You Shouldn’t Use Antibacterial Soap and Here’s Why
Have you ever happily picked up a soap that reads “antibacterial” on the label because you thought it would keep you safe from germs and bacteria? Well, here’s the news: The FDA actually recommends that we use simple soap and water to wash our hands. Why’s that, you ask? Because 75% of liquid soaps claiming to be “antibacterial” use a very dangerous active ingredient: triclosan. Combined with the other ingredients such as triclocarban, bisphenol A, 2-butoxyethanol, parabens, and dyes, this is the perfect recipe for a health disaster. Here are some reasons why you should go to the bathroom, pick up everything that says antibacterial – and throw it away.
- It messes with your endocrine system
A lot of studies showed that triclosan, the main chemical found in antibacterial soaps, can interfere with your body’s regulation of the thyroid hormones. Most of this is because triclosan is chemically similar to the hormones released by the thyroid gland. The chemical will thus bind to your receptor sites, causing your thyroid to function abnormally.
- It can cause hormone imbalances
The chemicals found in soap can mess with the hormonal construction in human and animal cells alike. Actually, triclosan can affect the prostate glands which are generally regulated by testosterone. As a result, your prostate can grow larger. The same thing applies to triclocarban; every organ that is testosterone dependent, such as the prostate, will grow abnormally large.
- It won’t be effective against new bacteria
You use antibacterial products to kill germs and bacteria that you come into contact with, right? However, when you do that, your body will no longer be able to build a resistance against new bacteria. Plus, if you are prescribed antibiotics, the soap may even cause the bacteria to become antibiotic resistant. As a result, you may find yourself with a new bug threatening your system, and you will have no way of fighting it off.
- It makes the skin dry
Have you ever noticed how certain soaps make your skin seem drier than usual? That generally happens in the case of antibacterial soap, which is why you should stay away from it if you are already prone to dry skin. The triclosan will indeed act as an antibacterial agent – but in doing so, it will strip your skin of any remains of hydrating oil. As a result, you may end up with symptoms such as redness, mild itching, flaking, and irritation.
- It makes you prone to allergies
If the reason you keep buying antibacterial soap is to protect your child from bacteria and germs, think twice. Sure, it may get them off when you wash the hands – but it will also mess with the body’s ability to protect itself. This is especially visible in children since triclosan has been known to make them more allergy-susceptible, especially for hay fever.
This is when the good old soap you got from grandma may be healthier. So many chemicals used continuously on your body are not good for in the long run. Keep that in mind!