If you've sworn off the use of chemical-laden skin care products, you might run across pine tar soap. The brown-colored soap cleanses without skin-drying sodium laureth sulfate and is known for its healing properties. But, is the soap safe to use on the delicate skin of your face to treat skin conditions?
What Is It?
When pine wood is heated, it reduces down to charcoal and pine tar. When a small amount of this tar is added to a cosmetic product, it adds an antiseptic property to the product. Homesteaders and veterinarians have used the tar for years as a medicinal product for livestock.
Treating Skin Conditions
If you have a chronic skin condition such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis, talk with your dermatologist before using pine tar soap. The natural medicinal properties of the soap may interact with prescription medications and cause excessively dry or itchy skin.
The soap is safe to use on all external parts of your body, including your hair and face. The natural product is best known for its ability to treat and soothe itchy, dry, sensitive skin. If you have poison ivy, a temporary rash due to pregnancy, or mild acne, the soap can provide relief.
Using the Soap
Like most soaps, pine tar soap will lather. If you use it on your face, be sure to keep the soap away from your eyes as the suds will sting. Use a washcloth lathered with the soap to control where you apply it on your face. The dark-colored soap has a strong odor reminiscent of the outdoors. Women with sensitivity to fragrance will find the soap difficult to use.
If you're ready to try the soap on your itchy skin, check out Grandpa's Brands Company Pine Tar Soap, amazon.com. This bar soap uses moisturizing peanut and olive oils to hydrate the skin and a small amount of tar to soothe it.