Logically, it makes sense that you want toclean your bodywith something, well, clean.
That raises some interesting questions about bar soap.
Well, yeah, because germs cover pretty much everything!
Getty / Bombaert Patrick / EyeEm
But coming into contact with them wont automatically make yousick, otherwise wed all be sick all the time.
Here, experts explain whats really going on when you use a bar of soap to get clean.
(Dont worry, you might keep on using it if it makes you happy!)
Sure, there are probably some germs on your bar of soap.
Other microorganisms like fungi are also part of this environment.
Your skins microbiome isessential to your immune systemas it helps protect you from invading pathogens.
If you use a washcloth or loofah, that can also deposit germs onto your bar soap.
This may also be true for the ledge or holder where you rest your bar soap.
If its constantly wet, that can allow for better microbial growth that then transfers to your soap.
Heres how bar soap actually works on germs.
Compounds in bar soap calledsurfactantswork to physically remove germs and debris as soon as you add water.
Rubbing bar soap until it foams up washes away even more matter.
(If your bar soap is labeled antibacterial, it also uses chemical agents to kill germs.
Plain soap is quite effective at getting rid of germs on its own.)
Together, these mechanisms dilute the concentration of microorganisms such as bacteria on the soap, says Tierno.
How long does it take for this magic to happen?
Can bar soap ever make you sick?
If you think about our natural microbiome…it usually doesnt cause problems, she says.
Even when it comes to other bacteria your bar soap may pick up, theU.S.
National Library of Medicinenotes that less than 1 percent of bacteria make people sick.
There are a few exceptions.
You dont want to transfer germs from one person to another, Tierno tells SELF.
Heres how to get rid of as many bar soap germs as possible.
Ignoring these tips does not guarantee that your bar soap will somehow make you sick.
Wet the soap, then work up a lather for at least 15 secondsbefore you startwashing yourself.
Apply your bar soap directly to your bodyinstead of using something like a washcloth or loofah.
(But were not trying to needlessly add to your pile of laundry.
Aim to keep your bar soap dry between uses.
But its really up to you and wont make a huge difference to your health either way.
Sometimes you just need a marble soap holder.
