Learning in the Sunshine State

Homemade soap by a homeschool mom. I had no idea what a difference handmade soap would make until I tried it. The soapmaker and I both like to go to The Denim Jumper, a secular homeschool board. I followed her link one day when we were all talking about blogs, and found her soaps. I’m not getting anything for this post — I’m just so impressed that I had to share. So here’s my story:

My skin was so itchy that it drove me nuts. I was always scratching and wondered why I had such dry skin. I also wondered why it didn’t actually look like I had dry skin. I tried changing soaps several times. I tried about half a dozen different kinds labeled “moisturizing”, “gentle”, and “free”. Nothing worked. I tried switching to shower gels, thinking maybe it had something to do with bar soaps. After trying several kinds, that wasn’t making a difference either.

Then I read about chloramine. Chloramine is chlorine and ammonia compound, used by many municipalities (including mine) instead of free chlorine. Here’s a wiki if you want to know more. In my research, I read several reports that chloramine can cause itchy skin. So, I just figured that was the problem, and there wasn’t really anything I could do about it. My husband and son weren’t bothered, and I tend to be sensitive to chemicals, so that must have been it.

Then I followed the link to The Foil Hat. I read her blog (especially enjoyable if you have boys). I read about her soaps. I thought I might order them sometime soon. Then I forgot. It was weeks later, that I decided to buy a few bars to try.

What a surprise! For the first time in several years, my skin didn’t itch! The soap smells wonderful, and feels wonderful. As an added bonus, my husband and son liked it too. I wasn’t expecting that. I don’t ever want to go back to store bought soap.

If you’ve never tried handmade soap, give it a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.