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German author Patrick Süskind wrote, “Odors have a power of persuasion stronger than that of words, appearances, emotions, or will. The persuasive power of an odor cannot be fended off, it enters into us like breath into our lungs, it fills us up, imbues us totally.” Humans also emanate a range of smells, not all of which are pleasant. Take, for instance, the smelly armpits or the stinking foot! Body odor (BO) is a fairly common issue that affects people at some point in their lives, and more often than not, microbes are the root of the issue. Microbes on the skin metabolize certain compounds in sweat and can produce foul-smelling odors. Sport Clothing & Uniforms Sweat, the natural oils your body produces and dead skin all contribute to the rank odor that afflicts athletic clothes. Spandex and Lycra, which make athletic clothes more comfortable because they stretch and repel sweat, repel water too, which means that the fibers don’t get thoroughly rinsed in the wash. Spray Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist Daily onto smelly clothes before putting them into the laundry basket Stinky Shoes & Gym Bags The worst thing you can do is leave smelly shoes in dank gym bags. Spray liberally with the Soopa Skin HOCl Mist and allow to dry. Within 30-60 seconds the smell will be much better. On-going, spray your gear every time after wearing them. HOCl is safe to use on all plastics and leather and won't damage gloves, bags, pads, helmets or Smelly Research "Vermicomposting has been recommended as an eco-friendly method to transform organic waste into nutrient resources with minimum energy input. However, odor and pest issues associated with this method limit the use of vermicomposting, especially in indoor conditions. This study investigated how HOCl applications can influence earthworm population growth and odor in small-scale indoor vermicomposting. The breeding bin tests showed that the application of HOCl on food waste for feed could promote earthworm reproduction and could reduce the odor represented by the ammonia (NH3) and amine (R-NH2) gas concentrations in the waste. Increased earthworm reproduction after HOCl application enhanced vermicomposting process." Try it on other smells in your house and let us know the outcome. Send an us an email HOCl or Hypochlorous Acid is non-toxic, zero alcohol, biodegradable and completely harmless to the environment. Once it has done its job HOCl simply turns into water.

Biofilms can best be described as a colony of mixed strains of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, microbes and other cellular debris. A Biofilm is formed when certain types of nasty microorganisms adhere themselves to a wound surface. Biofilms provides the protection of these microorganisms acting as a physical barrier helping bacteria to avoid detection. It also blocks the access of the host’s natural immune cells One common example of a biofilm is dental plaque, a slimy buildup of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of teeth. They can grow on plant tissues and animal tissues, and on implanted medical devices such as catheters and pacemakers. Bacterial Biofilms cause chronic infections because they now show increased tolerance to antibiotics and disinfectant chemicals as well as resisting all the other components of the body’s natural defence system. Biofilms take on the appearance of viscous, shiny film and are intelligent diabolical creatures. Biofilms will affect the healing potential of chronic wounds due to the production of destructive enzymes and toxins which promote a chronic inflammatory state within the wound causing much pain. Biofilm formation is now recognised as a serious problem in chronic wounds. Treatment of Biofilms Biofilms exist within 78% of all chronic wounds. Traditionally the treatment of Biofilms has been via the use of antibiotics, then saltwater or alcohol or other commercial disinfectant debridement cleansing (which can be extremely painful and causes the destruction of the body’s good bacteria). And then along came Hypochlorous Acid to the rescue Hypochlorous Acid is the perfect way to destroy Biofilms in wounds. It requires no painful debridement rubbing of the wound area, just a simple spray. Studies have shown that Hypochlorous Acid assists in the management of “Hard to Heal” chronic wounds by decreasing the bacterial numbers and by penetrating and disrupting the polysaccharide/protein matrix of wound pathogen biofilms. Furthermore, approximately 70% of biofilm polysaccharide and 90% of biofilm protein was removed after 10 minutes of Hypochlorous Acid contact time. Hypochlorous Acid is the ideal wound care agent having powerful microbicidal, antibiofilm and wound healing potency. With repeated Hypochlorous acid spraying of the wound site, the biofilm will quickly diminish and the wound healing time will rapidly increase. HYPOCHOROUS ACID – NATURE’S GREATEST CLEANSER Written by Gary Hunt - Soopa Skin International References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4964533/ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.564513/full https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/twc/articles/treating-chronic-wounds-hypochlorous-acid-disrupts-biofilm https://aricjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13756-019-0533-3

Something we don’t think about often enough, is what is lurking on your make-up brushes and what is it doing to your skin? How often do you clean them? If you have brushes beautifully displayed in your bathroom you can be sure they have been collecting dust, dirt, and bacteria, and all this gets transferred to your precious products. In addition to the moist environment bathrooms provide, your toilet provides a fine mist of germs with every flush too. If you need a good wake-up call, here are a few things that can happen when you skip washing those bristles. Your pores can get clogged up It's great that you're not touching your face so much with your fingers when you apply makeup, but if your tools are filthy, you could still wind up breaking out. "If you don't wash your makeup brushes enough, you spread dirt and bacteria from your face, to your makeup, then back to your face," explains Laramie, pro makeup artist and founder of Book Your Look. "If you've been breaking out and you've tried or ruled out everything else, your makeup brushes could be at fault." You risk getting more wrinkles Dirty makeup brushes can expose the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals, which causes a breakdown of collagen and elastin and can result in premature aging - another bad habit that leads to wrinkles You could get a staph infection Makeup brushes can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution and bacteria. These can include staphylococcus, streptococcus, and e coli, fungus, and viruses. Brushes that are well-cared-for last longer, simple as that. So don't let your expensive brushes go to waste — keep your tools clean! You could get pink eye (conjunctivitis) Cross contamination happens when 2 or more people use the same brushes or eyeliners. The main danger with sharing makeup is passing on an infection like viral conjunctivitis or pink eye. Exposure to even a small amount of virus can lead to a very uncomfortable infection. Your skin can get irritated When all that gross bacteria and grime builds up, you could wind up with stiffer bristles that can really aggravate your skin. This can trigger breakout and exacerbate acne, as well as other skin conditions. It can be a lot more problematic if there is spoiled or expired cosmetic product/residue in your tools. You may attract bugs Yes, dear friends, if you don't pay attention to your tools, you could wind up like Stevie Miller, whose video of her makeup sponge containing bugs went viral. If you ever needed a reason to clean your makeup brushes and sponges, let it be this. To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria that lingers in your makeup brushes, it’s a good idea to wash your brushes every 7 to 10 days. To clean your makeup brushes, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Rinse the tips of your brushes under lukewarm, running water to remove residual makeup. Only rinse the tip, as submerging the whole brush head will eventually dissolve the glue that connects the brush head to the handle. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of either gentle shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Using plain soap and water can dry out the bristles. Swirl each brush tip in the bowl. For a good lather, you can also massage each brush tip in the palm of your hand. Rinse the brush tips under running water. Continue shampooing and rinsing each brush until the water runs clear from the brush. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean, dry paper towel. Lay your brushes flat to dry on a towel with the tips hanging off the edge of the counter. Do not dry your brushes upright in a container, as this will cause the water to run down the brushes, loosening the glue that connects the brush head with the handle. And spray your brushes lightly with the Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist to keep those bugs and viruses out of your brushes.

The tongue has a certain look when it's healthy. Generally it is light pink with a protein coating called keratin. This protein helps keep your tongue from being scratched when you eat, but a build-up of this protein for any reason can lead to a coated or hairy tongue. It could appear white, but may also become stained black or brown by tobacco and food. Unlike the gums, cheeks and inside of the lips, the tongue is covered in hundreds of tiny projections called papillae. Where there are bumps, there are grooves, pits, and other hiding places for bacteria to congregate. As we all know, large gatherings of bacteria are bad news! There are two important steps in cleaning a tongue. The first is to physically remove any build-up, which you can do with a tooth brush. - Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush - Stick out your tongue as far as it will reach. - Position your toothbrush at the back of the tongue. - Brush lightly forward & backward along your tongue. - Spit out saliva that appears during the brushing and rinse out the toothbrush with warm water. - Clean your tongue as often as you brush your teeth & don't forget to spray your toothbrush! The second step is to use a liquid to flush away bacteria caught in the grooves of the tongue. The Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist Daily and Daily Traveller are non-toxic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and are completely safe to spray inside the mouth. Spray onto the tongue and/or in the back of the throat to assist in destroying the bacteria responsible for bad breath. If you have tooth ache, a cavity or broken tooth, spray regularly to prevent the affected tooth from getting infected or going septic and to assist in healing any open wounds. Please be advised that Soopa Skin products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, prevent or treat any disease or health condition and they are not to be considered a Medical Device.

Wrinkles are a sign of life – Wrinkles are earned. But how nice to simply slow the process and to preserve youth? Hypochlorous acid, (HOCl) is Nature’s greatest disinfectant which aids our natural microbiome and helps to repair and rejuvenate damaged skin cells. It simply normalises them meaning that cell collagen, melanin and elasticity are normalised, thus helping to restore skin to ideal healthy levels. Our skin is made up of layers, each performing its own specific function. The outer layer of skin is often referred to as The Skin Barrier. It is called a barrier because that is simply what it is. A barrier to keep out harmful extrinsic toxins and pollutions. This barrier also provides a bodily wall to keep in moisture and to stop us from becoming completely dehydrated. Without this Skin Barrier we would all perish rather quickly. As mentioned earlier our skin barrier is constantly bashed by external environmental enemies such as pollution, sun and wind damage, alkaline soaps and detergents, cortisone steroid creams to name a few. Also our skin barrier is constantly subjected to attack by harmful germs. The Stanford University conducted a study where they found that 80% of premature skin aging was from external environmental (Extrinsic) elements and only 20% (Intrinsic) from chronological elements. So – What can we do to slow this extrinsic premature aging enemy? It is well documented that frequent application of HOCl mist may help to reduce up to 50% of fine lines and wrinkles. THINK SOOPA SKIN DAILY RESCUE MIST!! Soopa Daily Rescue Mist (HOCl} for skin care is not going to prevent aging, but it can normalise the skin to reduce the appearance of aging skin by helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. When used as directed, our Daily Rescue Mist is a first-line defence against the damage caused by environmental free radicals. Use Soopa Daily Rescue Mist on the face, neck, décolleté (Chest) and hands as often as possible and observe the results of continued use. Think frequency over quantity as a little HOCL goes a long way, but for real results it must be used often. Make Soopa Daily Rescue Mist part of your safe and effective daily skin care regimen. It is Nature’s Miracle Molecule.

One of the most important benefits of hypochlorous acid for podiatrists is its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. HOCl is effective against a wide range of pathogens, including MRSA, staph infections, and athlete's foot. This makes it a valuable tool for preventing infection and keeping patients safe. Unlike some other disinfectants, hypochlorous acid is non-irritating and non-toxic, making it safe for use on all skin types. This is particularly important for podiatrists, who need to be able to use a disinfectant that won't cause irritation or allergic reactions in their patients. HOCl has been shown to accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new tissue. This makes it an ideal solution for podiatrists treating patients with foot ulcers or other types of wounds. Overall, hypochlorous acid is a powerful and versatile solution that can help podiatrists provide effective care for their patients while reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing. 1. Gentle & Non-Toxic Cleansing Isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) have been popular choices for perioperative skin disinfection in podiatry and other medical fields. However, these solutions can have negative side effects such as cytotoxicity and potential allergies or sensitivities in some patients. This has led many podiatrists to turn to alternative disinfectants, such as hypochlorous acid, for their antimicrobial needs. Studies have shown that a 0.01% hypochlorous acid solution is as effective, if not more effective, than traditional antimicrobial solutions such as isopropyl alcohol, povidone iodine, and chlorhexidine gluconate for reducing bacteria on the skin. This makes hypochlorous acid a more efficacious and safer alternative for podiatry professionals. 2. Safe & Effective Solution Unlike traditional cleansing products, HOCl does not have negative cytotoxic effects on healthy tissues, making it a safer alternative. Furthermore, hypochlorous acid has been clinically proven to decrease local skin inflammation, treat topical infections, disrupt biofilms, and promote optimal wound healing environments. Its versatility and effectiveness make it an excellent solution for podiatrists looking for a complete solution for their patients. 3. Bioburden Management Hypochlorous acid solutions have been proven effective against a wide range of microorganisms, making them an ideal solution for reducing skin and nail bioburden prior to podiatry procedures. Hypochlorous acid solutions are effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses. In an In-vivo evaluation of bacterial reductions of S. aureus on healthy skin, the topical application of hypochlorous acid resulted in a 99.9% bacterial reduction of multiple bacteria, including S. aureus [MRSA], S. pyogenes, Klebsiella spp, P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp, Proteus mirablis, C. difficile spores, and Candida albicans¹. Hypochlorous acid has been proven to effectively reduce bacterial bioburden on the skin, making it an ideal solution for pre-procedure disinfection. Furthermore, HOCl has minimal skin irritation, making it a comfortable option for patients. This is especially important in podiatry, where even minor skin irritations can cause discomfort or complications during and after procedures. Make it happen Hypochlorous acid, as found in Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mists are a safe and powerful solution that podiatrists should consider using for their antimicrobial needs. The ability of hypochlorous acid to disrupt biofilms and its effective antimicrobial properties make it an ideal choice for podiatrists and nail techs.

If you’ve never heard of hypochlorous acid, you soon will. While the ingredient isn’t exactly new, it's been around for almost 200 years. It was French chemist Antoine Jerome Balard (1802-1876) who first discovered HOCL as the infection-fighting compound found naturally in the white blood cells of the human body. Balard's work would most notably be used thereafter by armies in World Wars I & II for the treatment of injured soldiers for wound cleaning, wound care and to neutralise chemical and fire burns. Why all the hype? Well, not only is it an extremely effective skin-care ingredient, delivering a litany of benefits, but it’s also an effective disinfectant that even works against all Virus, Bacterial and Fungus Pathogens including SARS-COV-2, being COVID-19 What Is Hypochlorous Acid? “Hypochlorous acid (HOCL) is a substance naturally created by our white blood cells that acts as the body’s first line of defence against bacteria, irritation, and injury. It’s commonly used as a disinfectant because of its powerful action against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is one of the only cleaning agents available that’s non-toxic to humans while still being lethal to most dangerous bacteria and viruses that threaten our health. The Effectiveness HOCL works to break down the cells that are creating an infection in the body by destroying the cell membrane and it's DNA, thus halting it's replication or growth process. When used as an application outside of the body to cleanse the skin or to cleanse environment surfaces, pH-Neutral HOCL solution works in much the same way. So it’s no surprise that this extremely versatile ingredient is being used in a number of different ways. HOCL has its important place in skin care, but it’s also widely used in healthcare, the food industry and the farming industry as just a few examples. How Can Hypochlorous Acid Benefit Your Skin? In a two words - A LOT! The antimicrobial effects of HOCL make it useful for fighting acne and skin infections, eye infections, ear infections and burn wounds. it’s anti-inflammatory properties is soothing, repairs damaged skin and speeds up wound healing. The HOCL fights the bacteria that causes clogged pores and acne. Moreover, it also enables it to fight the bacteria that causes skin infections, helping prevent them from occurring. Hypochlorous Acid is the secret behind beautiful and healthy looking skin. Give your skin a kiss of Hypochlorous Acid!! In short, it’s a great option for acne sufferers, as well as those dealing with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, cold sores, athlete's foot etc. Sensitive skin types should take note, because Hypochlorous Acid is naturally found in your immune system, it is non-irritating and an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin. HOCL - Skin Rejuvenation Hypochlorous acid is one of those rare ingredients of the skin-care world that pretty much anyone and everyone can benefit from in some way. Damaged skin cells are rejuvenated by use of HOCL. Skin cells begin to function normally, resulting in a more tolerant skin, fewer wrinkles, better hydration and younger looking skin. How Does Hypochlorous Acid Work Against COVID-19? EPA Registered Hypochlorous Acid is a Covid-19 fighting disinfectant and it will kill Covid virus that has landed on the skin as well as on surfaces in seconds. HOCL is lethal to all pathogens while leaving the skin's protective microbiome of pre- and probiotics totally unharmed. HOCL oxidises (Explodes) the cell wall of all pathogens and destroys them. All you really need to know is that hypochlorous acid is one skincare and cleaning ingredient definitely worth seeking out during the time of coronavirus. HYPOCHLOROUS ACID - NATURE'S GREATEST HEALER Written by Gary Hunt - Soopa Skin International

Face oils can function as emollients, which can add moisture and form an occlusive film on to lock in moisture. Each type of face oil has a unique combination of essential nutrients and fatty acids that nourish and revitalize skin by strengthening and repairing the lipid barrier within the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin). Benefits of Using Face Oils & Different Types to Consider Face oils are mega multitaskers: they provide your skin with an extra layer of protection to trap in moisture while also addressing a host of other skin concerns. The benefits of using face oil include the following: Stimulating collagen production to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Protecting skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals Evening out skin tone and correcting discoloration Brightening and promoting a fresh glow in dull, tired skin Creating a dewy finish when added before (or with) foundation Here's a breakdown of some beneficial face oils: Rosehip Oil Rosehip oil is gentle and packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that support a healthy skin barrier. It's lauded for the radiant glow it brings to skin as well as its anti-irritant properties. Marula Oil Marula oil has key amino acids that help reduce trans-epidermal moisture loss. It leaves skin nourished and hydrated, maintaining the skin barrier function. Coconut Oil Think of coconut oil as an overnight treatment to increase hydration and keep skin feeling supple. Keep in mind that because it's highly comedogenic, it can clog pores, so it's best not to apply more than once a week—especially if you have oily skin. Jojoba Oil This oil has ultra-soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits that help resolve skin conditions. Since jojoba oil balances sebum production, you can use it as a treatment to clear acne and curb future breakouts. How to Choose the Right Face Oil Here are the recommended face oils for every skin type: Face oil for dry skin: Coconut and rosehip oils are both known to help reduce skin conditions like scaliness and eczema. Face oil for sensitive skin: Oils that contain chamomile and lavender are gentle on the skin and reduce irritation. Face oil for oily and acne-prone skin: The antimicrobial properties of jojoba and tea tree oils help control and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Face oil for combination skin: Marula oil has a nongreasy texture and is quick to absorb, which is ideal for this skin type's dual concerns. Face oil for aging skin: Rosehip and olive oils are rich in nutrients and may help prevent signs of premature aging. How to Apply Face Oil The general rule is to layer your products in order of consistency, starting with the lightest and ending with the thickest (it's a good idea to wait a minute between each layer of product to allow it to fully penetrate). Since oil is the densest product in your routine and takes the longest to absorb, it should be applied last. Apply only a few drops into your palm and pat it onto a damp skin, or add a few drops of water and blend well before applying. You can blend it with your moisturizer and reapply during the day for extra dry-skin comfort. The Soopa Skin Good to Glow Skin Oil Soopa Skin Good to Glow Skin Oil is a beautiful light-textured oil made from a blend of 100% pure botanical plant oils. It gently softens and moisturizes unhappy skins on the face and body. Perfect to restore barrier function after aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling and laser. Apply the Good to Glow Oil on the face and body of all ages - Elements for a Healthy Skin! Our special blend of oils: Rosehip Oil, Marula Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil & Coconut Oil Our unique aromatherapy blend: Rose Geranium, Petitigrain, Clary Sage & Naartjie. Written by Dawn Johansson Soopa Skin International

Derma Rolling is one of those skincare enigmas that some of us may have been put off by the idea of all those tiny needles pricking our skin. While it doesn't sound too pleasant, the reality is that Derma Rolling is minimally invasive and the effects are so very worthwhile. Microneedling has been around for many years and the benefits are well documented. However, not everyone can afford to visit a Dermatologist or Skincare Clinic to have this procedure done, so hence bring in The Home Version of Microneedling – The Derma Roller. Derma Rolling has gained massive popularity in recent years and more and more people are doing it. So, what’s the hype? Derma Rollers are used for improving pigmentation issues, help reduce acne scars, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and to help make the skin firmer. There are even stories of some people having permanently removed under-eyes bags by use of Derma Rolling. It's one of those treatment you need to do regularly over a period of time to see the results. How Does A Derma Roller Work? When a Derma Roller is rolled over the skin, the short needles on the roller very slightly puncture the skin and create tiny pathways. These minute pathways are similar to a controlled skin injury. These microscopic wounds allow for better product penetration, so you get more out of your chosen skin care. Hygiene As with any aesthetics skin care treatment it is vitally important to keep things hygienic when using the Derma Roller. Even though it’s very slight, the skin is undergoing wound trauma. Keep your Soopa Skin HOCL Rescue Mist handy for the next few days - spray lightly and often to calm and aid recovery. Research has shown HOCL to be effective in speeding recovery after Aesthetic treatments. Evidence suggests HOCL may help minimize wrinkles & fine lines Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist Intensive is a fine spray based on HOCl, a molecule that preserves the skin’s micro-biome, fights alien pathogens and helps with the skin’s natural healing process. Helps reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and bacterial infection - Elements for a Healthy Skin! How to use a Derma Roller at home Properly cleanse and dry your face to prepare it for treatment. Spray your face and surrounding areas to be treated, with Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist and leave to dry naturally. Clean the Derma Roller device by spraying the Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist and allow to dry naturally. Roll the device up and down the forehead, cheeks, and chin without applying too much pressure. Switch to horizontal movements followed by diagonal ones. Once the rolling is complete, spray your skin once again with the Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist. This will ensure that any unwanted germs and pathogens that may be present on the skin are completely destroyed without harming any of your natural microbiome. Apply a hydrating serum. (Avoid serums that contain potentially irritating retinol and vitamin C) Disinfect Derma Roller with the Soopa Skin HOCl Daily Rescue Mist and allow to dry. Once dry, put the device back in the storage container until next time. While using a derma roller, stay clear of the delicate skin close to the eyes and ensure you exercise caution when using the device on sensitive areas such as the nose and upper lip. Ideally you should use your Derma Roller at least 2-3 times a week. While Derma Rollers are effective, please understand that they won’t produce the same kind of results that you would likely get from an Aesthetics clinic offering a professional Microneedling treatment. Written by Dawn Johansson Soopa Skin International

Men’s beards may be dirtier than we think. It’s time to face up to some dirty facts: Your humble beard is a battleground for bacteria. Your hands offer germs a handy transport system. Scratching and fiddling with your hair moves microbes from whatever you’ve been touching, (including the toilet seat) to your face. Two recent studies have shown this. The first study, published in the February 2019 issue of the European Radiology, researchers analysed skin and saliva samples from 18 bearded men of varying ages against fur and saliva samples from 30 dogs. The researchers were looking for colonies of human-pathogenic bacteria in both man and dog – not in an attempt to beard-shame the hirsute masses, but to rather test whether it was safe for humans to use the same MRI scanners that dogs had previously used. In fact, it was the humans that were the dirtier patients. Not only did the men’s beards contain significantly more potentially infectious microbes than the dog’s fur, but men left the scanners more contaminated than the animals! The second study by a Microbiologist in Albuquerque in New Mexico recently found that men’s facial hair can contain as much bacteria as your average toilet seat. Yuk! The Microbiologist, John Golobic from Quest Diagnostics swabbed a group of bearded men and analysed the results to see just how dirty the beards were. Golobic said that some of the men’s facial hair contained bacteria that you would commonly find in a toilet. Now before you run to your bathroom to grab the razor and to start shaving, just remember that bacteria gets onto all sorts of surfaces, including skin. Another research that was published in Journal of Hospital Infection found that growing a beard is not a health hazard. This particular research compared bacterial colonisation on the faces of 408 male health care workers, with and without facial hair. I guess that if we touch a toilet seat that harbours bacteria and then touch or scratch our faces, then it’s probably irrelevant if we have a beard or are clean shaven as the said bacteria is just as comfortable on either host. So it’s fair to say that beards and clean-shaven faces carry a ton of bacteria, most of which is part of our natural microbiome. However we do carry unwanted bacteria too. The disadvantage of having a beard however is that if someone else rubs against that beard for instance, like our partner, then the beard can create tiny little cuts, which can lead to infections like Impetigo. Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by group A Steptococcus. Classically this produces a pink rash with a honey coloured crust on it. Sharp beard hairs from vigorous kissing for example, can cause little breaks in the skin that then introduce this bacteria into the skin. This can be avoided by cleaning the beard regularly and by also spraying the beard regularly with a gentle Hypochlorous Acid product such as Soopa Skin Daily Rescue Mist. Then there’s the dreaded Beard-Itch. An itchy beard is very common, especially when a person grows a beard for the first time or after a long time of being clean shaven. An itchy beard can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. An itchy beard can occur at any time. It can be caused by many things: Poor hygiene, dry skin, ingrown hairs, excessive grooming using soaps or others products which can irritate the skin. Sometimes beard itch can be a sign of a much deeper issue such as fungal or bacterial infection. Soopa Skin Daily Rescue Mist is a great weapon for itching beards. It helps to alleviate itchiness caused by the conditions above and will be effective in eliminating any yeast, fungal or bacterial infections. Written by Gary Hunt - Soopa Skin International

Do you remember how sore and uncomfortable it was wearing a soiled nappy as a baby simply because you had developed a bad case of nappy rash? Of course you don’t remember, but it still happened nonetheless. We’ve all suffered from nappy rash and though we have no recollection of the pain and irritation, the little Munchkins that we were still had to endure it. And it’s very upsetting for the Moms to hear baby’s anguish and to see the raw red areas of a nappy rash bottom. The main cause of Nappy rash is wearing a wet and dirty nappy for too long. Germs simply love warm and wet environments and sadly nappy rash can develop into a severe infection that doesn’t respond to treatment. Traditional treatment of inflamed nappy rash is to simply wash dirty area and to apply a zinc-based cream to calm the inflamed baby bottom. These creams become messy and have to be wiped away after application. Have you thought about using Soopa Skin HOCL Rescue Mist Daily for baby’s bottom? Being completely harmless to baby, simply spray our Soopa Daily HOCl Rescue Mist to help clean and relieve inflammation redness, reduce and eliminate harmful bacteria. No need to rub in or rinse off, simply leave to dry. Our HOCl mist is so gentle on inflamed skin, is steroid and alcohol free and it may be used as often as required without causing any harm whatsoever and may be sprayed on baby’s most sensitive areas. The Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist will help eliminate bad odour causing germs and will help relieve the sting, pain and itchiness caused by any inflamed nappy rash. For complete peace of mind you can even spray your Muchkin’s dummy and feeding bottles for full disinfectant against unwanted germs. And did you know that there’s approximately 2,400 sprays in each 250ml bottle? A little goes a long way. ELEMENTS FOR A HEALTHY SKIN! Written by Gary Hunt, Soopa Skin International Contact Gary: gary@soopaskin.co.za

It's cold and wintery across the country and many of us are bringing out the hot water bottles again. These pure delights can be a hazard though, and here are a few helpful tips to avoid some nasty hot water burns. Hot water bottles are designed to contain boiling water, which means they need to be handled carefully. When “burping” the air before putting on the cap, be aware the hot water could spray onto your face or chest and cause a serious burn. Be sure to have a layer insulating your delicate skin from the heat of the hot water bottle – never put it directly on your skin. TIP: Never over-fill the bottle and cover with a towel or a special cover before using it. Using water that is too hot can lead to the bottle bursting. TIP: Fill the hot water bottle with warm, not boiling, water and DO NOT completely fill it to the top, leave some space for expansion to prevent any potential ruptures. Hot water bottles are commonly made of rubber or other materials that may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities. TIP: If you are prone to allergies look out for a bottle made of hypoallergenic materials like silicone. After you take your bottle out of storage and prepare for your first winter night, inspect your hot water bottle for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, leaks, or damaged stoppers. Tip: Replace your hot water bottle regularly to avoid leakage that can cause a burn. Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist contains HOCl (Hypochlorous Acid) which offers a simple and effective solution for treating minor burns, and can be applied with traditional treatments for increased efficacy and advanced healing. Hypochlorous acid is a natural antimicrobial, with hydrating and anti-biofilm properties that make it an ideal solution for burn treatment. Best of all, as a molecule it strikes a unique combination as it’s as safe as saline but more antimicrobial than most products or chemicals used in wound care today. Think frequency over quantity and spray the affected area lightly and often for best results.