So many soaps. What do you use?
The most basic aftercare tip you are given for any body piercing is to use an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap. This helps keep your body piercing clean and fights off the chance of infection.
It is advised that you do not use this more than once a day as this can actual dry out the skin and slow the healing process. If an infection or pain should occur then soothing sea salt soaks should be used in conjunction with antibacterial soap.
So what soaps should you use? And what should you know about them?
- Satin is the recommended and preferred by most body piercing shops in the Pittsburgh area. This is an antimicrobial that is very gentle on the skin.
- Dial is an antibacterial. It can be very over drying to the skin and the sensitive skin version of Dial is recommended. Even then it should be used only in moderation.
- Softsoap is similar in makeup to Dial.
- Castile is great for those with high chemical sensitivity as it is all natural. It has little antibacterial effect though.
Are there alternatives you can make yourself? You bet!
Castile, being completely natural, is a perfect base to make your own body piercing aftercare soap. Castile is already gentle on the skin and a few added ingredients will give you more antibacterial benefits.
To make your own you will need:
- Unscented Castile soap
- Tea tree oil
- Lavender oil
- Container to hold the soap, a pump style container is preferred.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients you can create your own body piercing aftercare soap.
To use aftercare soap the most effectively wash your hands first.
Lather up the body piercing thoroughly and very carefully.
Remove any crusties (lymph) from the piercing barbell, but do not pull at them. They should slide off easily.
Rinse the body piercing thoroughly and continue to remove the crusties. The remaining should come off easily with the help of warm water.
If any crusties remain soak a Q-tip in warm salt water and swab it around the piercing barbell.
More reading:
A great homemade, antibacterial wash for your hands. This is meant to be used for your hands prior to body piercing cleansing and should never be used on the body piercing itself.
Myths about body piercing care
Photo by: thesaint
Comments