Which is more harmful to skin?

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In summary: The detergents are the ammonium or sulphonate salts of higher carboxylic acid.Soaps are the calcium or potassium salts of higher carboxylic acids.In summary, the author says that soaps are detergents, but that detergents can be made from other chemical compounds. The author also says that soaps are not effective for the skin, while detergents can be made to be more effective for the skin.
  • #1
Docscientist
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Homework Statement


Amoung soap and detergent,which is more harmful to our skin?

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


Soap is what we use for bathing so if it is harmful we wouldn't have used it.The detergents are used for washing clothes more often.
So I think detergents are harmful.
 
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  • #2
Hi, Doc. Is this a homework question, or are you asking out of curiosity?
 
  • #3
First of all - how do you define soap, how do you define detergent? Are the definitions exclusive, or overlapping?
 
  • #4
Drakkith said:
Hi, Doc. Is this a homework question, or are you asking out of curiosity?
It's both,Mr Drakkith.
I have got my finals tomorrow.There was this one topic where I found something quite disturbing.It said "Soaps do cause irritation to skin while detergents do not."
But wasn't that supposed to be the other way round?
 
  • #5
Borek said:
First of all - how do you define soap, how do you define detergent? Are the definitions exclusive, or overlapping?
Soaps are the calcium or potassium salts of higher carboxylic acids. Detergents are the ammonium or sulphonate salts of higher carboxylic acid.Soaps are made from vegetable oil or animal fats while detergents are made from hydrocarbons.
 
  • #6
So sodium stearate is not a soap?

I was always under impression that detergent refers to the mode of action, and technically soaps are detergents.

Beware: seems like you are falling into a trap of "natural is safe, artificial is harmful". It doesn't work this way. Some things are safe, some are harmful, some are natural, some are artificial - these are completely unrelated classifications, and there is no correlation between them. Plenty of natural, dangerous things, plenty of artificial, perfectly safe ones. Each should be judged separately.

Solution of typical soaps - salts of higher carboxylic acids - are always basic (have high pH, because of hydrolysis). That never works well for the skin. Artificial detergents are not limited this way, solutions of some of the are neutral, or can work even when slightly acidic - and that's much better for the skin. It doesn't mean every artificial detergent is good, again - each should be judged separately.
 
  • #7
Borek said:
So sodium stearate is not a soap?
I was always under impression that detergent refers to the mode of action, and technically soaps are detergents.
Sorry Mr Borek.Careless mistake.Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of higher carboxylic acid.Sodium stearate is a soap.
No Soaps are not detergents.Only one thing they have in common is that they are both good in cleansing action in soft water.
 
  • #8
So lithium stearate is not a soap?

Docscientist said:
No Soaps are not detergents.Only one thing they have in common is that they are both good in cleansing action in soft water.

Do you understand that their mechanism of action is identical? How are you going to tell what is a detergent and what is not, if they work the same way?
 

1. Which is more harmful to skin: the sun or pollution?

Both the sun and pollution can be harmful to skin, but in different ways. The sun emits harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Pollution, on the other hand, can clog pores and lead to acne, as well as cause inflammation and damage to the skin's protective barrier. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin from both the sun and pollution.

2. Is it true that tanning beds are safer than the sun?

No, tanning beds are not safer than the sun. In fact, they can be even more harmful as they emit concentrated levels of UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. It is always best to protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning beds altogether.

3. Can certain skincare products be harmful to skin?

Yes, some skincare products can be harmful to skin if they contain harsh chemicals or irritants. It is important to read the ingredients list and choose products that are suitable for your skin type. It is also recommended to patch test new products before applying them to your entire face.

4. Are there certain foods that can harm skin?

Some foods, such as those high in sugar, can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to skin issues like acne. Processed foods, dairy, and gluten have also been linked to skin problems in some individuals. It is best to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to promote overall skin health.

5. Can stress affect the health of skin?

Yes, stress can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. When we are stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and breakouts. Additionally, stress can disrupt our sleep patterns, which can also affect the health of our skin. It is important to manage stress levels and practice self-care to maintain healthy skin.

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