I have a lot of issues with the skin on my face being red/sensitive/flaking and drying out. While I can/do use a moisturizer I am almost certain the culprit is washing my face with the soap I use. I have tried various body washes but I don't recall if I ever found one that seemed to fix this problem. I think I may be sensitive to the detergents or other chemicals in the store bought stuff not sure.

I was wondering if any of you science/creatively savvy people could think of a few basic and preferably natural ingredients, that are not harsh on skin, that could be mixed to make a body wash that did not dry out the skin but still cleaned it fairly well. It does not have to be powerfully antibacterial but rather able to pull dirt off etc.

I also want to avoid using Castile soap due to having to order it/the price. I have googled some recipes for body wash but so far I keep running into that castile soap made by that Dr.Bonner dude or whatever. Not interested in paying out the ass for a "health" soap if I can avoid it.

Give me an afternoon on Skeptalk. I'll get back to you.

alright sweet, I appreciate it

Ed wants to know if you've seen a dermatologist yet, as it might be Rosacea.

From a skeptalker:

"I have very sensitive skin. I have found that Cetaphil cleanser (available in any Walmart or drugstore) is the gentlest one available over the counter. The mildest one is the liquid Cetaphil, the bar soap is good too.

Although the bar soap is more expensive than regular bar soap like Ivory or Dial, it is completely solid and lasts way longer than most soaps. The cost of the liquid would depend on how much you used at a time."

Ah I very well may have Rosacea, I have not seen a dermatologist yet although I probably could get an appointment with one in the next few months.

I will try that cetaphil soap, thanks summer I really appreciate it.

Skeptalk has been resoundingly silent - I think some of the skeptical diet/nutrition threads broke it. :\

You can make your own hellishly gentle soaps pretty easy. They only need to act as a lubricant.

http://vastamount.blogspot.com/2005/10/s...ation.html
(about halfway down you'll find a really bare bones soap. 4 ingredients including lye)

Don't go blowing anything up now.....without me...

I don't have sensitive skin in that way, but it is "picky." It likes what it likes, and it doesn't like change. For example, ever since I was a tyke mom had to always use Tide regular or Tide free & gentle (doctor even told her to stick with that), or I'd get itchy and start rashing or scratching my skin raw.

These days I pretty much use straight Aveeno products.

However, sometimes my hair and skin go pretty whack from the cold (we don't use heat in the house) and heat (thus I use water that's way too hot), and being completely swaddled up (until spring, when I can run around as naked as decency allows - shut up, Rhythm) or whatever, and then I just take a night to lather myself up in a decent quality olive oil. Sounds gross, and kinda is, and you can use almond oil or something else if you prefer, but after getting it worked into skin and scalp and sitting in loose damp towels in a warm place for a bit, then using a very mild baby soap/shampoo two give it a wash off (two for scalp), pat (don't rub) dry and wear breathable clothing.

Yours sounds like it's a possible real condition, but doing that always helps me get back on balance.

Yeah I will give that gentle soap a run. I am going to stay away from the lye if I can Although.... chemistry can be fun