February 3, 2014
Lathering up with a nice bar of soap and a stream of hot water can feel like a dream come true after waking up in the morning, but be careful what you use on your body. With the winter weather still going strong, it's especially important to avoid using beauty products that might dry out your skin, regardless of how squeaky clean they make you feel.
Most soaps contain alkaline levels that strip your skin of its natural fatty acid layer, called the acid mantle barrier. Basically, this protective coating of natural oils keeps germs and bacteria at bay, providing you with a built-in moisturizer. Bar soaps can also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin D.
In an effort to get clean and stay healthy at the same time, aim for products that contain natural conditioning ingredients, such as aloe vera and vitamin E. The combination of these ingredients in the Bliss Grapefruit + Aloe Soapy Suds, for instance, will revitalize your skin in the shower and leave it moisturized to boot.