***UPDATE*** I am in my mid-40's and my skin has changed a lot since getting older. Some areas I need a lot of moisture for dry skin, and other areas, (mostly neck, face, and shoulders), I have oily skin or will have a small "breakout". St. Ives Body Wash Oatmeal and Shea Butter is one of my all-time favorites and have been using for years. Why?* This moisturizes without parabens and all the fillers, and so many things our skin DOESN'T need. The top two moisturizers being Oatmeal and Shea Butter, which has even more wonderful properties than just moisturizing - it also protects skin. (See description of Shea Butter under Era Organics Complete Moisturizer for men and women!* Despite having areas of oily skin, this moisturizes without causing skin irritation, breakouts, and does not aggravate my skin* This moisturizes - for me - perfectly. It is soothing and calming, without having an overwhelming fragrance, and cleanses well.***HOWEVER, I have been breaking out quite a lot the last month, but still need moisture. I did A LOT of research (which is a passion for me) regarding skin and skincare. I found that Peppermint Oil and Eucalyptol are part of nature's wonderful - NATURAL - skin treatments. In fact, I remembered that over 20 years ago I used to purchase Handmade Peppermint soap from a small shop in my hometown. My skin loved it. However, the shop closed up with a couple months of finding this wonderful, handmade "soap", and I simply forgot about it. So, I have now purchased Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Camomile Deep Cleansing Cream (love it so far!), first for cleansing - even makeup - and is very soothing, moisturizing, cleanses well, all without being drying to the skin. I use Era Organics Dead See Mud Mask (Detoxifying skin is vital to healthy skin, I found in my research) and use it several times/week. It can be used on the body as well. After removing the mask or just cleansing gently with WARM water, I use Thayers Medicated Superhazel as a toner AM & PM, (it has organic Aloe, Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptol, and Thayers proprietary un-distilled witch hazel. (I also have Thayers Cucumber and Aloe witch hazel because it doesn't contain alcohol. That's why I limit using the Superhazel because it contains some Alcohol). Then I use Era Organics Complete Moisturizer (it is amazing and also can be used on any part of the body - I use primarily as a facial/décolletage moisturizer, but it has been great for burns and cuts, and skin irritation). And now - finally - onto the shower gel: I am now trying Alba Botanica Very Emollient Bath & Shower Gel in SPARKLING MINT. It also has peppermint oil. I just started using it, so I will post a review for that product after using it for at least a couple weeks, but so far I LOVE IT. It also comes in different "aromas" and at a GREAT price her on Amazon. However, the Mint is absolute paradise, IMHO. St. Ives is a fantastic brand. I've ONLY changed based on my aggravated skin and what I've found in my research, not because I don't like St. I'ves. If you want something good and gentle for the skin, and still feel clean, this is an absolute winner.
