Tar soap for acne on the face - application and methods of preparation at home

Composition and benefits

The composition of tar soap is directly related to its name. The product contains birch tar, the amount of which in the soap can reach up to 10%.

The main advantage of tar is its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. By pressing the tar, essential oil is obtained, which is added to soap. Because of this component, the soap has a pungent odor, which is also present in Vishnevsky’s ointment, since it also contains tar.

Read more about how to use Vishnevsky ointment for acne.

The rest of the composition is the standard components of regular soap. Ideally, it should not contain any additional cosmetic and aromatic components, especially those of synthetic origin. Different manufacturers sometimes make changes to the classic composition and add various herbs and oils. When choosing, the main thing is that the composition is as natural as possible, without unnecessary additives. This way you will protect yourself from the risk of an unwanted reaction to the components.

The naturalness of the composition also means a short shelf life of tar soap. Please note that the shelf life should be about a year.

Flaws

This product also has disadvantages that limit its use:

It has an unpleasant odor, which is why many people do not want to use it; tar has a specific “aroma” that lingers on the skin. But it can be removed thanks to the fragrances included in the composition. You can use another aromatic product.
Dry skin. If such cleansing is useful for oily skin types, it is undesirable for dry, sensitive skin types. You should not use the product every day; 4-5 washes per week will be enough, depending on the oiliness of the skin and problems.
Tar soap may contain components such as xylene, benzene, toluene, cresol, phenol, which are allergens. They are contraindicated for sensitive epidermis.
Tar creates a film on the skin that will serve as protection from external influences. It also disrupts normal air exchange and can lead to disorders in the skin at the cellular level. To prevent this, it is advisable to use a facial tonic that restores the pH balance of the epidermis.
There may be intolerance to the components. If inflammation has increased, then the composition of the soap is incompatible with the skin. According to dermatologists, this is how the skin reacts to the new composition of the product and gets used to it.

According to reviews, tar soap for acne allows you to eliminate the problem in a short time. The procedures return the uniformity of texture to the epidermis, but the natural remedy also has contraindications. It is more suitable for oily skin types than dry ones.

But if many do not use tar soap for acne on the face because of the smell and dry skin, then for other areas there are almost no restrictions on use. To keep the skin of the shoulders, chest and back smooth and clean, the product must be beaten in advance and applied to the body for 10 minutes. During this time, inflammation dries out and pores are cleansed.

Is it good for fighting acne?

There are different opinions about whether tar soap can be used in the fight against acne. Some people believe that its use is ineffective and even dangerous and can lead to a number of consequences and deterioration of the skin condition. Such fears are not unfounded, since this product has a fairly strong drying effect.

But in fact, there are a number of rules of use and restrictions, following which it is quite possible to get rid of acne and improve the condition of the skin without harming it.

Compresses with tar soap

The product is used in the form of compresses as follows: a damp block is applied to the areas of inflammation. For convenience, you can cut a fragment from a whole bar, or grate a bar of soap. Such procedures help to quickly eliminate pimples, subcutaneous inflammation and redness of individual areas.

Treatment with a natural product in the form of tar soap requires the implementation of several simple rules:

During therapy, procedures using scrubs and peels should be avoided, as they injure the skin.
For the same reason, you should not squeeze pimples.
In order to stop the development of serious inflammation, a compress is applied to a fresh pimple and left overnight.
A fabric sheet impregnated with a medicinal composition can be applied to large areas affected by the inflammatory process.

Since tar soap has proven itself to be an effective remedy against skin imperfections, it is used both for the treatment and prevention of dermatological diseases:

Acne;
Neurodermatitis;
Dermatoses;
Psoriasis;
Depriving;
Eczema;
Dandruff;
Mycoses and others.

You can see the first improvements in the condition of the skin after just a few uses; after two weeks, as a rule, stable positive dynamics are observed.

Regular use of tar soap for medicinal purposes helps get rid of acne, after which only periodic use is required for prevention. Extensive experience in using tar soap, rich in phytoncides and organic acids, for medicinal purposes helps solve cosmetic problems, tissue regeneration, get rid of inflammation, and alleviate the consequences of burns or frostbite.

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Contraindications and side effects

First, you definitely need to find out about who and for what reasons tar soap may be contraindicated.

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You should avoid washing with tar soap in the following cases:

If the cause of acne is internal problems in the body. In such cases, you must first deal with them and only then start using tar soap. Otherwise, its use will not bring the desired result, but can only dry out the skin.
If the skin is thin and sensitive. In this case, there is a risk of allergies to soap components.
If the skin is dry. Since soap dries out the skin greatly, already dry skin will dry out even more, which means there is a risk of irritation.
If there is rosacea on the face, that is, vascular networks and stars appear on the skin. With this disease, you should treat your skin very carefully. Tar soap is too aggressive for skin with a similar problem.
If you have diseases of the nervous system. This is due to the fact that soap vapors, when inhaled, can negatively affect the central nervous system.
If you have problems in the respiratory tract, including asthma. In this case, the strong smell can cause an attack.
During pregnancy, it is better to refrain from using it, as the body’s reaction to the composition and properties may be unexpected.
It is better to limit use during the sunny period of the year, since at this time the sensitivity of the skin can increase significantly.
Infants. Children's skin is very delicate and sensitive. But it is worth noting that special baby shampoos based on tar with a reduced content of tar in the composition have been created for babies.

Masks with tar soap

To eliminate acne, inflammation and blackheads, the tar product can be used as part of medicinal masks applied locally.

To prepare an effective mask, you will need whipped soap foam and sea or table salt. The ingredients are mixed and applied to clean skin requiring treatment.
For dry skin, a recipe containing a mixture of tar soap and fatty sour cream in equal proportions is more suitable. The mask is applied exclusively to areas of inflammation.
A mask based on tar soap and liquid flower honey in equal quantities is used as a nourishing and anti-inflammatory agent. This composition is applied both locally to an individual pimple and to the entire face or other area, avoiding the area around the lips and eyes.
A mask based on two parts soap, one part gray or yellow clay and one part essential oil (lavender, orange, clove or tea tree) will help you avoid blackheads. The ingredients, mixed until smooth, are applied to the face for ten minutes, after which they are washed off generously with cool water.
An effect that soothes inflamed skin can be achieved with the help of a mask, which, together with tar soap foam, contains equal parts of plantain, yarrow and chamomile herbs ground into powder.

When using any type of mask, you should monitor the skin's reaction to the applied composition. The appearance of symptoms such as redness, irritation or itching is a signal to wash off the mask with plenty of water.

You should not leave the application with tar soap for longer than fifteen minutes. After washing with water or a decoction of medicinal herbs, it is imperative to moisturize the skin with cream.

To avoid such consequences as skin dehydration, as well as addiction to the effects of tar, mandatory intervals should be taken between courses of masks.

How to choose tar soap

Tar soap can be found in different formats. To choose the most convenient form of release, you should proceed from the purposes of its use.

Bar soap . The most common option, which is a regular bar of soap, has a dark brown color. In this format, tar soap is convenient to use to wash your face and body.
Tar liquid soap . They are convenient for washing the body (can be used for acne on the back).
Tar shampoo . It is ideal for washing the scalp and hair.

We prepare the product ourselves

Tar soap, prepared at home, is much better in structure than industrial products, and you will be absolutely sure of its naturalness.

Methods for making soap:

Grate baby soap (one hundred grams) on a fine grater. At the same time, bring water (one hundred milliliters) to a boil and melt the grated soap in it. Next, pour olive oil (thirty milliliters) into the emulsion and cool, then add tar (fifteen grams). Pour the finished mixture into molds and let it harden for 3 days.
Pour tar (ten milliliters), melted honey (five milliliters) and aromatic oil of your choice (five drops) into baby soap (one hundred grams). All ingredients must be cooked in a steam bath until completely dissolved. Soap hardening time is 3 days.
Tar ointment is very easy to prepare. To do this, combine equal parts of tar with baby soap (one hundred grams each), then form them into small balls that need to be dried. Grate the resulting balls on a fine grater and pour heated wine into them. Bring the mixture to the consistency of an ointment.

Using standard recipes as a basis, you can prepare tar soap with cocoa and coconut oil, as well as with the addition of beeswax.

How to cook at home

If you know a little about the craft of soap making, or you just decided to make tar soap with your own hands, then this is quite possible.

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For this you will need:

Neutral soap base. Baby soap works well. The main thing is that it does not contain cosmetic and perfume additives. Two pieces will be enough.
Birch tar. It can be found at the pharmacy.
Any oil as desired. Jojoba or apricot kernel based oils are best.
Any essential oil (for example, fir, citrus or rosemary oils).
Herbal nettle decoction.
Castor oil (as an additional ingredient).

It is also worth preparing a mold for future soap in advance.

Manufacturing:

Grind regular soap with a grater. Place the soap shavings in a small saucepan and pour a glass of herbal infusion.
Pour in two teaspoons of oil.
Add essential oil (15-20 drops).
Place the pan on low heat.
While the soap is heating up, prepare the mold. To make the soap more original or effective, you can put oatmeal in the mold (so that the finished product has scrubbing properties) or add herbs as desired.
When the mixture in the pan begins to boil, you need to start pouring tar into it. Just three tablespoons of tar are enough for a given volume of soap. While pouring it in, mix the mixture evenly. After the tar has been added and thoroughly mixed, the pan must be removed from the heat.
The resulting composition is immediately poured into molds and left in a cool place for a day.

Release form

In pharmacies and supermarkets, soap is sold in the form of a solid bar (a popular product from Nevskaya Cosmetics) and in a liquid version with a dispenser. The functions of these tools are the same, so anyone can use them. As you can see from the reviews, the liquid type of product is more expensive - about 100 rubles, and the bar can be bought for about 30 rubles.

Methods of application

There are general rules for using tar soap:

If your skin is not oily, then you should not use it every day, but 2-3 times a week.
In the case of combination and oily skin, you can wash your face with tar soap for acne every day for 1-2 weeks, and then reduce the frequency of its use to 2-3 times a week.
Using it together with other means in combination will help you achieve better results.
If after using tar there is a feeling of tightness, it is recommended to apply a nourishing cream.

Methods of use

A product with tar is quite harsh. This is why it is recommended to learn how to use the product to get rid of breakouts and other problems.

Mask

An effective way to use material with tar is a mask. In order to do this, you must follow the instructions:

Grate the soap using a grater with fine holes.
Pour 1 teaspoon of grated mass into 1 tablespoon of boiling water and leave for a while until the shavings dissolve.
Mix the mixture into a thick foam.
Before the procedure, wash and steam the skin. To do this, you need to wash your face with warm water or stand over boiling water for several minutes.
Spread the mixture over your face and leave for 7-10 minutes. If only areas are affected, then distribute over them with a small margin.
Then wash with cool water and apply a light moisturizer.

Do not use the product if your skin is dry or sensitive. Also, after tar material for acne, use a light moisturizing cream, since the emulsion has a strong drying effect.

The mask perfectly removes inflammation on the face. With repeated use, the effect is observed after 2-3 procedures. It is recommended to use the mask no more than twice a week.

In order to reduce the negative impact of foam on the epidermis, you need to mix the shavings with sour cream. It is also advisable to purchase the liquid version, as it is more convenient to use.

When does the second mask option help?

Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid soap with 1.5 tablespoons of melted honey.
Steam your face and apply the material with a clean brush. It is not recommended to apply to the area around the eyes.
Leave the mixture for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off, massaging the skin.
It is recommended to remove with warm water and finally rinse with cold water.

The mask can be applied 2-3 times a week. It is also advisable to alternate these two options. The second option perfectly nourishes the dermis and dries out acne. Skin tone is evened out and redness is quickly eliminated.

This option is not suitable for those who are allergic to bee products. In such a situation, it is permitted to add other materials. These include cream, kefir, milk. You can also use rolled oats.

Washing

The easiest way to use an acne product is to wash your face. It is recommended to do this according to the following scheme:

Pre-clean your hands with soap;
wet your face with warm water;
soap your hands, whip up thick foam, apply to problem areas;
leave the foam for 30-60 seconds, then rinse with warm water.

Wash your face with tar soap for acne every day until the desired result is achieved. If the dermis is sensitive or dry, then it is worth reducing the number of procedures to 1 time every 2 days.

Also, to reduce the negative impact of the product on the skin, you must follow the recommendations:

owners of oily dermis are recommended to wash their face in the morning and evening every day;
This method should be used a couple of hours before bedtime, and in the morning 1 hour before going out;
After the procedure, apply moisturizers;
washing should not last more than 2 weeks, after which take a break for the same amount of time;
If irritation or peeling occurs, it is recommended to avoid frequent application of tar material.

From washing with tar soap, the epidermis becomes smooth and velvety. The tone is evened out, inflammation goes away, like any other redness. The visible effect appears after 3-4 days of use.

In this way, you can eliminate the presence of acne not only on the face, but also on the back. It is enough to wash with a soft washcloth soaped with a tar product. If you have acne or other troubles on your body, you should replace all materials with analogues containing birch tar.

In addition, you should take relaxing baths with the addition of 1 tablespoon of tar. A bath course consists of 8-10 baths, lasting at least 20 minutes.

Soft scrub

The tar product makes an excellent scrub that helps quickly get rid of acne and blackheads.

To make a scrub, you need to do the following:

Grate the piece or use its liquid version and mix with fine table salt. Also, instead of salt, add coffee or soda.
It is recommended to apply the mixture before each application.
Apply the scrub in a small amount to the face, distribute with light massaging movements.

When using a scrub, the skin gets a good massage. Because of this, blood flow to the face improves. Tissue regeneration is getting better.

Thus, after 3-4 sessions of use, the dermis will become smooth and even in color. Acne and other inflammations will go away. The effect is observed after 3 applications.

The product must be applied no more than 3-4 times a week.

You can also add other components to the product that help in the fight against acne. To reduce the negative impact, add sour cream. To increase effectiveness, add tea tree oil.

Also, instead of salt or soda, you can make scrubbing particles from aspirin and activated carbon. These components will help enhance the effect of the scrub and at the same time moisturize the skin.

Spot application

For a small number of rashes, you can use spot applications of liquid soap. This method of application is also great for getting rid of subcutaneous acne.

To get rid of acne, it is recommended to do the following:

Cleanse your face as usual and pat dry.
Wet a cotton swab and lather it. You can also simply dip it in liquid tar soap.
Distribute the composition pointwise to the inflammation.
Leave for 10-15 minutes, then remove with a damp cotton pad.
Repeat the procedure twice a day (morning and evening)

This method works slowly but effectively. Within two weeks of use you can completely get rid of subcutaneous acne.

If the skin is too dry and begins to peel off after using soap, it is recommended to reduce the number of procedures or alternate with other products.

Reviews on the use of tar soap for acne

Positive:

I washed my face with this soap every morning and evening. To avoid drying out my facial skin, I applied moisturizer after washing my face. I want to say that regular use has shown good results. The skin on your face has become cleaner, the acne has dried up, your face is now velvety!
After a week of using tar soap, I noticed that my face became fresher, my complexion evened out, and my rashes dried out. After two weeks, no new acne appeared, which I am incredibly happy about! Thanks to tar soap!
The effect is noticeable immediately. Soap dries out rashes and prevents the appearance of new pimples. I noticed that my pores have narrowed significantly and the acne has gone away. But you can’t get carried away with it because it’s easy to dry out your skin.

Negative:

I tried to switch to tar shampoo. As a result, my hair and scalp became dry. I can say for sure - tar shampoo is absolutely not suitable for blond hair!

What is the secret of tar soap?

The key component of this product is birch tar, which has a healing, cleansing effect. That is why this soap is good for wounds, inflammation and damage, helping to heal them quickly. Due to its antiseptic properties, it is used as a means of preventing and treating skin diseases.

Compound

The product does not contain any exotic additives, so it has an unpleasant odor. 90% of its content is allocated to natural fats and lye. The rest (8-10%) is occupied by birch tar. It contains no synthetic fragrances or dyes. This is a completely natural product. The composition also usually contains: olive oil, coconut oil, mustard oil.

Tar and soap interact perfectly with each other. They increase blood flow to tissues, thus speeding up the process of renewal of damaged skin. Tar, in turn, dries the wounds, promoting their healing.

The product is black in color with a bluish-green or greenish-blue tint.

Price

The cost depends on the manufacturer’s brand, weight, and consistency of the product.

In bars:

Nevskaya cosmetics, 140 g – 64 rubles;
Aklen, 75 g – 30 rub.;
Soap makers, 80 g – 136 rub.

Liquid:

Naturotherapy, 500 ml – 334 rubles;
Twins Tak, 250 ml – 154 rub.

Properties

Tar soap, due to the presence of birch tar in its composition, is endowed with the following beneficial properties:

Prevention of skin diseases. Using tar soap, you can easily cure dermatitis, seborrhea, psoriasis and scabies. The product promotes rapid renewal of the skin.
Antiseptic, healing effect. With this remedy, wounds, abrasions and cracks will heal faster.
Elimination of inflammation. The components of the product eliminate bacteria, foci of fungus and viruses, and also prevent the development of inflammation.
Eliminates sweat odor. Tar soap works no worse than deodorants. It protects against sweat and also reduces the amount of sweat produced.
Fighting foot fungus. Treating the skin with soap foam eliminates this unpleasant problem.
Benefits for intimate hygiene. The product protects against infections and helps with thrush.
Eliminating dandruff. Useful natural ingredients accelerate the healing of cracks on the head and eliminate flaking of the skin.
Reducing hair oiliness. The product washes away dirt well and reduces the oiliness of the roots.
Acne treatment. This soap has a drying and healing effect, which helps with acne, irritation, and red inflammation.

Tar soap is a real salvation from blackheads and itchy skin. It is recommended to wash your face with this product for teenagers who, due to hormonal changes, develop a lot of rashes on their face.

Properties of birch tar and soap made from it

Compound

Tar soap received this name due to the presence of birch tar in its composition, which has antiseptic and disinfecting properties, due to which it is widely used in cosmetology and folk medicine. As a rule, its content reaches 10% of the total volume of soap. Otherwise, this is a very ordinary product with the appropriate composition. Each piece contains:

Birch tar;
water;
sodium salts of fatty acids of animal fats and vegetable oils;
disodium salt EDTA;
sodium chloride (table salt).

Depending on the manufacturer, the composition of the soap may vary slightly. It may contain:

citric acid;
thickener;
benzoic acid;
polyethylene glycol PEG-9;
cellulose gum.

The birch tar itself, on which the action of tar soap is based, has a rich composition and is a mixture of organic elements:

phytoncides;
resins;
phenols;
organic acids.

Beneficial features

Soap with the addition of birch tar has a beneficial effect mainly on the skin and hair.

Fights skin imperfections, including acne, inflamed pimples and boils.
Promotes skin regeneration and renewal of the upper layer of the epidermis.
It has a beneficial effect on skin affected by dermatitis of various etiologies, including allergic ones.
It is an effective means of restoring the epidermis after fungal diseases, including lichen.
Normalizes the condition of the skin with seborrhea.
It has antiparasitic properties, which is used in the treatment of pediculosis.
Relieves excessive sweating.
It has proven itself as a preventative against fungal nail diseases.
Helps against hair loss and promotes increased hair growth and improves general condition.
It is a good remedy for dandruff.
Promotes healing of wounds and burns.

Tar soap is a universal remedy for cosmetic problems.

How does it affect the skin?

The most common reason among consumers for using tar soap is skin problems: pimples and blackheads. The combination of properties of this cosmetic product allows you to quickly bring the skin into proper condition and significantly improve its appearance. Particularly suitable for oily skin with inflamed acne. It has an effect in several stages. First of all, it disinfects the skin, killing germs on its surface, including those that cause acne. Further, partially absorbed into the surface of the skin, tar soap has a resolving effect on inflamed areas, which contributes to the disappearance of inflamed lesions and seals. It dries the skin well, which helps to quickly get rid of imperfections that remain after the pimple has begun to go away. By causing dryness of the top layer of skin, soap accelerates cell regeneration, so that the skin will renew itself faster. And finally, an important component of the overall effect on problem skin is the ability of tar soap to cause blood flow to it, which also has a beneficial effect on its regeneration, improving overall tone and restoring color. Tar soap, as a well-known healing agent, helps to cope not only with pimples themselves, but also with the marks they leave.

Its effect on acne, including comedones, is based on the same properties. It dries out the top layer of skin well, promoting its renewal, and also resolves subcutaneous formations. Therefore, as a result of constant use of tar soap, it is possible to achieve smoothing of the skin. Its systematic use leads to a narrowing of the pores, due to which the amount of foreign contaminants accumulating in them is reduced. With constant use, soap helps restore normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, which also directly affects the occurrence of acne and pimples.

The component on which the action of tar soap is based is birch tar. It is made from birch bark using a special processing technology, which is preceded by preheating to high temperatures. The result is a concentrated substance with a rich chemical composition.

Which form of soap do you prefer?

If you have dry and sensitive skin on your back, then it is still better to choose a liquid form of soap or shower gel. This form also contains the main component - birch tar, but the percentage of alkali content is much less. Thanks to this, you can slightly reduce such side effects from use as tightness and excessive dryness of the skin after the procedure.

If your skin is more prone to oily type, then, of course, the best option is bar soap.

In this case, it will better dry out inflammation, cleanse clogged pores and, as a result, deal with the problem faster.

Today, there are many different companies that produce tar soap and purchasing it is not difficult. However, if you still do not trust manufacturers or simply cannot find this care product in your city, you can make it yourself.

To do this, you need to purchase birch tar from the pharmacy and add it in a certain proportion to the soap. In this case, you can choose the base to suit your taste, but it is better to give preference to soap without fragrance or dyes.