The Benefits of NO SOAP™

Commonly advertised soaps describe themselves well, some say they leave you squeaky clean even when they have added moisturizers.: Google your favorite soap or this commonly available product. Example: [Reference]

A 2006 study looking for a mild cleansing alternatives makes this statement, “Soap is a relatively harsh and drying surfactant. Soap-based wash products often dry and irritate the skin, leading to erythema and itchiness, which together often exacerbate the inflammation and dryness of Atopic Dermatitis”. [Reference]

One 2006 article mentions importance of skin washing both for preventing death and, on the other hand, setting you up for more allergies and definitely more skin problems. In summary this E coli research expert concludes, “I just wash my hands with plain water, except for once or twice a day. I avoid soap because I don’t want my hands to dry out.” [Reference]

Using the FCAT measure in a research study, Irritation Potential of Personal Cleansers, Ertal et al (J.Soc.Cosmet.Chem, 46, 67-76(March/April 1995) showed that although there were differences even in mild products, each product was irritating. The amount of irritation was directly related to how much soap was in each product.

He also documented what we each observe, irritation is directly related to low humidity, which is experienced in the winter months. Soap is usually the main contributor to development of winter itch, dry skin eczema.

From a study done in nursing homes: [Reference]

“… a no-rinse cleanser may reduce the incidence of incontinence associated pressure ulcers when compared with soap and water.”

Online the Lanacane Dry Itchy Skin Index™ map of the USA was once kept up to date. It used climactic data and expertise from the University of Delaware’s Center for Climatic Research. If you see a benefit to having it maintained, contact Lanacane® Itch Information Center.

How to use NO SOAP™

Any time you would even think of using soap on your skin, take another look at NO SOAP™ instead. The only exceptions the developers and producers emphasize, are in washing the scalp and the axilla (underarm) where NO SOAP™ used alone, has not proved satisfactory for the North American taste.

Production

Selected, well dried hardwoods are favored for their durability. The standard bar is made using red oak. Ongoing long term evaluations of several other types of wood are being done. We think that the natural grain comes out of this oak when it is wet. It does float.

Following the technical drawings provided by Everett Mattson, inventor and engineer, a University of Minnesota Medical School – Duluth pharmacology professor and colleague shapes the wood.

Next, Darryl Weaver (at Laser-Sharp, 1093 3rd Avenue SW, Carmel, IN 46032) engraves the two sides of the block.

Locally we imprint the registered number of your bar. Fine sanding normally completes the item. If requested – “please oil”, we will use Lemon Oil to bring out the grain and color of the wood.

Once we receive the receipt of your donation and your complete mailing address, we will forward your package by US Mail. Faster or overnight delivery are not covered or available.

We do not buy insurance for mailing. We do not make any charge for postage and handling, that is our donation to speed your donation to a dermatology cause.

Cautions:

Patients have asked for a liquid formulation, unfortunately the cellulose component rapidly separates and floats to the surface, thus creating an unpleasant looking product.

Although it would seem reasonable to provide this product in a powder (ie. fine sawdust) formulation, to date non-block formulations have been the cause of a specific and tediously irritating, damage, by any other name, a rash. Inventiveness has its limits.

Thus far, no modification has improved this cosmetically elegant, natural alternative to soap. Rediscover your baby smooth, natural and healthy skin with NO SOAP™. Give a bar to a loved one.

Please drop us a photo or note about your NO SOAP™ experience:

Dr. Bamford’s NO SOAP™
Virtual Factory
3501 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55804-1804