own judgement and decide when your child should be using commercially made soaps and liquids. If natural alternatives are available, then use these instead. Natural remedies are safe, effective and are devoid of 90% chemicals that normal soaps use.

2) Carefully read the label of the personal hygiene products you purchase, this is important for the safety of both you and your child.

3) Do not use the INTERNET to diagnose symptoms if your child is feeling ill. The INTERNET has the ability of making the symptoms of a common cold appear to be the symptoms of Anthrax. Instead, trust the judgement of your family doctor when your child is ill.

4) Work on developing the immune system of your child. Let your child enjoy his/her youth, he/she needs to learn how to play outside, fall down, lift himself/herself up, dust his/her clothes off and be happy. Encourage your child to go outdoors and play.

Ask your child to be careful not to touch too many things outside, but do not insist that he/she washes his/her hand every few minutes. Do not use commercial hand sanitisers too often. Instead, make your own sanitiser that you know for sure uses safe ingredients.