By Kelsey Hoppman Dry skin is a common problem all over the United States throughout the year, especially in the winter months. Where I live, there is little to no humidity and dry skin is prevalent. That is why it is very important that I have something that will soothe and heal my dry skin. I began my quest for a product that would do just that. The “lotions” that you buy in stores, are made up of chemicals such as: Methylparaben, Blue1, Yellow5, Propylparaben… I could go on, but you get the picture. Somehow, putting chemicals on my skin did not sound indulging. Also, I know that though, at the moment, it might feel good, it was harmful to my health. Sometimes people think that using products topically will not be hazardous to their health, or skin. In fact our skin is the largest organ of our body, so, whatever is applied will be absorbed into our system. That is why I decided to create a lotion bar made from natural ingredients. The result was the Vanilla Dream Lotion Bar. Each ingredient in this bar has a specific purpose and benefit. The grape seed oil inside the bar is a preferred cosmetic ingredient for damaged and stressed tissues. The Beeswax is non comedogenic as well as the fact that it provides a moisture barrier against harsh elements. Beeswax is also smoothing and moisturizing and among other things, it can be used as an antibiotic or antiseptic.Evening primrose oil comes from a wild flower that grows throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The flowers contain a certain fatty acid which has remarkable healing properties and has also been shown to ease inflammation. Evening Primrose Oil has been used to treat common skin conditions such as: acne, rosacea, and eczema. The benefits are not just for skin, but for women’s health as well. Vitamin E has many known benefits and works as a natural preservative. Cocoa Butter, or sometimes called Cacao Butter, has been called the “ultimate moisturizer” and used to keep skin soft and supple for centuries. It is recommended for eczema and dermatitis. Cocoa Butter also creates a barrier between sensitive skin and the environment and it helps retain moisture, just as beeswax does. By-the-way, it is also very helpful in preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. Finally, the Vanilla Essential Oil, or Vanilla Plantifolia has a soothing effect and stabilizes emotions. The really great thing about the lotion bar though, is that it is not just for dry skin. It can be used at any time and in any way. It also is very portable. Try the Vanilla Dream Lotion Bar out for yourself! You’ll be surprised at the smooth feel and your body will thank you over and over. Kelsey Hoppman is a home schooled fourteen year old and eldest of eight. At the age of eleven she began her venture in developing bath products, beginning with soap and later on: to sugar scrubs, lotion bars, chap sticks, and so forth. She is currently living in New Mexico and hopes to broaden her bath and spa line as soon as she finishes her schooling.