Ida's Soap Box

These days I find nothing more relaxing than a quiet soak in the tub -- it is my act of self-love.  My favorite addition to my tub has always been organic herbs and botanicals. Herbal bath teas are perfect all on their own but anytime you prepare an herbal bath you can combine bathing herbs with other great skincare additives most of which can be found in your kitchen cupboards.

You probably never thought of soap as a lethal weapon -- but it can be for some viruses. The CDC says that for good hand hygiene all you need is plain soap and water. Palli Thordarson, a Professor in Chemistry at the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia says, "You can’t, even for a million dollars, get a drug for the coronavirus – but your grandmother’s bar of soap kills the virus."

Some "natural/organic" soap companies are using Sodium Coco Sulfate as an ingredient claiming that since it is made from coconut oil it is natural. Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS), like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), is synthetic detergent used to create lather and remove oil and grease. Should it be used as an ingredient in a product that claims to be "natural?"

Clay facial masks are an easy and inexpensive way for both men and women to pamper themselves and invigorate their skin. Creating an application technique that works for your skin will get you one step closer to a beautiful complexion.