The first step in skin care is proper cleansing of the skin. This includes removal of dirt, excess oils, waste materials from perspiration, sebum, soot, residues from smog and other air pollutants, colognes, perfumes, aftershaves, make-up, as well as bacteria and fungus. While soap can remove part of these substances, it is considered a great enemy to the skin.
Soap is made from animal fat and alkali.
It does not clean thoroughly and leaves alkaline residues. These alkaline residues disrupt the protective acid mantle that nature provides the skin to inhibit bacterial growth. In addition, these residues are drying. Dehydration of the skin is one of the major causes of wrinkles. Soap residues also contribute to clogged pores, blackheads, and blemishes.