Antibacterial soap is also called antimicrobial or antiseptic soap. These contain certain chemicals that are not found in plain soap. These chemicals are added with the intent of decreasing and preventing bacterial infections.
You might think that antibacterial soap is perfectly fine as they kill harmful bacteria lurking on your skin. However, some active ingredients of these soaps may be causing more damage to your skin, body, and environment than doing good.
5 Reasons to Avoid Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial, medicated soap is majorly advertised to be the best for maintaining healthy, bacteria-free skin. Here are a few valid reasons why you shouldn’t use antibacterial soap.
1. Antibacterial Soap Can Lead to The Growth of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.
Bacteria cannot be killed by the very low doses of antibacterials present in these so-called antibacterial products. Moreover, these products are typically washed off in less than 30 seconds, which is not enough time to kill any microbe.
Remember, to kill any bacteria effectively, your physician normally administers antibiotics twice daily for at least 5 to 7 days! Bacteria are smart and with exposure to small doses and short durations, they learn and quickly adapt to become resistant to these antibacterial soaps. Later, during actual infections, even high doses of antibiotics are unable to kill these bacteria.
2. Antibacterial Soap Could Cause Disturbances in The Environment.
The common use of these products by millions of individuals causes a huge amount of antibacterial products to flush down the drains. These reach natural water bodies in lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
This disrupts not only other natural microbes, algae, and fish but many other natural aquatic organisms, resulting in damage to natural systems.
3. Antibacterial Soap May Disrupt Normal Body Functions.
In animal studies, some of these antibacterial chemicals have been found to cause disturbances in hormones, heart muscle, sperm, brain, and bone.
Though these changes have not been thoroughly studied in humans yet, they may still result in minute changes which may have a larger impact over time.
4. Antibacterial Soap Can Increase The Risk Of Allergies.
Your skin contains all kinds of good microbes which not only protect it from other harmful microbes but are also beneficial for your overall health balance.
By altering the normal flora of your skin, antibacterial soap may alter the immunity levels of your body too. This may result in the development of allergies.
5. Antibacterial Soap is no Better Than Normal Non-Medicated, Regular Soap.
Plain regular soap and hand washes are as effective in cleaning away germs and maintaining personal cleanliness as any other specially formulated and expensive antibacterial soap or hand wash. Also, keep in mind that products labelled “organic” or “natural” are not necessarily safe. You can simply use ordinary, inexpensive, non-medicated soaps or hand wash of your choice.
Now you can understand why antibacterial soaps are not the best choice. You can use plain water and regular soap to avoid the spread of bacteria and maintain hygiene.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.