Summer is already here, and it is time to go into skin-softening overdrive for skin that has been covered up all winter such as arms, shoulders and legs. With the hot air and moisture-robbing air conditioning, and the sun, sand, and pool water, the skin on my legs can use all the help they can get. I like to switch to a gentle hydrating body wash in the summer to maximize my moisturizing efforts. If that is a natural product, all the better.

Natural Soothing Moisturizing Body Wash is a hydrating cleanser that lathers enough to provide a good base for shaving my legs without excessively stripping moisture. I like that the cleansing ingredients are strong enough to clean and remove bacteria, sunscreen lotions or oils, yet there are plenty of gentle ingredients so that it can be used for even sensitive skin conditions such as eczema.

USE
The bottle recommends using the wash with use a loofah, washcloth or your hands. I also found it worked well with my Clarisonic Body Brush Head or a gentle sponge. Only a small amount of wash is needed, about the size of a quarter, and if I am also shaving my legs about a half dollar total. There is a sudsy lather, and it washes away cleanly without a residue.

SCENT
A fresh but very light scent of Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, and lemons while in use, it dries down to a not-detectible scent that does not conflict with any perfumes. The lemon scent is decidedly closer to a limoncello than an artificial Lemon Pledge. I wouldn’t mind if this scent lasted on the skin afterward but I really can’t smell it on myself after use.

INGREDIENTS
Aloe Vera: Did you have an Aloe Vera Plant in your home growing up? We did, and every time someone got a sunburn, out came a cutting of an Aloe leaf and the sticky goo from inside the leaf to soothe it. Aloe Vera hydrates the skin without making it greasy, and when combined with other ingredients, it does not leave the sticky feeling associated with a direct application. Aloe Vera increases the water content of the skin, moisturizing and plumping the skin with hydration. What I find particularly interesting about Aloe Vera is how it is useful for all skin types: it treats acne, it soothes and de-inflames eczema, it tones oily skin, it hydrates dry skin. Multi-purpose Aloe Vera has Gibberellin, which stimulates the growth of new cells. It also keeps flaky, dry skin at bay. A soothing moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated during cleansing, Aloe is a great addition to a body cleanser.

Lemons are an antioxidant cleansing agent rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C assists with collagen production. Lemons also serve as a toner for the skin. Over time, they lighten dark areas such as elbows and knees and make skin appear clear and bright.

Tea Tree Oil has multiple skin care benefits including antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which provide protection against a whole host of infections.

Eucalyptus Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it heals irritation and insect bites. It also soothes and treats acne and inflammation. It has an invigorating sensation when used within a skin wash.

Lavendin Oil is an invigorating form of lavender that repels mosquitos and soothes tired, aching muscles and reduces inflammation. Unlike the lavender variant that causes one to feel sleepy, this stimulating ingredient makes for a great morning pick-me-up in the shower.

RESULTS
I like that this body wash is all natural yet still leaves my skin clean and moisturized. The fine line between a body wash that is overly harsh on the skin and one that is not robust enough to remove toxins and dirt from the beach or being outside is a delicate balance. The proper ingredients in a body wash are essential, or else you negate all your diligent moisturizing efforts. I like the combination of ingredients to both clean, protect, moisturize and invigorate, and I love the lemon scent. It is powerful enough to remove residual bug sprays and sunscreen from an outdoor picnic outing yet gentle enough not to deplete skin of natural oils. A small amount goes a long way towards soft, clean skin.