Moisturizing is an essential element of skin care, especially in the drier months of the year and in dry climates.  And now, with frequent handwashing and sanitizing all the more necessary, it can be easy to dry out your skin and its natural protective barrier.  With so many moisturizers to choose from, you may wonder what the differences really are and what might work best for you.  Here are some details and suggestions about the lotions and creams we offer:

Pure Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba), pressed from jojoba seeds, has dozens of uses as a moisturizer and lubricant in skin care, hair care and massage.  Jojoba is a good choice for folks with super-sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis that may get irritated by heavier creams or products with a fragrance.  Jojoba is ultra-light weight and spreads easily, so a little goes a long way.  It makes a terrific gentle makeup remover and aftershave, too.

High-quality body lotions use olive oil and/or sweet almond oil (instead of mineral oil or soybean oil) for a silky, non-greasy feel and long-lasting moisture.  The French body lotions we carry also offer the lightest of fragrances to stir the senses and add to the enjoyment.  Try Provence Sante lotions in Lavender, Linden, Jasmine, Verbena or Wild Rose.  I like keeping one by the guest bath sink so that guests can moisturize right after washing their hands to help lock in moisture.  These lotions pair beautifully with our Bath Bars, Big Bars, Liquid Soaps and Eaux de Toilette in the same fragrances. 

With a base of Italian olive oil, Cali Oliva and Tarocco Body Emulsions are longstanding favorites for their creamy, silky feel, and are equally popular with women and men.  For the scent-sensitive, their aromas are even lighter than the French products.  The pure orange extract in the Tarocco lotion also adds an uplifting citrus note to the moisturizing experience.

Body butters are thicker than lotions, and while spreadable enough to use all over, are especially good at treating extra-dry areas like elbows, knees, heels, and the backs of your hands.  Our body butters are packed with rich natural moisturizers like organic shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter to leave your skin buttery soft.  We offer Unscented 10% Shea Body Butter that has fast become a favorite for both men and women.

Hand creams are the richest of the moisturizers we offer.  The Lavender Hand Cream (with 20% shea butter and lavender essential oil) and the Moisturizing Foot Cream (with 15% shea butter, plus mint, cypress and tea tree essential oils) are specially formulated to pamper your hardworking hands and feet.  Thick and penetrating, both work beautifully to soothe, smooth, soften and heal.  Mint is also stimulating for circulation.  Try applying at bedtime and letting them work overnight.

All moisturizers benefit from being applied right after your shower or bath.  For more dry and cold weather skin care tips, check out our post with Five Steps to Healthy Winter Skin.  Enjoy!