Avoiding dry and lackluster skin is as simple as using a cleanser that will actually moisturize your skin. This, in all simplicity, means using soap as FDA defines soap. If you are now thinking that you would never ever use soap on your face, especially because your dermatologist says not to, read on. Do you really know what soap means?
All that lathers is not soap. The product you might regard as soap may not be soap at all, but a synthetic detergent "beauty" or "bath" bar. These and similar names have been used by marketers and copywriters to spare the consumer the awful knowledge that they are not bathing themselves with real skin loving soap, but with some synthetic detergent which, ironically enough, is portrayed for some purposes as superior to soap.
Confused? Don't be. True soap is simply made from saponified fats. The end result is a super moisturizing soap bar rich in naturally occurring glycerin. This type of soap is usually artisan made in small batches, see an example here. Huge soap factories produce thousands of bars in one hour using the French milled method that involves a lot of heat, pressure and chemicals. The end result is usually a skin drying “beauty” bar that is actually a detergent. Detergent manufacturers commonly remove the naturally occurring glycerin and sell it to the lotion industry for more profit. Glycerin has a very important function as a humectant - a substance that attracts moisture and is what creates the feel of exquisite silkyness. Soap with glycerin actually moisturizes your skin, soap without glycerin dries it out.
If you want to avoid dry skin, purchase a true natural soap with the ability to moisturize without irritating your skin. Read the ingredient list. If the label says naturally occurring glycerin, you are buying the real thing. If the ingredient list has “glycerin” without specifying it is naturally occurring, you are most likely holding a detergent bar in your hand.
If you use all natural cold processed soaps, you might notice within weeks that you will not need to use lotions any more.
Tuula
CEO and Founder of Destiny Boutique
About Tuula: I suffered from eczema and dry skin all my life. A batch of all natural lavender soap changed my life. Today, I do not use lotions other than sun block and my life long rashes are gone.
Martin H. says:
I too am a believer in your soap. I used to use anti-bacterial Dial soap all the time, but for the past year I have been using your soaps and really like the improvement in my skin. Thanks mucho!
Paula Q. says:
For those with dry, tight and thirsty skin or for changes in the texture and comfort level of their usually good skin - I highly recommend the VITAMIN ENHANCED MOISTURIZER, from the Made from Earth skin care line.
The cream comes in a white jar which lets me get to the very last bit at the end, a total bonus since I hate wasting product.
Somewhat expensive, but well worth it since Made from Earth products are extremely natural and healing in their properties with no harsh chemicals.
This cream is fragrence free, and in winter and high times of stress or freaky dry skin episodes are the usual scenarios that would require me to use this cream.
Great as a face cream and also wonderful as eye cream, especially when the computer I use at work always seems to suck any moisture form my eye area right out. This patted right on top of makeup refreshes and plumps up the skin, and only a tiny bit is needed.
This cream lasts for months so at this price it's really a bargain considering that what I put on my face always shows up as results or neglect if the wrong product is use.