How to Create a Healing Natural Soap with Essential Oils and Herbs for Psoriasis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Many individuals are on the lookout for natural remedies that can soothe their skin and relieve discomfort. One popular solution is creating natural soap infused with essential oils and herbs. This guide will show you how to make a healing soap that nourishes your skin with gentle, effective ingredients.

Understanding Psoriasis and the Benefits of Natural Soap

Psoriasis leads to dry, itchy, and red patches on the skin. Conventional treatments can often lead to unwanted side effects. Natural soap, especially those made with essential oils and herbs, can alleviate discomfort without harsh chemicals.

For instance, essential oils such as tea tree oil are known for their antibacterial properties. Research shows that tea tree oil can reduce inflammation and fight bacteria, making it effective in managing 63% of skin irritations. Lavender oil is another great choice due to its calming aroma and ability to reduce stress, which is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Chamomile is often used for its soothing properties; studies have found that applying chamomile can reduce skin irritation by an impressive 70%.

By incorporating these natural ingredients, your soap can both cleanse the skin and help calm irritation.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create your healing soap, collect the following ingredients:

• Base Oils: Olive oil (rich in antioxidants), coconut oil (moisturizes), and shea butter (softens skin).

• Lye: Sodium hydroxide is essential for the saponification process.

• Distilled Water: Use filtered water for mixing with lye.

• Essential Oils: Combine about 30-40ml of tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus for maximum benefits.

• Herbs: Dried calendula (helps reduce inflammation) and chamomile (calms the skin) are highly recommended.

• Natural Additives: Consider optional ingredients like honey (antibacterial) or oatmeal (soothes and moisturizes).

  
  

Safety Precautions

Before starting your soap-making journey, keep these safety precautions in mind:

• Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, goggles, and an apron to protect your skin and eyes from lye.

• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of lye fumes.

• Read Labels: Ensure that your ingredients do not contain irritants or harsh chemicals.

  
  

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Prepare your environment by creating a clean and safe workspace. Gather all your ingredients and tools, such as a digital scale for accurate measuring and containers for mixing. Clean surfaces to prevent any cross-contamination with allergens.

Step 2: Measure Ingredients

Carefully measure your base oils, lye, and distilled water. A typical recipe might include:

• 500g olive oil

• 300g coconut oil

• 200g shea butter

• 150g lye

• 380g distilled water

  
  

Using a digital scale ensures accurate measurements, which is vital for successful soap-making.

Step 3: Mix Lye and Water

In a heat-resistant container, carefully add the lye to the distilled water. Always add lye to water, not the other way around, as this can be dangerous. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved, then allow the mixture to cool to roughly 40-50°C.

Step 4: Melt Base Oils

In a separate container, gently warm your oils until fully melted. Using a double boiler is advisable to avoid overheating. Once melted, let the oils cool to the same temperature as your lye solution.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

When both the lye solution and oils cool to approximately 40-50°C, slowly pour the lye mixture into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until the mixture thickens and shows a light trace. This means it should slightly hold its shape on the surface when you drizzle it.

Step 6: Add Essential Oils and Herbs

Add your chosen essential oils and dried herbs at this stage. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution throughout the soap mixture. The aroma not only smells delightful but also provides therapeutic effects for your skin.

Step 7: Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the soap mixture into your molds. Silicone molds are ideal, but any mold lined with parchment paper will work. Gently tap the molds to release any trapped air bubbles.

Step 8: Cure the Soap

Cover the molds with a clean towel and let the soap sit for 24 to 48 hours. After this time, carefully remove the soap from the molds and cut it into bars.

Cured natural soap bars ready for use

Place the cut bars on a drying rack in a cool, dry area, allowing them to cure for at least 4-6 weeks. This curing time neutralizes any remaining lye and allows the soap to harden fully.

Step 9: Store and Use

Once cured, store your soap bars in a cool, dry place. To use, lather the soap in your hands before applying it to damp skin. After washing, follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and enhance the soothing effects.

Final Thoughts

Making natural soap infused with essential oils and herbs offers a satisfying way to create a skin-soothing product tailored for conditions like psoriasis. By selecting calming ingredients, you can craft a soap that not only cleanses but also nurtures and heals.

Engaging in soap-making is a creative outlet that connects you with natural skincare. Whether for personal use or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family, your handmade soap promises to deliver the healing benefits of nature to those who need it most.