Winter can be such a cosy and joyful time, curling up by the fire, wrapping up for winter walks and delicious comfort food with friends and family. All of these seasonal highs can also lead to some less than welcome side effects. Harsher weather, a drier climate and indoor heat can wreak havoc on your skin.
My hands especially seem to be the most affected and I’m always on the lookout for natural remedies to protect my hands and skin from the elements to keep them soft and supple. Here are my absolute essentials for keeping hands and nails during the winter
Colder conditions can lead to bad circulation and all sorts of skin conditions like dry skin, chilblains and eczema to name a few. Essential oils are such an important part of my everyday routine and Geranium Oil has to be at the top of my list, not only is it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory but it’s also known for its moisturising properties and its ability to calm skin irritation and inflammation.
For Chill-blains: Usually it is the fingers, but for me it's always my toes, my mother her ears. I just pop one neat drop of Geranium oil directly onto the chill-blain for two days.
Beautifully nourishing for your cuticles and when your skin is in need of some extra TLC. Formulated with 6 botanical oils known for their wonderfully healing and skin reviving qualities, I love to use this at night on my hands for an intensive treatment and for added moisturisation on my face during the day, perfect for getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles or when your skin feels dull or dehydrated.
For your Hands: Gently massage into your nails and cuticles at night or whenever your hands feel sore or dehydrated.
3.Gloves
Like our feet, our hands are a good distance from our heart so cold hands are commonplace during winter, this is why it’s so important to protect your hands. Cold dry air can suck the moisture out of your skin leading to dry, chapped hands or worse. Wearing gloves is vital for keeping your hands safe from the perils of winter weather and keeping you warm. Another reason for cold hands can be due to circulation, when our bodies are exposed to a cold environment your body reacts by trying to preserve your core temperature, another reason to bundle up well and wear gloves when you can.
The ultimate defence against dry winter skin is to use a rich and effective moisturiser which will repair and retain your skin barrier and keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It’s important to choose a moisturiser that suits you and your skin type. I designed the Gardener’s Nourishing hand cream to be rich and soothing, ideal for working hands after a day in the garden and ideal for intense moisturisation for the colder weather. Utilising the naturally powerful properties of essential oils combined with Vitamin E and Shea butter for added moisturisation, this hand cream is my absolute favourite for keeping my hands protected.
I hope my essential products for the winter season will help to alleviate and hydrate your skin and leave you feeling nourished and ready to brace the colder weather with confidence.
Talk soon,
Bella x
