| Chapped lips and hands are inevitable during the cold winter months…or, maybe not? Its October and winter is, right around the corner. Wrapped in my many layers of clothing, I noticed that there was a time when my lips and hands were constantly chapped as soon as the colder months arrived. Can you relate? The skin on our lips and hands is particularly thin and fragile, so the intense temperature changes strongly affect these parts of our body. Here are a few simple tricks to bring the necessary softness and warmth to those parts of the body that only need a little comfort… Let’s start with this little detail that we forget a little too often in our overloaded lifestyle 1. Hydration! All the organs of our body need water to be able to perform their functions efficiently, the same goes for the skin. Thus, maintaining good overall hydration of the body helps to slow down the drying out of the sensitive parts of your body. This may seem obvious, plainly obvious, but during the colder winter months you don’t feel thirst as frequently as in the warmer weather, so it is even more important to remember to drink water (tip: add daily notifications on your smart phone to remind you) Also note that antibacterial gels, which are especially part of our daily lives lately (aren’t they?), are very aggressive on the skin on our hands. So, I recommend that you carry a small bottle of hand cream or nourishing oil with you to moisturize your hands as frequently as you disinfect them. Avoid washing your hands with hot water: The temperature contrast removes the natural oils that are found on the surface of your skin. Result: your skin will feel dryer and dryer. As the famous saying goes better safe than sorry! So it’s better to prepare your lips and hands for the colder months than to try to repair the ravages of winter afterward! Moisturizing with a balm or oil is recommended before going out for a walk in freezing cold fresh air! Pro Tip 1! I recommend that you apply oil to “damp” skin. Indeed, this will give the skin time to soften and the pores time to open to better absorb the nourishing properties of the oil used. (For example, when you get out of the bath, apply your body oil to your skin when it is still damp & warm) Pro Tip 2! I also recommend adding an essential oil diffuser in your bedroom to also fight against the dehydrating effects caused by heating systems. Add soothing oils such as lavender and black spruce to enjoy an instant comforting and relaxing effect. 2. Ingredients for smooth & nourished hands and lips Sweet almond oil: Rich in vitamins A and E, this oil is beneficial for maintaining skin elasticity and activating cell repair. Thus, a real improvement can be observed after regular application. Being an oil particularly gentle on the skin, it is suitable for deeply moisturizing your lips, hands, and all parts of your body prone to irritation and itching. It penetrates very easily after application and is suitable for all skin types, especially for dry and irritated skin. Pro Tip 3! Adding a small amount of organic sugar to sweet almond oil makes a great softening exfoliant that will give you velvety hands and a sweet tooth in the freezing cold weather! What could be more comforting? Yum. |
Cocoa Butter:
Although its identity is often hidden by its best-known sidekick, shea butter, cocoa butter stands out for its nourishing, antioxidant, and skin-healing properties. Indeed, the list of its virtues never ceases to grow! Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fats, it helps fight against skin aging since it promotes elasticity and protection. Coming from cocoa beans, this butter will restore your lips to their natural tone and shine and do the same with your cracked hands. Not to mention the smell and taste of cocoa butter which is most enticing! It is therefore important to protect your skin well and to integrate small daily beauty rituals to take good care of your skin and prevent any damaging dryness!
Adding oil self-massage to your hands and the whole body is a good example of getting off to a good start of facing your day in a relaxed way or ending it peacefully. Indeed, such nourishing massages activate the blood and energy circulation of your body and encourage the moisturizing properties of the oil to penetrate deep into the pores of the skin. This very simple ritual brings comfort and allows us to pay attention to those parts which are often forgotten.
Thanks, Connie Stay tuned for next week’s Pro-Tips.
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