Most bubble baths strip skin of natural protective oils, as do many liquid body washes. Many soaps, especially deodorant or anti-bacterial ones, are extremely drying. Some peoples' skin may be sensitive to the perfumes, preservatives or coloring in such products. Dhir recommends super-fatted soaps like Lever 2000, Dove, Basis and Purpose but even those need only be used sparingly and usually just on the face, hands, feet, groin and armpits. Also, loofahs, bath brushes, washcloths, bath puffs made of net and other items also can overly strip the skin a little mild soap on the hands is all that's needed for washing.
Baths are better.
Bark finds that baths are less drying than showers. The impact of showering water on the skin removes protective oils quickly. Hot tubs and hot whirlpools also are drying because of the water temperature's impact on the skin. Skin experts recommend putting on moisturizing creams within three minutes of getting out of the shower or tub, without toweling dry first. Bath oils, by the way, should never be used in the tub or shower, because they make the floors slippery and hazardous.