Natural Soap and Dry Skin Tips

If you are one of those who buys a great smelling moisturizing soap at a department store on a cold, dry, winter day, run a bath and try to soak away
your dry itchy skin only to find that you felt worse than before and suffered that deep down-in-the-skin itch.  It may be the artificial fragrance, color or
preservatives (or something else) causing a negative reaction in your skin. If you tend to have these reactions, you may want to try a natural soap.

Hot summer days and dry winter air and central heating can zap moisture from your skin and may leave you with dry, itchy, irritated skin. Pay attention
to these suggestions for preventing and treating dry skin:

Natural soap can be made from many ingredients, but generally, take the form of a solid and and oil along with essential oils or natural plants - this can
be beeswax, shea butter, coco butter, coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and a myriad of natural fragrances and essential oils, such as rosemary,
lavender or orange.

·    Liquid soap tends to dry skin more than bar soap.

·    Hot showers tend to dry skin. Try turning down the hot water a bit when showering.

·    Try soaking in the bath for a short time. While you soak, your skin is being hydrated.

·    Apply moisturizers as soon as possible after showering/bathing while the skin is hydrated to help trap in moisture.

·    Use moisturizers with little or no water in the ingredients. Many lotions and moisturizers list water as the main ingredient which is evaporated soon

after applying.

·    Avoid harsh soaps. Antibacterial soaps can be especially drying. Commercial soaps often extract the beneficial glycerin and add synthetics that

contribute to dry skin. Try using natural soap.

·    Adding lots of olive oils and other good oils to your diet aids in keeping skin moist and supple.

·    Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

·    Use a humidifier in your home.

·    Wear natural fabrics such as cotton next to your skin.  Cotton sheets are also a good choice.  Synthetic fabrics (and wool) next to your skin can
cause irritation.