Teach Soap

Hi - just discovered "comedogenicity" - seems it's not a genetic pre-disposition for humour.

Well, it also seems a lot of staple soapmaking oils and ingredients are mid-range or higher in comedogenitic effects (blackheads, pore problems).

So, if they are, they are. But they also contribute desired properties.

Do any of you work around that by substitution ? Or minimising them in recipes, or tricking up the recipe with something unusual ? Is it a concern to you ?

It seems like it could really complicate making soap for sensitive/delicate or "problem" skin !

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. TIA

Of course we do. But you may not like the answer.

Do a little research on sebaceous glands and sebum first. Learn what they are and what they do. Then do a little research about the chemical composition of sebum and how closely it mirrors honey and pistachio nut butter. Keeping skin clean, while not clogging pores is the key to controlling acne and other skin afflictions IMHO. Controlling bacteria is next on the list. Being able to mimic the function of sebaceous glands and controlling bacteria on the skin will get you down the road you seek very quickly grasshopper. Hint: Tea Tree EO is has natural antibacterial properties.

And who said that soapers don't have a sense of humor. We're all commode-ians at heart.

Hi SuperSoaper !
Actually, I like your response.
It's been a while since acne was any concern to me...a faded memory, thank goodness.
I've learned a little about skin issues over the years. Diet being critical, for one.
What surprised me was ... well, a number of things, not least of which was the comedogenicity of many popular soap ingredients, both commercial and for home crafters.
So, I thought I might tease out some substitutive wisdom from the home pros.
And ( Thank you ! ) now I see I must expand my research to include Essential oils, a class of ingredient I've so far neglected.
(on the principle of keeping it simple to begin)

I think your "essential" message is - balance comedogenicity thru counter agents if not thru substitution.

ps I had some Tea Tree oil someone gave me and it smelled revolting. I was told to gargle with it for a sore throat and that was most unpleasant to say the least.

Please don't use Tea Tree internally; this includes gargling. They are not meant to be used this way. If you are looking for more on the subject of essential oils and aromatherapy , I would suggest Martin Watt http://www.aromamedical.com/cdpage.html
You can also find good books at lotioncrafter http://www.lotioncrafter.com/lotioncraf ... nts-books/

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Hi soapbuddy !
Believe me, it's not an experience I'd repeat. No harm done as I spat it out pretty fast. And spat. And spat.
Thank you for the links !
I'm going to try and learn more about all the beneficial properties of essential oils.
As for aromatherapy...chocolate, fruitcake, marzipan all work for me

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Game is tied 17 each and a long timeout so I can write a few lines.

Never, never, never, never.....let me reiterate, n-e-v-e-r take tea tree internally. I once had a moron at a health food store try to give my nephew a few drops on a Q-tip and told them to swab out their nostrils to remove some of the bacteria. Put a few drops in a disposable cup and watch what happens. It's almost caustic.

Seriously though, check out the sebum thing and brush up on your bio-chem. Another tip: counterbalance tea tree with cocoa butter.

Don't expect me to give up all my secrets do ya???

Football is back on.....gotta go.

SuperSoaper, even your secrets couldn't entice me to put Tea Tree oil in my mouth again.
I try to be careful about that kind of thing. Got caught that time by a sincere but un-informed person. There's a few out there.
um..."brush up" ...bio-chem...er...
my sum total of biochemistry knowlege has all been acquired incidentally to other interests and experiences.
Seriously.
But soap goes on skin - hence my interest in comedogenicity. So I shall heed your advice.
I have, so far, come across some intriguing stuff.
And that tip goes in the notebook ! TY !