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Archive for October, 2009
Lye is the chemical reaction between soda (sodium carbonate) and calcium hydroxide. It is one of the most important ingredients in not only handmade soaps, but all soaps. Chemical suppliers supply Lye to manufacturers for a variety of products such as, metal polishes, drain de-cloggers and pool cleaning supplies, fabrics, laundry detergents and soaps. You want to be sure that when using Lye for soap making that you only use Lye that is 100% Lye or sodium hydroxide, others will have added ingredients that are unwanted in soap making.
Traditionally Lye was leached from hardwood ashes. Back in the day household soap makers would keep a wooden bin outside to dump the ashes from there stove in. When it came time to make soap they would pour water through the ashes and siphon off the liquid Lye. This had to be done very carefully, too much Lye could burn and irritate the skin, and too little would prevent the soap from hardening. Many hours would be spent over an open fire, stirring this mixture of lard, Lye and water until the saponification was complete.
Today soap makers have perfected the Lye levels in handmade soap making, producing much milder soaps than what one might have experienced a century ago. Safety when handling lye is still an absolute must when making soap. You should always wear rubber gloves, long sleeve shirts and eye protection during the Lye stage of soap making, and be in a well ventilated area preferably outside. Lye can cause serious burns, blindness and permanent scarring. When water is added to Lye the temperature will rise quickly to temperatures above boiling.
Most folks become a bit fearful of Lye soaps after learning how harmful Lye can be, however the good news is that once the soap is made Lye no longer remains. This process of transformation occurs during saponification, which is the mixing of water, Lye, and fats or oils. When a strong Alkali is mixed with oils or fats it produces soap and glycerin. So no worries! Just remember that if you are making soap to respect the lye and follow all safety precautions before saponifiaction. Once this chemical reaction is complete it can be safely handled.
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Tea Tree oil is not only recognized in skin care products, but has a medicinal history as well. Native Australians have been benefiting from Tea Tree’s antiseptic and antifungal properties for quite some time now. It was not used as common practice until the 1920-30’s when researcher Arthur Penfold had begun to publish his research on Tea Tree’s antimicrobial activities. Tea Tree was traditionally used by inhaling the oils from crushed leaves to treat colds and coughs. Wounds were also treated by sprinkling the leaves on the wound itself. During World War II Tea Tree oil was mandatory in all Australian armed forces first aid kits, and in London there are hospitals that use soaps that have Tea Tree oil in them for hygiene of both staff and patients.
I began to research Tea Tree oil when a friend had told me that for years they had suffered from severe athlete’s foot, and had tried many different medications and nothing seemed to get rid of it completely. This friend then began to share with me that they had recently read that Tea Tree in know to effectively treat skin infections such as acne, Poison Ivy- Oak, wounds, cuts, burns and also has anti fungal properties that could treat athletes foot. Well my friend continued to share with me that since they were using a goats milk lotion that has Tea Tree in it they have noticed a tremendous difference and believe they are on the road to full recovery.
I think this is amazing and love hearing of testimonies of natural remedies. When I heard of this news I immediately begun to read up on this oil and also learned that this oil is being used to treat staff infections such as (MRSA). Tea Tree’s antibacterial properties make handmade soaps made with Tea Tree oil a great alternative than using antibacterial soaps that have Triclosal in them. Although Tea Tree has been proven to be an effective antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory you should always check with your health care provider before using any new form of treatment even if it is a natural remedy. Tea Tree has been know to have some side affects, some people might be allergic to the cineole in the tea tree oil, it is recommended not to use tea tree oil if you are breast feeding and or are pregnant, and like lavender there have been a small amount of links to temporary breast enlargement among young boys, medically know as prepubertal gynecomastia. The good news is that this is very rare and goes away after use of the oils.
Did you know that most Americans are Magnesium deficient, which recent research believes contributes to the increase of heart disease, arthritis, stress related illness and many more health issues. Diets today do not have as much Magnesium as they did a century ago. In fact American Magnesium levels have dropped more than 50 % in the past century and some of the contribution to this are the changes in how our food is prepared, and that we do not eat has healthy has our ancestors did.
You are improving your overall health by increasing Magnesium levels in your body. Physicians report than it can improve heart conditions, gives the body the ability to produce insulin, flushes toxins and heavy metals from cells, eases muscle pains, improves nerve functions by regulating over 325 enzymes, relieves stress and also helps maintain the proper amount of calcium levels in the blood.
Increasing Magnesium levels can be done by carefully choosing different diets or taking nutritional supplements, but also the body can absorb Magnesium through the skin by soaking in the tub with homemade bath salts made with Epsom salts. Epsom salts also offer Sulfates which are very difficult to receive in foods, but are readily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates are known to stimulate the pancreas generating digestive enzymes and also influences a major role in the formations of brain tissue, joint proteins, and mucin proteins which line the walls of the digestive tract.
So don’t wait until your body is full of aches and pains to treat yourself to an Epsom salt bath. Treat your body to the therapy it not only deserves but needs. As you feel the salt refreshing and smoothing your skin, your entire body is reaping so many other health benefits as well.
Glycerin is a by-product that naturally occurs during the soap making process. It is a thick liquid, sweet tasting, colorless product that can be easily dissolved into water and alcohol, but not oils. Glycerin is a great solvent and also a hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb water from the air.
Glycerin has claimed its fame in the handmade soap making industry by its moisturizing abilities. Commercial soap companies actually remove glycerin from the soap and reserve for the more expensive moisturizers selling them to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. In handmade soap the Glycerin remains, offering the user softer and healthier skin, which is especially good for those with sensitive skin and children.
There are many different types of handmade soaps on the market today, and depending on the soap maker and individual preferences can leave the consumer with many options to choose from. If you are currently in the market for handmade soap here are some useful tips.
Look for soaps that have a vegetable oil base such as olive, coconut, palm, sunflower or soybean. These are just a few of the most common oils used in soap making today. I personally use olive oil. This oil offers the best quality of all the oils. It is a great moisturizer and does not interfere with the skins normal functions.
If you are shopping for natural skin care products and looking for handmade soaps for sensitive skin, you may want to stay away from soaps that have fragrance oils in them. These are oils that are synthetically produced by chemist, and though they do offer a larger variety of scents and are cheaper in cost, they are known to irritate the skin for those who suffer from sensitive skin or allergies. Essential oils are always a plus. They offer wonderful color and aromatherapy as well. These oils are not man-made; they are concentrated extracts from plants and herbs by distillation or expression, however for real sensitive skin I would choose an unscented bar.
I recommend also choosing a soap that has no animal fats or tallow. Tallow in commercial soaps is usually listed as Sodium Tallowate, and is known to clog the skins pores and remains on the surface of the skin creating a barrier.
Herbs and spices are used in homemade soaps to add color and texture. Ingredients such has oatmeal, cornmeal, ground almond and cinnamon are great for exfoliation, and herbs such has lavender, calendula, and rosemary are a few of the many herbs that are commonly used in soap making that offer wonderful color, textures and therapy as well.
Also another great thing to look for in handmade soaps is added emollients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera that are soothing and softening to the skin.
One other handmade soap tip is after you have purchased and used your new soap bar, be sure to let it dry out after each use. Unlike commercial soap, these handmade soaps are in their most natural state, having no artificial hardeners in them and are full of glycerin, which make the soap turn mushy and soft if left in a puddle of water. So be sure to place you handmade soap bar on a soap tray to dry after every use.
One of the greatest advantages of hand milling soap is that you do not have to handle the lye. Botanicals such as the flowers and herbs you choose will hold color longer, and you can use less oils. For example, the amount of essential oils used in lye soap making would approximately use one tablespoon per pound of fats; however in hand milling you would only use one teaspoon per pound of soap.
Milled soap is using the shredded scraps from soaps that have already been made by either cold or hot processed, and then melted down. This is why there is no lye involved. It is best to use good quality soap for hand milling. Many soap makers offer shredded soaps often called soap noodles for sale which would make your soap making much easier. Hand milled soap bars are harder and have a much longer life span.
The soap scraps are melted by using a microwave, a slow cooker, or a double boiler which is the most common process. To use the double boiler; you would place the soap noodles and the liquid in the top of the boiler, place water in the bottom, heat the water until boiling, then turn the heat down to simmer. As the soap melts it is time to add desired oils and your choice of flowers and herbs. Keep watch that your water doesn’t boil dry. Scrape the soap into heat resistant molds, pack it well, cover with plastic wrap and let it sit until soap is cooled. Remove soap from molds, and let is air dry for week or more turning the bars so that they will dry evenly.
If you are considering making your first batch of handmade soap this is a safe and easy way to to build your confidence and not have to worry about any lye solutions. I recommend finding a local soap maker in your area and see if they will sell you any soap scraps for your experiment, and if they would be interested in assisting you if you are to have any questions along the way.
The differences between hot and cold process soap making.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
posted by Barbara 7:00 AM
The primary reason for hot process soap making is that you can use the soap right away. You do not have to wait for the soap to cure, it neutralizes while being cooked over low heat. Once the soap has cured it needs to have the PH tested with phenolphtalein or litmus strips. The phenolphtalein is more accurate than the litmus strips; just a few drops of the phenolphtalein and if the soap turns pink it is still alkaline and if it remains clear the soap in neutral. If the soap is still alkaline you just need to cook it a little longer.
Cold process soap making requires no cooking. This is the process I am currently using to make my goats milk soap, and plan on experimenting with hot process soap making soon. There is no heat involved in the creation of the soap other than heating the oils enough to liquefy. A blend of oils is mixed with a solution of lye and water stirred until thickened, then poured into a mold and covered for 24 hours, (no peeking).
After the soap is cut it needs to cure which can take up to 4 to 6 weeks at a relevant temperature with air circulation. We have built drying racks that are well vented, but if you are just experimenting with your first batch, a paper covered cookie sheet will also work. Be sure to turn the bars over mid way to ensure they dry evenly.
The best way to keep toxic chemicals out of your home is to know where these chemicals are coming from, and how to make wiser choices when buying common consumer products for your household. One misleading product that most consumers buy believing they are buying a healthy and safe product to protect themselves and family from germs, are antibacterial soaps. These products contain the chemical Triclosan, also known as Irgasan and Microban; in them which is considered by the EPA as a pesticide. Triclosan has been proven to be effective in hospitals in fighting off infections, but one may want to reconsider using these products after learning of some of the interesting facts recent research is revealing.
Nearly 50% off all soaps on the market today contain some form of antibacterial agent in them. There have been studies that households using antibacterial products had no reduced colds, sickness or signs of infections than households that do not use antibacterial products. More and more research is showing direct relations from chemicals such as Triclosan to cause severe health issues, such a weakened immune system, cancer, birth defects, decreased fertility, skin allergies, and much more. Our skin is permeable and what we put on it will work its way into our bodies.
There are many ways you can keep your skin and body healthy without using Triclosan. For one you can start by using natural handmade soaps such as goat milk soap, that are made with pure essential oils and no harsh and unnecessary chemicals in them. Some essential oils such as tea tree oil have antimicrobial properties. It is important to wash your hands often, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom, when you are around sick people or preparing food. Be sure to lather the soap for at least 10 to 15 seconds and rinse with warm water, drying your hand with a clean towel. I think most importantly you should wash your hands often, and when in public areas, try not to touch areas of your face, especially during flu season.
Knitted wash cloths, a great alternative to chemical free sponges.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
posted by Barbara 7:00 AM
A great alternative for natural sea sponges are cotton knitted or crocheted wash cloths. If you love to knit or crochet these are fun little projects, they make great gifts, and are chemical free unlike synthetically made sponges. I have been making knitted wash cloth bags that you can put soap bars into and tie shut, and they have been a great hit selling at the farmers markets this summer. With the holidays just around the corner I know that I will be knitting a few more of these wash cloths, I think they will make great stocking stuffers.
What I love about these soap bags is that when your soap bars are near the end of their use and you are left with little scraps, rather than waste that precious handmade soap, you can throw all your scraps in a knitted cotton cloth soap bag, making your soaps last a little longer.
Are the natural and organic products you buy really natural and organic?
Monday, October 19, 2009
posted by Rob 7:00 AM
I have recently learned that not all companies are required to include the entire ingredients in making their products whether they are protected by “trade secret laws”, or some other form. What bothers me about this is that products that are marketed as organic and natural and have reputable names that the buyer recognizes and trust are misled. I just recently watched a news video where a reputable company that makes baby products contain harmful chemicals in them such as formaldehyde, and are not listed on the labeling. To watch the video click on this link.
This is just one example of why it is so important to not only educate ourselves on how to read the ingredients and understand them, but to go even a litter further and investigate how a product is made; most importantly the products that we buy and use on our children, and ourselves to make us well. You may be spending a little more money for real natural skin care products; but shouldn’t your health be worth every penny of it? Unfortunately usually the better things in life cost more. I know this is not always true in every situation, but in skin care products or any food or product that is marketed as natural and organic should be and if not should be questioned. These are unique products with pure ingredients that are not chemically mass produced. I believe that you should expect to pay a little more for pure and natural products you know where and how they are grown and made.