💚 When “Clean” Hurts — and How a Small Change Can Make a Big Difference
This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on something many families quietly face — young people living with OCD or compulsive washing behaviours who wash their hands and/or shower repeatedly throughout the day.
For some, it’s not just a habit — it’s a source of real pain.
Many parents tell us their children’s skin becomes so dry and cracked from overwashing that it bleeds, leaving them in discomfort and distress.
While we would never advise on mental health, what we can do is help with what touches the skin every day.
Liquid hand, hair and body washes often contain harsh surfactants that strip the skin with each wash. Over time, this damages the natural barrier, making dryness, soreness, and irritation worse and innevitable.
That’s why so many families have turned to SNOAP — a natural, skin-kind alternative made with ingredients like glycerin, hemp oil, and shea Butter, which cleanse without stripping and help restore moisture to the skin.
🌿 A Mother’s Story
"My daughter hasn’t been clinically diagnosed with OCD, but she shows strong compulsive behaviours around handwashing. She spends a great deal of time washing and scrubbing her hands throughout the day — to the point they would split, bleed, and become incredibly sore. Despite using every cream imaginable, the constant washing (especially during and after COVID) made things worse. We were going through bottles and bottles of hand soap each week, not to mention the endless recycling and cost.
Around a year ago, a friend asked if we’d be willing to help test a new product for Lisa at SNOAP. I didn’t know what to expect, but we agreed — and I can honestly say it changed everything for us.
We quickly fell in love with SNOAP. The difference in my daughter’s hands was remarkable — while the excessive washing habits are something we’re addressing separately through treatment, her hands no longer split or bleed. The product is so gentle yet effective, and her skin is now soft and healthy again.
We’ve since installed SNOAP dispensers in every bathroom and shower in the house — and even take them away with us on holiday. It’s become part of our family’s everyday routine. We’ve also noticed a big environmental and financial impact — no more plastic bottles piling up each week, and the refills last so much longer.
Even our dog has her own SNOAP bar now!
Switching to SNOAP has made a genuine difference not only to my daughter’s wellbeing but to our entire household. It’s sustainable, kind to skin, and kind to the planet — but for us, it’s also deeply personal. It’s given my daughter comfort and confidence back in something as simple as washing her hands".💚 A Gentle Reminder This World Mental Health Day
This story is a powerful reminder that mental and physical wellbeing are deeply connected.
Something as simple as using a kinder product can ease discomfort, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of comfort and confidence.
At SNOAP, we believe that being kind to your skin is part of being kind to your mind — and that small acts of care can make a world of difference.
If you know someone who struggles with excessive handwashing or sore, sensitive skin, please reach out. We may be able to help — even in a small but meaningful way.
💚 Kind to your skin. Kind to your mind. Kind to the planet.
