Here we go:
From the American Academy of Dermatology I began looking at their various online brochures. One in particular drew my interest. For dry skin it was recommended to use a mild soap, okay, we probably learned that in first grade. But, next (and I copy):
For severely dry skin, a moisturizer that contains urea or lactic acid may be helpful. Both ingredients help the skin hold water. These ingredients are so effective that over-the-counter and prescription moisturizers contain them. The one drawback is that these ingredients can be irritating if you have eczema or cracked skin.
Goat milk…high in lactic acid. There you go, bingo!
I continued to read on, do a bit of self-diagnosis, see the photo above, and I found other photos looking very familiar. My winter skin condition is called keratosis pilaris. It consists of tiny bumps, sometimes itchy, harmless, but bothersome…the treatment (to diminish the appearance and itching of the rash) also included creams and lotions that contain lactic acid. The condition never completely goes away it just looks better after treatment. Yes, I agree, I can attest to it diminishing!
I cannot rightfully say my products can cure your skin problems, I am not licensed to sell my products as a drug or medication. And I try so very hard to not sound like an irritating infomercial for goat milk soap, but my customers with sensitive and allergic skin are very happy campers, and so am I. Why? I believe it is a combination of things (as stated above) mild soap, no added preservatives, stabilizers or chemicals (other than those that contain fragrance and/or non-natural colorants), and the lactic acid (which works with the skin’s PH balance).
Interesting…and I loved sharing it with you!
Well, I'm sold on trying this. I've got a kid with a dry skin problem the dermatologists have never figured out and I just ordered the soap and lotion for her. She needs something that will not dry her out worse and I chose the non-perfumed natural products. Thank you and I will let you know how that goes. If it doesn't work we won't be any worse off, but if it does she may get some relief after 28 years of agravation.
As the craftsperson, I can understand your desire to know the source of your product's healing properties – but as a consumer, the reason isn't nearly as important as the fact that your soap really does seem to do miraculous things to the quality and condition of skin. Not to mention it smells heavenly and looks beautiful.
Mary… whatever it is,
whatever the combination of ingredients, whatever the process,
whatever special love and wisdom you add… keep doing it! Annie's Hill Handcrafted Goat Milk Soap is one of the purest most affordable luxuries in the world and I'm so glad I have "discovered" it.
I need to get my daughter some. She has always had sensitive skin.
My brother-in-law uses goat milk soap because it is the only soap that seems to help him while at the same time NOT irritating his skin. So there is definitely something beneficial and healing in goats' milk soap!