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.

When you need soap, body wash or household cleaners, do you reach for products labeled “antibacterial?” Consumers often believe that antibacterial products are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but there is no scientific evidence that they are more effective than plain soap and water. In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.

Why use a natural deodorant? The simple answer--why not! Making sense of the myriad of ingredients in skin care products is challenging and confusing. There are many ingredients that are "considered safe in the small doses used in skin care products." But when I think of the various products I use on my skin each and every day, I can’t help but wonder how much is "a safe small dose" after 65 years.

The claim that using an antiperspirant causes breast cancer is listed under “common cancer myths and misconceptions” on the National Cancer Institute website. Part 3 continues debunking the major misconceptions concerning breast cancer and antiperspirants.