Winter is (finally) coming to an end and it’s time to let our skin see the light of day. To make sure it’s soft and supple Healthista’s resident natural beauty expert Janey Lee Grace has an edit of the best natural body moisturisers she’s tried
Most people find their skin is much drier in the winter months because of cold weather, winds and spending much of the time in a home or office with dry heat blasting out all day. This isn’t just on your face, but your entire body. As we head towards lighter evenings and warmer days (I hope), it is time to ditch the warm woollies and bring out the short sleeves. If you are like me you will have spent the winter wrapped up, getting dressed as quickly as possible in the morning feeling it is too cold to spend time applying body moisturiser.
Flaking skin is a tell-tall way to know that your skin needs a good moisturiser
As spring approaches I am looking at a winter’s worth of neglected skin which now needs an overhaul, and quickly. Flaking skin is a tell-tall way to know that your skin needs a good moisturiser. Another obvious way to know your skin needs more moisture is when your skin feels tight and uncomfortable. To restore the moisture we need body moisturisers that will give the best result as quickly as possible. But many moisturisers are highly perfumed and synthetic and this can make dry skin worse by irritating it with fragrances, among the worst irritants used in cosmetics. These are the purest, most natural ones I have found to work for me
Pure Lakes Dry Skin Balm
Price: £6.50 (55g jar) purelakes.co.uk
This skin balm is packed with good stuff – aloe Vera, beeswax, avocado, jojoba, calendula, coconut and shea butters. Just a little is all that’s needed to make my skin feel nourished and cared for. At the moment I have really dry skin so it’s a pleasure to find a product that works so well, without being sticky or greasy and the scent of lavender and chamomile is wonderful. This is an intense moisturiser, great for nourishing and protecting cracked, dry skin.
Pure Lakes products are handmade, and don’t include any nasty chemicals. It’s good to know I am making my skin feel good without harming the environment. Sandra and Iain who own Pure Lakes are passionate about running the business responsibly – 95 percent of waste is reused or recycled and they have sourced 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. This has resulted in several environmental awards including an Environmental Excellence award and ‘Green Hero’ award from the Environment Agency.
Natures Naturals DermaBalm
Price: £19.95 (150ml) naturesnaturals.co.uk
Natures Natural Dermabalm is a totally natural, over-the counter skin care product, especially effective for dry, itchy skin. It’s made up of totally naturally-sourced ingredients to help protect your skin in the gentlest, safest way possible. If, like me, you are prone to dry, itchy patches this balm is perfect for getting rid of them. It can also be used on conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It leaves my skin instantly soft and supple. Known as ‘magic milk’ it really does work wonders. I had painful cracked skin on my fingers, due to not wearing gloves in winter, and this ‘magic milk’ healed them quickly. I love how light and gentle this natural moisturising ‘milk’ is with no greasy residue or stains.
It is made up of totally naturally-sourced ingredients to help protect your skin in the gentlest, safest way possible.
As well as general dry skin issues from household chores and gardening, DermaBalm can really help with skin that is affected as a result of the ageing process, such as: rough skin; non-elastic tightness feeling (caused by loss of elastin and collagen), overuse of soaps or hot baths (especially in cold weather). It can also help relieve the symptoms of heat rash and dry skin caused by gardening, washing and many other activities. And once you have truly moisturised your skin after winter you can take Dermabalm on holiday to use as after-sun, made easier as it is available in a travel pack size that meets airline regulations. I make sure I always have a bottle in the house at all times.
Tiana Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin
Price: £7.99 tiana-coconut.com
Dry skin results from a deficiency in the oil and moisture that are required to keep the skin lubricated and this deficiency can result in flaking, scaling and cracking. Tiana Coconut oil is perfect for correcting this, it has extra moisturising properties and is quickly absorbed into the skin, making your skin feel smooth and soft without feeling greasy. The coconut oil used is cold pressed which provides extra moisturising properties and is packed with all of the active plant nutrients present in fresh coconut, pure essential rose oil and cold pressed Argan oil.
Using coconut oil is not a new concept — coconut oil has been used for many centuries in the far east as a skin care, beauty and hair care product. Premium. I love this oil as It makes for a wonderful skin moisturiser and hair conditioner. It is also suitable for a delicate baby’s skin as well as for problem skin due to the high content of lauric acid. My younger son had a dry patch on his face so I applied the coconut oil every day and by day three the dry patch has disappeared. 100 per cent certified organic and Fair Trade ingredients are used to make this product. It goes without saying I am a huge fan.
Weleda Skin Food
Price: £9.95 (75ml)
Weleda Skin Food is a deep-penetrating replenishing skin repair cream for dry patches of skin and gives added protection (Victoria Beckham is a fan). Ideal for skin that is dry, flaky and in need of extra care. It is a nourishing and hydrating treatment for the whole body, especially hands, feet and elbows. This marvellous intensive moisture cream is a backstage beauty secret and been around since 1926. Made with organic sunflower seed oil, and extracts of wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and revitalising rosemary extract to perk up tired skin, it is a great rescue remedy for lack-lustre or generally undernourished complexions.
It is a nourishing and hydrating treatment for the whole body, especially hands, feet and elbows.
I keep it in my handbag as the tube is very sturdy and it will not break when battered around with other items in there. When my hands are in need of moisture I apply liberally, cover with gloves and leave overnight. I love this product as its so versatile. It’s perfect for applying to make up free skin before a run as it protects my face from the elements. I also use it underneath my foundation for a dewy glow. It is also perfect as a night cream or as a winter protection day cream. It’s very thick, but I love how soft, plump and radiant my skin looks afterwards. A little goes a long way.
Green People Body Butter
£19.95 greenpeople.co.uk
I love opening the Body Butter as I am instantly hit with a gorgeous scent of organic pomegranate, rosehip and coconut. It is deeply nourishing and drenches thirsty skin which makes it perfect for dry or cracked skin as it forms a protective barrier to allow the skin to recover. I use it overnight as it seals in moisture and I wake up with lovely plump skin. As a treat I apply it to my feet before bed and wear cotton socks, its lovely having smooth feet in the morning, as if I’d had a pedicure while sleeping. It can also be used as a massage balm, cuticle cream or soothing balm after hair removal.
When applying I found it easy to apply all over my skin and I didn’t need a lot at all so the pot will last awhile. I also found that the oil warms up too when applying which is great when the weather is cold. Established in 1997, Green People sell an extensive range of natural products and is now one of the biggest names in organic beauty in the UK.
MORE BY JANEY LEE GRACE:
5 best natural mineral powders under £20
Janey Lee Grace is known to over 8 million daily listeners via BBC Radio 2, is a passionate representative and Media spokesperson for the organic and natural health world, and has been voted number one personality in the 2013 and 2014 Natural Beauty Yearbook. She currently writes columns for many magazines recommending natural products and services, is a passionate public speaker and interviewee on UK radio and TV, and the author of five bestselling books on natural nealth, including two Amazon Number 1’s.
Visit Janey’s website, imperfectlynatural.com, follow Janey on Twitter and Facebook.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
