Soap is an everyday cleansing agent that is used to clear away dirt and greese right? Wrong! If used frequently enough, some traditional soaps can do more harm than good. You should immediately run to your bathroom and check whether or not you are using the right kind of soap.

British dermitologist Dr. F. Ray Bettley made a bold statement when he said that traditional soap is actually bad for your skin. Bettley said that typical soap, made from “caustic alkalies and fats,” has a way of not only removing dirt and greese from our skin, but also the skin’s natural protective layer, which ensures moisturization.

But have no fear–there is a solution. “Soapless soap” is a cleansing agent that does not strip the skin of its necessary natural nutrients. There are several brands of soapless soap on the skincare market–though some can get very pricey. My favorite is the Aquanil cleanser–it’s a gentle, soapless and lipid free cleanser that restores moisture.

It’s definitely affordable–around $10.58. If you’re really concerned and would like to get the top of the line product in soapless skincare, items can range up to $70.00.

It doesn’t stop there. Manufacturers have developed soapless shampoo and soapless conditioner as well. These products will definitely inhibit excessive dryness to your hair. One thing’s for sure—if you’re using the cheap soap from the Dollar Tree, you’re probably scrubbing away essential oils from your skin. When it comes to skincare, it pays to spend a little bit more.

Aquanil Cleanser

The latest whacky craze to hit the Fall/Winter 09 runways is the hermaphroditic, sinister looking face sporting a pale visage, jet black hair, gothic makeup and no eyebrows. Like everything else that has gone wrong this past year, The NewYork Times reports that the sad economic times is to blame for this also. What else is new? J Party scenesters see it as an inexpensive way to shake things up while emulating haute couture. Givenchy could not have made the sultry Adrianna Lima look more different than her sexy Victoria Secret self, in its latest campaign which features you guessed it, eyebrow less, futuristic looking models in a traditional, luxurious French chateau setting. Emma Watson and the always fashion savvy Kim Kardashian were also recently photographed in prominent photo shoots with brows completely forgotten.

While photographers love the blank slate face that allows them to play up the rest of the scenery, some eyebrow slayers embrace the spiritual connection behind them and claim to be inspired by Buddhist monks. Do you think the look portrays cerebral serenity or do you believe it is futuristic and ghastly?

Adrianna Lima, Emma Watson, Givenchy