The Case Against Anti-Bacterials

September 8, 2014

Mary Carpenter

iStock IN THE RISK/BENEFIT equation, antibacterial soaps are on the verge of losing the battle once and for all. Early in 2014, the FDA took the new position that manufacturers have until 2016 to demonstrate that their antimicrobial products are…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


The Trouble With Wipes, Washes and Sunscreens

April 3, 2017

Mary Carpenter

…triclosan in liquid soaps and triclocarban in bar soaps—which risk harming both users and the environment. In response to an earlier FDA warning, manufacturers failed to show any clinical benefits, compared to plain soap, for these two chemicals, i.e., they…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


A Perspiring Story

May 26, 2014

Mary Carpenter

…(Deodorant soaps often contain triclosan, but studies have found no benefits from antibacterial soaps, either for preventing infection or for reducing bacteria.) To combat the drip, antiperspirants have a different function: to stop sweat and thus odor by clogging the…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


How Sweat Works

August 19, 2019

Janet Kelly

…ingredient, most often triclosan, that inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microbes on the skin. (Deodorant soaps often contain triclosan, but studies have found no benefits from antibacterial soaps, either for preventing infection or for reducing bacteria.) To combat…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


Weekend at the Beach Host(ess) Gifts

July 2, 2014

Nancy McKeon

NOW IS THE TIME of year when our friends with weekend houses at the beach, or in the country, find out who their real friends are–we’re the ones who show our appreciation for their hospitality with truly thoughtful gifts. Now…

Read More»

Tags: ,


Covid-19: June Update

June 8, 2020

Mary Carpenter

…body. Twenty seconds is the critical amount of time it takes for lathered-up soap to inactivate the virus. (Avoid products that say “soap-free.”) Masks are the best protection against both droplets and aerosols, Prather contends, noting the success of Asian…

Read More»

Tags: , , , ,


What's in Your Skincare Routine?

September 11, 2018

Janet Kelly

…Texas reader: I use Olay bath soap and whatever hand/face soap is on hand, often Ivory. Then some makeup base on nose and chin, some eye shadow and eyeliner if I’m going out, and concealer for circles under eyes… Molly:…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


A Penny for Your Wrinkles

September 15, 2024

Valerie Monroe

…microbiome. Which was a fine reason to email HNTFUYF DermDiva Heidi Waldorf, M.D. for advice. “Copper has been used as an antibacterial since the time of Hippocrates,” she said. In the 1940s, it was used in wound-care dressings, then with…

Read More»

Tags:


Chemicals Could be Padding Your Waistline

July 16, 2018

Mary Carpenter

…children. Another, triclosan—used in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste and acne cream—interferes with the regulation of thyroid hormones and is associated with obesity and cancer. Eating organic, whenever you start, may cleanse the body of early, less healthy choices. “Avoiding the most…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


A Matter of Taste

January 28, 2019

Mary Carpenter

…flavor fits into a pattern that involves chemical cleaning agents and dirt or crawly insects,” we avoid it, Gottfried explains. For some, cilantro’s odor suggests soap and/or stink bugs. Bitterness is the taste linked to the greatest number of genes…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


Outsmarting Poison Ivy

June 17, 2024

Mary Carpenter

…especially the body, but that’s where disagreement begins. Wildlife Medicine Magazine advises that the most effective cleansing comes from “repetitive high-pressure, single-direction gentle washing with dish soap (e.g. Dial Ultra or Dawn) under hot running water.” When unavailable, as in…

Read More»

Tags: , , ,


Shampoo Hair-oines Part 2

April 28, 2024

Valerie Monroe

…Ketoconazole inhibits fungal growth and is found in Nizoral Anti-Dandruff shampoo Coal tar suppresses fungus, decreases inflammation, and may reduce sebum production; it’s found in Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo Tea tree oil is antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory and is found in…

Read More»

Tags:


A Cult of Gone Girls?

May 5, 2024

Valerie Monroe

…into elaborate, unnecessary skincare routines? Not the kids. In my limited experience raising a male child, the imperative at pre-adolescence and adolescence was to be sure a soapy shower was taken regularly. My own initiation into skincare, which didn’t start…

Read More»

Tags:


Valentine's Day Is Coming

February 2, 2021

Janet Kelly

…Valentine Bar ($16.50) makes the routine more of a pleasure with its subtly scented, handcrafted soap, all wrapped up in sheep’s wool and gift-ready. For anyone needing a little Valentine’s cheer. RIGHT: Nestle a heart-shaped soap (above) or set some…

Read More»

Tags: , , ,


To Give and to Get

November 27, 2018

Janet Kelly

…is asking Santa for Fragonard soaps and Mary is hoping someone among her family and friends wants a terrarium. Thanks for your input, team, and to Stephanie, who has already weighed in with her garden-inspired thoughts. See below for some…

Read More»

Tags: , ,


Easy, Effective—and Inexpensive

May 14, 2023

Valerie Monroe

…who asked for a simple, effective skincare routine. It’s my own, approved by HNTFUYF DermDiva Heidi Waldorf. Wash your face in the evening with a non-soap cleanser. (In the morning, I only rinse with water but you could use a…

Read More»

Tags:


Picture This

April 18, 2019

Nancy McKeon

…was the real Adele who was declared less than acceptable. Is there any progress at all in body acceptance? Well, Unilever’s Dove soap has been championing Real Beauty with ads that use women with various (to a certain extent) body…

Read More»

Tags: ,


Do You Really Need Toner?

October 29, 2023

Valerie Monroe

…microbiome. But who washes their face with soap today? (If you know someone who does, gently remind them that plain body soaps or traditional bar soaps typically lack moisturizing ingredients and may also contain irritating fragrances or dyes.) Rather than…

Read More»

Tags: