Itching, redness, burning sensations, dry patches… When you suffer from atopic skin, eczema or psoriasis, every everyday action can become a source of discomfort. And among them, washing is central. Choosing a suitable soap, respectful of the skin and its fragility, is essential to limit irritation and preserve the skin’s balance.
Faced with the multitude of products available, some questions remain. What soap should you use when you have sensitive or atopic skin? Is Marseille soap, renowned for its simplicity and minimalist composition, really suitable? Is it hypoallergenic? Can it be suitable for the whole family, including babies? Let’s explore all this together.
Eczema, psoriasis, atopic skin: a return to nature
Atopic skin is characterized by a weakened skin barrier. This means that the skin:
- Retains water less effectively;
- Becomes dry;
- Shows reactivity;
- Is more vulnerable to external aggressors.
In the case of eczema or psoriasis, this fragility is accompanied by more or less intense inflammatory phases.
Faced with these issues, more and more people are choosing to return to nature. Why? Because overly complex formulas, rich in irritating agents, fragrances, or aggressive surfactants, can accentuate skin imbalances.
A natural soap, with a short and transparent composition, allows you to cleanse the skin without unnecessarily attacking it, while respecting its hydrolipidic film.
Why do conventional shower gels attack your skin?
The majority of conventional shower gels contain ingredients that are poorly suited to fragile skin.
Sulfates: cleansing but stripping
Sulfates (such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are highly effective foaming agents, but also potentially irritating. They cleanse deeply, sometimes too much, by removing the lipids naturally present on the skin’s surface.
For atopic skin, this can lead to:
- Increased dryness;
- Tightness;
- Worsening itching.
Synthetic fragrances and allergens
Synthetic fragrances, often used to enhance the sensory experience, are one of the leading causes of skin reactions. On already weakened skin, they can cause redness and discomfort.
The result: even after a shower, the skin does not feel soothed, but attacked.
Marseille soap: the ally of fragile skin
Authentic Marseille soap stands out for its simple formulation, derived from ancestral know-how. When made using the traditional method, it contains no dye, no synthetic fragrance, and no controversial preservatives.
A composition suited for sensitive skin
A quality Marseille soap is based on:
- Carefully selected vegetable oils;
- Natural glycerin, derived from saponification;
- An absence of superfluous ingredients.
This naturally present glycerin helps preserve skin hydration, a key point for people suffering from eczema or psoriasis.
The “Marseille Soap for the Body” collection offers solid soaps suitable for daily use, including for sensitive skin.
Solid or liquid soap?
Liquid Marseille soap, made from olive oil and saponified in a cauldron, offers a practical alternative for frequent washing, while retaining the qualities of the original soap. You can therefore choose solid or liquid Marseille soap according to your preferences.
The “Marseille Liquid Soap” range is particularly appreciated for washing hands and showering, especially in a family setting.
The “hypoallergenic” test: what does it really mean?
The term hypoallergenic is often used in the cosmetics world, in quite different contexts. At Rampal Latour, when we mention that our product is hypoallergenic, it means that the product has been designed to minimize the risk of allergies. These are fragrance-free products, specially designed for sensitive skin.
A rigorous approach
At Rampal Latour, the hypoallergenic qualification is based on:
- Short formulas;
- Strict selection of raw materials;
- Dermatological tests carried out under strict control.
This rigor allows us to offer products suited to the most fragile skin, while respecting regulatory and dermatological requirements.
Skincare routine for the whole family (babies included)
When a family member has atopic skin, the entire environment often needs to be reconsidered. Good hygiene involves showering, but also proper care of laundry and the home.
In the shower
To avoid redness and tightness:
- Use a natural soap without added fragrance.
- Avoid water that is too hot.
- Pat the skin dry without rubbing.
Marseille soap can be suitable for both adults and children, provided you choose a suitable formula.
Laundry: an often overlooked factor
Detergent residues are a frequent source of skin irritation. For atopic skin, it is recommended to opt for gentle solutions. Aggressive surfactants, synthetic fragrances, or bleaching agents can remain on textile fibers and come into prolonged contact with the skin. Choosing a simple, well-rinsed detergent helps limit itching and improve daily skin comfort.
The “Marseille Liquid Detergent” and the “Laundry Flakes & Chips” will allow you to wash your laundry effectively, without superfluous irritating agents.
In the home
Household products can also leave irritating residues on surfaces, textiles, or dishes. These residues, often invisible, can be transferred to the skin through repeated contact, especially in people with sensitive or atopic skin. Using cleaning products with a more natural composition helps create a healthier environment for the whole family.
The “Dishwashing Liquid”, “Black Soap”, and “Marseille Soap for Home Care” ranges are part of an approach that respects the skin and the environment.
The Master Soapmaker's Advice: simplicity and consistency
For atopic skin, the key is consistency. There is no need to multiply products. A well-chosen soap, used daily, combined with suitable hydration, is often enough to improve skin comfort.
Prioritize:
- A gentle, fragrance-free soap;
- A short routine;
- Coherent products (washing, laundry, home).
The skin needs stability to regenerate.
FAQ: Soap, eczema, and atopic skin
What soap should you choose for atopic skin?
A natural soap, without synthetic fragrance, formulated with few ingredients and rich in natural glycerin, should be prioritized.
Is Marseille soap suitable for eczema?
Yes, when it is authentic and well-formulated. In the case of eczema, this natural soap cleanses without attacking and respects the skin’s balance.
Can you use the same soap for the whole family?
Yes, provided you choose a gentle, hypoallergenic soap, suitable for sensitive skin, including that of babies.
Is Marseille soap suitable for psoriasis?
If you have psoriasis, Marseille soap can be used as a gentle cleanser, as part of a suitable skincare routine (on medical advice if necessary).
For atopic skin, prone to eczema or psoriasis, the choice of soap is far from trivial. By opting for a natural, hypoallergenic Marseille soap made according to tradition, it is possible to enjoy a gentler, more respectful, and soothing wash.
