Most of us have struggled with aggressive acne outbreaks and tried a lot of interventions without success. When I discovered Zote soap, I had just been using it to clean my beauty tools. But one day, I was too lazy to reach for my usual soap, and I decided to use Zote soap. That is when I discovered how soothing it was. I continued using it, and the results were incredible. Read on to discover whether zote soap helps with acne. The answer is
Yes. Zote soap can be used to keep aggressive acne under control. It is mild and removes sebum build-up on the skin without stripping the skin off its essential oils.
Zote is a Mexican whose brand began in 1970, founded by Esteban González Padilla. Currently, it is produced by Fábrica de Jabón La Corona in Ecatepec located in Mexico State.
For most people, Zote bar soap is a pink soap they use to clean their beauty tools and wash their laundry. However, Zote has worked for several individuals who have used it to keep aggressive acne under control.
This soap is gentle on your skin. However, it is still strong enough to get rid of the built-up sebum while leaving your skin safe.
Zote soap has also been used for itching and irritating skin. For instance, when you have a mosquito bite or poison ivy, rubbing zote soap on it can relieve the pain. It can relieve the swelling and speed up the healing.
The ingredients in zote soap are what make it effective since they are mild. It contains
Sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate Citronella oil (fragrance), Glycerin and optical brightener
Sodium tallowate is the substance that makes soap. It is simply a mixture of tallow (which refers to fat from cattle or sheep) mixed with lye (which is a strong alkaline). When sodium tallowate undergoes saponification, true soap is created.
Sodium cocoate is an additive derived from coconut, which is used in cosmetics as a skin care product. It is FDA approved as a safe skin care product. However, it may be irritating if your skin is sensitive.
Citronella oil is an essential oil derived from the Asian grass plant in the Cymbopogon genus. It is used as a fragrance since it has a floral, citrus-like aroma.
Glycerin is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and is used as a humectant. It moisturizes the skin, making it soft and supple.
Optical brighteners are used to make clothing and other surfaces appear whiter and brighter, hence cleaner. They work by shifting the appearance of an item from a yellow tone to a bluer one.
What makes Zote Soap Effective for Acne?
The four active agents that play a role in the effectiveness of Zote soap in fighting acne are i) sodium tallowate, ii) sodium cocoate, iii) Citronella oil, and iv) Glycerin.
Sodium tallowate and Sodium Cocoate
Sodium tallowate is effective in washing dirt, bacteria, and built-up sebum off your skin, so it doesn’t lead to acne. This is the primary ingredient in all soaps and is responsible for the cleaning aspect of soap, and also acts as a foam booster.
Sodium Cocoate is common in skin cleansing products since it is derived from coconut oil and cleans the skin naturally.
It is a mixture of fatty acid salts obtained from coconut oil and combined with sodium hydroxide through hydrolysis to become an emulsifier. Sodium Cocoate is a surfactant that helps cleanse the skin.
This substance is important in the cleaning process. It helps get rid of dirt, oil, makeup, and other pollutants from your skin.
This substance is made purely from natural products and is safe as a vegan product.
Unlike many coconut products, which tend to clog your skin pores, sodium cocoate does not clog skin pores.
Therefore, it is safe for those with acne, and given its cleansing properties, it might even help keep acne at bay. As a matter of fact, sodium cocoate is commonly used in soaps meant to fight acne.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant. This means that it retains and preserves moisture. Glycerin works by pulling water from the deeper layers of your skin and from the air and trapping it on the outer layer of your skin. Basically, it draws moisture to the top layer of your skin and traps it there.
Studies have identified glycerin as an effective product for skin moisturization and hydration.
In addition, glycerin has been shown to have antimicrobial activities on the skin and creates a protective skin barrier.
Research shows that glycerin will create a skin barrier, hence improving skin properties in diseases related to dryness or impaired epidermal barrier function. Therefore, it can be effective for conditions such as atopic dermatitis. A strengthened skin barrier means that the skin is protected from external stressors such as UV, mechanical damage, and thermal and chemical stressors.
Glycerin will increase epidermal hydration, hence protecting against skin conditions that are often aggravated by dry and cold environmental conditions, especially winter xerosis.
Research also shows that glycerin will also accelerate the process of wound healing on the skin.
The benefits of glycerin on the skin can be summarized as follows:
- Relieving dry skin
- Improving skin barrier function
- Speed up the healing process of any wounds
- Hydrating the outer layer of the skin
- Help with psoriasis
- Protection against skin irritants
Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is an essential oil with a unique fragrance. Historically, it has been widely utilized in China and Indonesia as a beauty product.
Research has shown that citronella oil has both anti-aging and protective properties on the skin. Citronella oil has also been shown to have good efficacy against mosquitoes.
Citronella oil has multiple benefits as
- An antifungal agent
- Treatment for parasitic infections
- An insect repellant
It is also used to fight fatigue and lift moods due to its aroma. This scent also allows citronella to be used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes.
Citronella also promotes wound healing, which can be beneficial for the skin.
Conclusion
Zote soap can be used to fight acne because of its active ingredients that improve skin health. It gently cleanses the skin to eliminate dirt, oil, and other pollutants. Glycerin in the soap acts as a moisturizer that also improves the skin barrier to protect from infections.
However, zote soap may be aggressive for those with sensitive skin. And in some cases, it may lead to skin breakouts. Be cautious in your use and make sure it works well with your skin type. If skin irritation occurs, it is best to discontinue usage. If you have a serious skin condition, consult your dermatologist.