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Health: A Little Dirt May Have Some Big Beauty Benefits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- New skin products made out of dirt, that's right dirt.

The maker says the bacteria is good for us.

The wonders of dirt are sort of like how probiotics are good for your digestive system. The same goes for your skin.

Some bacteria, found in dirt, is healthy. The maker of some new products say they might make a person's skin soft, moist, and even less smelly.

The products are called Mother Dirt. They consist of a cleanser, a shampoo, and even a spray mist containing live bacteria. The spray is sprayed directly on the skin twice a day.

"We've confused clean with sterile," said Jasmina Aganovic, the general manager at AO Biome, the makers of dirt products.

"We've taken the dirt out of our lives," said Jasmina.  "We don't spend as much time outdoors as we used to as little children."

She says that we need to reconnect with our environment in order to restore good bacteria to our skin, bacteria that our ancestors enjoyed long ago that have been slowly stripped away by excessive cleaning.

"Our users are able to reduce their dependence on conventional products," Jasmina said. "Examples include cutting out or cutting down on deodorant, cutting down or cutting out on moisturizers."

The products contain ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, a micro-organism that the makers says restores balance to the skin.

Dave Whitlock, who founded the company, says he is living proof.

"I have not taken a shower in over 12 years," said Dave.

He says he's as clean as can be. There have never been any reports of illness or disease related to the dirt products. Doctors say there's plenty of bacteria that's good for you.

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