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Newsletter>
What is Lye Soap?
August 13, 2006
Lye soap today is very gentle to your skin. Some people
would not use anything else. The commerical soaps we buy
have so many chemicals in them, that those with sensitive
skin can't use. Lye is as gentle as you want it to
be.
Lye soap like grandma made was harsh and caused burns to
skin. The soap was made out of wood ashes, so it was hard
to judge the right amount of lye. Today there are
calculators on the internet to use for special recipes,
this lets us soapmakers get creative with the oils we use.
Lye soap is a nostalgia to most, because they remember that
brown soap that grandma made and used. Grandma's soap was
made once a year, usually around the time of "killing
hogs", because they rendered lard to use in the soap.
It's uses include: insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, acne -
my 15 yr. old son uses it on his face, getting great
results with it. Lye is a natural exfollient, makes skin
soft and supple.
Handmade soaps are cured over time to harden,usually 4 to 6
weeks. Handmade soap is special, it contains natural
glycerin, retaining more mositure than other soaps.
To benefit from handmade soap, the longer it sits the
harder and milder it becomes. Each bar with regular use
should last 3 to 4 wks. Place soap in a well draining soap
dish to extend the life of the bar.
Soap Gardens bars are made in small batches, making each
bar unique in its own way. Each bath bar weighs
approximately 4 oz.
Thanks for supporting small businesses, we appreciate it.
Pam
P.S. Thanks to all my friends and family for being guinea
pigs.
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