Soaps

Unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer, soaps are alkaline.

Ideally, the skin should be slightly acidic so if you have a skin problem it may be wise not to use any soap for a trial period of about four weeks. If the problem clears in that time it may be that you have an allergy to something in the particular soap you have been using, or your skin does not return to the desired acid level after washing and so this leads to the bacterial imbalance. Using diluted apple cider vinegar or diluted fresh lemon juice as external skin toners will help restore the acid balance.

You can now buy soaps that pH (acid) balanced or neutral. Consider trying natural Goats Milk soap or Olive Oil soap from your health food store.

Some alternatives to soap are –
Sorbolene cream – apply, gently rub in with water, then rinse off (this can also be used for shaving)
Any edible oil – macadamia, almond, avocado, etc.. – apply, tissue off, then splash skin with warm water
Rolled Oats – place in a stocking with the top tied, let hot water run on it, allow to cool; splash on face or use as a bath