Why did the love chemist creator decide to make soap?
Written by Yoyo Flowers March 2026. Posted Sept. 14, 2026.
It took 6 months to finally post because no matter how long it takes me to tell my story, the story and the inspirations remain the same. My personality is actually really comparable to the process of making soap; it involves a ton of preparation to comprehend. Scientifically speaking, the research is the reason for success, with plenty of wiggle room to try new things. But even if I were to just take the standard route, the chance for the same margin of error would remain. Slow and steady till complete, then quick to rinse away the mess, yet off into the unknown. Of course, bubbly and wholesome overall.
My name is Yoyo Flowers, and this marks the beginning of my journey into soap and lotion making—or more accurately, my journey without them. My allergies to soap are so severe that they have driven me to create my own. A staggering (my guesstimate, but I guarantee not far off) 97% of the soaps commonly available in stores contain detergents to which I am highly allergic. But now that I'm in the soap business, I can lower that percentage, and I hope other soap makers choose to use naturally sourced, quality ingredients backed by scientific evidence. My skin and my allergy condition, i am walking living proof to proving soap ingredients do matter and that cutting corners with ingredients is harmful.
Because of the limited options for soap and lotions, I have struggled with breakouts, painful physical reactions, and mental stress.
The inspiration to become a soap maker evolved gradually with a great deal of preparation. In 2016, during a Christmas party hosted at Ursuline College by U-eARTh my Art Therapy artist volunteer group, u-EartH at Ursuline College, there was a soap-making station led by my mentor and teacher, Jennifer Schwartz. Before participating, I carefully read all the ingredients involved in the soap-making process. I was relieved to find there were only a few ingredients, but I was still hesitant to use this soap due to PTSD from the painful experiences associated with using soap. It may seem unusual that a daily task could cause PTSD, but having endured such intense pain, I would rather remain unwashed than use a soap that hurts me.
Curious about how homemade soap would affect my skin, I decided to try making the melt and pour soap. I was doubtful that the soap I made wouldn't cause a breakout. However, when I used my homemade soap, I was delighted by the softness it gave my skin. I asked my teacher for proper instructions on soap making, and she told me that a thorough understanding would require a two-semester course.
Ten years later, I have finally begun making my own soap. It seems those two semesters taught by a professional would have been more time-efficient compared to the decade it took me to learn the process and ingredients on my own.
Breaking the Silence: How Physical Pain Creates Mental Struggles and Stigma
Living with physical pain is a battle that many people face silently, especially those with skin conditions like eczema or allergies. The pain is not just a physical sensation; it often turns into a heavy burden on the mind. I know this struggle well because my own body has been a constant source of discomfort, and the fire of pain has left scars beyond the skin. This post is my story and a reflection on how unbearable physical pain can create mental struggles and stigma that are just as hard to bear.
The Body’s Fire: When Pain Becomes Unbearable
The burn and itch of eczema are relentless. It feels like my skin is on fire, and every touch, even the gentlest, can send waves of pain through my body. This physical suffering is exhausting. The constant itch leads to scratching, which only worsens the condition, creating a vicious cycle of pain and irritation.
For me, the pain is not just skin-deep. It affects every part of my life. Simple things like wearing clothes, shaking hands, or even hugging someone become challenges. The physical pain isolates me because I avoid situations where my skin might be touched or exposed. This isolation feeds into a deeper mental pain, one that is harder to explain or show.
The Weight of Shame and Stigma
One of the hardest parts of living with chronic physical pain is the shame that comes with it. People often misunderstand skin conditions like eczema or allergies. They see the visible symptoms but not the invisible pain behind them. This misunderstanding creates stigma.
I have felt judged and dismissed because my pain is not always visible. When I say my body hurts, people sometimes think I am exaggerating or seeking attention. This reaction makes me feel ashamed of my own body, as if the pain is my fault or a weakness.
The stigma also comes from the fear of being seen as different or less capable. I have missed out on social events or work opportunities because I was afraid of how others would react to my skin or my need to avoid triggers that cause pain.
How Physical Pain Turns Into Mental Struggles
The connection between physical pain and mental health is powerful. When your body is constantly in pain, your mind struggles to keep up. The fire burning on my skin often turns into a fire burning inside my mind—anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.
The itch that won’t stop can make it impossible to sleep, leading to exhaustion and irritability. The pain can make me feel trapped in my own body, leading to a loss of control and self-esteem. Over time, this mental pain can become as unbearable as the physical pain.
I have learned that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness but a natural response to chronic physical pain. Recognizing this connection is the first step toward healing.
Understanding the Impact of Skin Conditions
It can be incredibly challenging to deal with the stigma associated with visible health conditions, such as severe rashes or allergies. Many people may not understand the pain and discomfort that come with these issues, leading to misconceptions and judgments.
Common Misconceptions
Appearance vs. Reality: People often make assumptions based on how someone looks, which can lead to unfair accusations.
Lack of Awareness: Many individuals are not educated about skin conditions and the stress they can cause.
Stigmatization: There is a tendency to stigmatize those who have visible symptoms, often labeling them without understanding their situation.
Coping with Stigma
Here are some strategies to help manage the stigma and stress associated with skin conditions:
Education: Educating those around you about your condition can help dispel myths and reduce stigma.
Support Systems: Seek support from friends, family, or support groups who understand what you're going through.
Self-Care: Prioritize your mental and physical health through self-care practices that can alleviate stress and discomfort.
COMMONALITIES
It's important to remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Many people face similar challenges, and advocating for yourself and your health can help change perceptions over time.
Finding Support and Breaking the Silence
Living with physical pain and the stigma that comes with it can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Sharing my story has helped me find others who understand what it means to live with skin conditions and chronic pain.
Here are some ways I have found support and hope:
Talking openly about my pain with friends, family, or support groups helps reduce the shame.
Seeking professional help from therapists who understand chronic pain improves my mental health.
Learning about my condition, including allergies and eczema triggers, helps me manage the physical symptoms better.
Practicing self-care routines that soothe my skin and calm my mind, such as gentle touch therapies and mindfulness.
Advocating for awareness to reduce stigma and educate others about the realities of living with chronic pain.
Moving Forward with Compassion
The pain in my body has taught me to be more compassionate toward myself and others. I understand now that physical pain is not just a physical issue—it affects the whole person. The stigma and mental struggles that come with it are real and deserve attention.
If you are living with chronic physical pain, especially from skin conditions like eczema or allergies, know that you are not alone. Your pain is valid, and your feelings matter. Breaking the silence around this pain is the first step to healing both body and mind.
Let’s build a community where we can share our stories without shame, where the fire of pain is met with understanding and support, not judgment. Together, we can turn the unbearable into something bearable.
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