Soap stars: these bars, with massaging nubs and gentle exfoliants, are sure to rub you the right way - Potions & Prescriptions - Brief Article

Natural Health, Jan, 2004 by Megan O'Connell

While sudsing up, leave Repechage Re-Energizing Seaweed Soap ($17; repechage.com) wrapped in its cloth net to smooth dry skin.

Grapefruit alpha-hydroxy acids, like those in Sudz In the Pink Complexion Bar ($6; kissmyface.com), gently encourage cell turnover.

The top of the dual-layered One Minute Body Bar ($6.95; oneminutemanicure.com) moisturizes while the bottom layer exfoliates with loofah and pumice.

The smooth blue beads in Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar ($2.39; drugstores) polish away dull skin on face and body.

Wash rough patches down the drain with C.O. Bigelow Body Exfoliating Soap ($9.50; 800-793-5433), with smoothing cornmeal and softening lemongrass and orange essential oils.

Lush Sandstone soap ($4.70; www.lush.com) contains sand to slough away dead skin.

Circulation stimulators, like spearmint oil, Dead Sea salts and massaging nubs, make lathering up with Origins Let's Circulate Salt Rub Soap ($12; origins.com) an energizing way to start the day.

With its sinus-clearing peppermint scent, massaging bumps and exfoliating jojoba beads, the Bliss Mammoth Minty Scrub Soap ($16; blissworld.com) will get your blood flowing.