Despite enjoying hot baths and cosy nights in, I'm definitely more of a Summer person and I really hate it when the weather gets cold! I swear one day that I'll finally take the plunge and move to somewhere that's mild and sunny all year round, but until then, I'll be relying on my arsenal of cold weather saviours to help save my skin.
As many of you already know, I've had eczema since as I was a child and I always find that seasonal changes in the weather have a tendency to provoke a flare-up, with the worst ones always arriving at this time of the year. Cold weather (and central heating) can also exacerbate any dry skin problem, so I wanted to share some of the products that I've found helpful in managing my own eczema and dry skin complaints.
Quick disclaimer: I fully understand that everyone's skin is different and that some people may have allergies or reactions to certain ingredients that don't irritate me, so these products may not work for everyone in the same way. I also always recommend doing a patch test before slathering your whole body in a new product if you have sensitive skin, but I'm sure most people already do this :)
Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Lotion*
(200ml, £14.50, link)
This sensitive skin body lotion from Weleda is pH balanced and contains Organic Almond Oil, Glycerin, Squalene and Beeswax to protect and defend the skin from the worst of the elements. I find it incredibly gentle and lightweight, absorbing quickly without any greasy or sticky feeling afterwards. Instead, my skin feels silky soft and smooth, as well as thoroughly hydrated. It does contain a small amount of fragrance (derived naturally from essential oils) that's the last ingredient in the inci list, which gives this body lotion a lovely subtle fresh scent and doesn't irritate my skin.
Pure Potions Skin Salvation Intensive Moisturising Ointment*
(30ml, £7.99, link)
Don't be put off by the slightly unappetising natural colour of this ointment, because this little tub is a soothing superstar! Developed by a mother who wanted to treat her daughter's chronic eczema in a more natural way without having to rely on steroid creams, Pure Potions was ultimately born and is now trusted and used by thousands of eczema sufferers. Skin Salvation is perhaps their most well-known product and the one that I've used for years. It's an incredibly thick and rich formula made from 100% natural ingredients such as Olive Fruit Oil, Beeswax, Safflower Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and plant extracts, which really help to soothe any kind of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dry skin problem. A little goes a long way and you can apply it anywhere and everywhere to provide instant relief and long-term moisturising benefits.
Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream*
(30ml, £8.99, link)
This multi-purpose, all-natural, steroid-free cream has an interesting water-free formula which means that it can be naturally free of preservatives. In this jar, you'll find a wonderfully thick and rich moisturiser that's made from a blend of Cold Pressed Almond Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Cold Pressed Apricot Kernel Oil, Borage Oil, Vitamin E, and the star ingredient, 2% Calendula extract. It also contains Lavender, Frankincense, Juniper and Geranium essential oils which all have their different natural properties to benefit the skin. Like the Pure Potions Skin Salvation, you can use this Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream anywhere and you only need a tiny amount each time to soothe away redness and any kind of irritation.
Laidbare Butter Me Up Organic Shea Body Butter*
(250ml, £14.99, link)
If your skin can tolerate some natural fragrance from essential oils, Laidbare's Butter Me Up Body Butter is one of my favourite pampering treats to use after a bath or shower when my skin needs some TLC and I want it to smell good! The body butter is packed full of ingredients such as Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter and Rosehip Oil, to deeply hydrate dry skin, leaving it as soft as a baby's bum afterwards. It also smells heavenly thanks to an all-natural fragrance composed of Jasmine, Bergamot, Patchouli and Vetiver essential oils - so relaxing and uplifting at the same time!
Organii Argan Shower Gel*
(300ml, £5.95, link)
For bath and body products, I always recommend using SLS-free formulas because my skin usually suffers whenever I use something that contains sulphates as they are often far too harsh and stripping for sensitive and dry skin. Organii have a great range of affordable SLS-free shower gels which are also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. I've been enjoying using their Argan Shower Gel that's enriched with Argan Oil for a quick and easy shower that doesn't upset my skin.
Konjac Sponge Co Red Clay Body Sponge*
(£11.99, link)
Lastly, for this feature, I wanted to include one of my beloved Konjac Sponges. A lot of people use plastic-based based loofahs in the shower to cleanse their bodies with, but I always find them to be too scratchy, so when I discovered Konjac Sponges a few years ago, they completely changed my bathroom routine! These innovative sponges are made entirely from the Konjac plant, so they're biodegradable and can be composted when they're worn out (they usually last for 3-4 months if you look after them properly). The Konjac Sponge Co have a huge variety of them, but I particularly love their Red Clay Body Sponge which is infused with Red Clay to help boost circulation for glowing, hydrated skin. Great for mature, dry and sensitive skin types, these sponges are such a pleasure to use as they're wonderfully soft and can be used on their own or with a small amount of your favourite shower gel.
What are your favourite products for treating dry skin and eczema?
