Newly converted real soap users - what changes have you noticed?

[KnownUnknowns]

I'm not sure if this is related to using soap instead of shower gel or something else has caused this change but I no longer have hard dead skin on the heels of my feet and dh whose feet have always been a bit of a mess with cracks etc has found the same thing - but he's a bit more cynical about soap being the reason.
So I'm curious soap users - have you noticed the same thing?

I was waiting for someone to ask this. I have never used anything but bar soap, but my husband is a recent convert. The main thing for me is no nasty orange scrum on the shower tiles!!

I’ve always used bar soap and have very little hard skin despite going barefoot a lot all year.

Ok that’s weird. I converted to bar soap and I also noticed recently my feet / heels aren’t as horrible as they used to be. But I hadn’t made the connection. My partner who is in his feet all day has only ever used bar soap and his feet are amazing. (As amazing as feet can be, that is)
Could this be the holy grail of foot care??

Fewer ingrown hairs in my pits. It's something I've suffered with from the sprouting of hair, but I've only had one new one since switching to bar soap.

My hands aren’t as dry. I feel cleaner than I did using shower gel. My bathroom smells nice.

My hands don't dry out, when using liquid handsoap my hands were so cracked and sore! and dp doesn't get as pongy in the pits on hot days as when he used shower gel.

I didn't suffer from bad body odour before, but was decidedly whiffy after a hard cardio session, but since using soap my gym clothes just don't smell at all!

Also, I double cleanse my face (oil or balm, followed by wet wash) and started using DHC soap... it's heaven! A bit expensive but lasts forever and it makes my SUPER dry skin lovely and soft.

I think I sweat more or seem to start to smell a bit quicker.

I'm finally going to make the switch to bar soap, used up the last of the shower gel. Which soap is everyone using? And what is a good soap dish?

I have the same questions as Rightknockered. What is a good soap dish? My shower doesn't have any space to keep the soap dish though.

For me a good soap dish has drainage holes and is light so that it won’t damage the bath if it falls in. I use bamboo ones I got on Amazon from China. There are loads of gorgeous soaps around; Holland and Barrett and TK Maxx often have beautiful ones but a lovely everyday soap is Pears, the new green one smells exquisite.

What soaps do you all recommend?

I second the bamboo ones from Amazon. Cost about 1.50 but you wait a few weeks for delivery. I’ve got two.

I buy soaps in TK Maxx. I love citrus scents so always stock up on lemon soaps. I’m not fussed about brand, and there’s not much difference between brands I’ve found.

Differences I’ve noticed since using only soap (ditched the gels end of last year): clearer skin, softer heels, no more red bumpy bits on the top of my arms, not so whiffy after work, much less plastic waste, bathroom looks neater!

I like the classics, imperial leather, Dettol and coals tar soap.

M&s's Lilly of the valley one is nice too.

I got a suction soap dish from ebay.

Also if you have a shop with a big selection of those Command strips, they actually have Command strip soap dishes.

I'm using the green Pears one at the moment. Smells lemony. I also noticed my feet were a bit less objectionable. Never thought it may be the soap though. I don't really need to use body lotion much either.

I use Dettol bar soap for hand washing, and have used Sanex bars and Palmolive in the shower. All good.

I've converted the whole family back to traditional soap (each member has their own bar with proper dry storage dish).
Positive changes:
teenage DS BO problem is solved
less plastic and packaging waste
storage is easier and the cupboard can take more
it is way cheaper

I had a dream about Johnson's baby soap (the white one) last night, and now this thread. I'm off to buy soap tomorrow, my skin is so dry and itchy.

I use Funky Soap for my hair and body, I find using shampoo soap keeps my hair curly. I think that bottle shampoo weighs my curls down, I also find that I really only need to shampoo soap my hair twice a week to keep it clean. Obviously I wash my hair in plain water the rest of the time.

I also find that using soap under my arms is better for my salt crystal deodorant.

I really wanted to love bar soap, but I find it doesn’t leave me feeling as clean, I sweat more during the day and it dries my skin out.

Sorry - not a fan! Wish it agreed with me, though, as seems so much more environmentally friendly.

Johnsons baby soap! Love that. Haven't had it for years.

We swing from soap to shower gel. When we have soap we have Pears. The original brown one. It's the bench mark of what proper soap is in my mind :)

I use dove soap and have noticed my face is much softer. Love it.

My skin is a lot less dry. I use Dr Bronners hemp soap thanks to Mumsnet. It's not highly perfumed but there is a lovely fragrance selection. I shower at night and still feel clean all the following day. Its so mild I can even wash my face with it.

Boo, I really want to love soap but I just find it drying :( I've tried a swanky €5 Italian jobber from H&B, and a cheaper sandalwood scented one from Søstrene Grene (do you have that shop in the UK)? The SG one is slightly better than the expensive Italian one, but I don't find either of them as good as my usual shower gel (Dr Organic/Weleda/Therme etc)