I live in Minnesota which is well known for having bitter cold winter months. I have always had dry to extremely dry skin in the winter. 

 

Being tired of the dry and cracked skin, I began researching soaps because I heard that some store-bought soaps use synthetics that are damaging to skin, increase dryness and intensify eczema. And that many remove the glycerin (helps skin stay hydrated). I discovered that many of the 'soaps' I had been using are not actually soap. They are cleansers and 'beauty' bars that use chemical hardeners and synthetic lathering agents. 

 

I decided to try my hand at creating soaps for my family. What I found was that once I stopped using the store-bought 'soaps' and started using my own handmade soap, my skin became soft and smooth. I was amazed that I could have skin that felt so nice.

 

I am still exposing my skin to the cold elements here and do get dry skin occasionally, but throughout winter my skin is more moisturized and feels great!