Winter Skin Care

During the winter months, we are inside in artificial heat and light for most of the day.  As a result, we often develop dry, cracked skin, itchy rashes and flaking.  The creams we use normally just don't seem to work no matter how often we apply them.  The reason for this is that most creams purchased at pharmacies and department stores have a mineral oil base.  Mineral oil sits on top of the skin, sure it feels soft and smooth - for a while, but it does very little to encourage the skin to heal and maintain its own moisture.  Even those creams advertising Shea butter or jojoba oil have such minuscule amounts in them that they don't really work.  In the winter, creams with a base of natural nut, flower and vegetable oils work much better to repair skin.  They penetrate the various skin layers providing moisture and healing vitamins and minerals. 

Franklin Farm Herbals makes creams and ointments from a variety of oils, including herbal infused oils.  Grape seed and Sweet Almond combined form the base of our hand and body lotions.  To our more therapeutic creams we add various combinations of Shea butter, jojoba, coconut oil, coco butter, olive oil infused with Comfrey or St. John's Wort .  The creams can be scented to individual taste, not at all, or with essential oils that provide even stronger healing benefits.

A wonderful way to help your skin retain a gorgeous glow is to use a salt or sugar scrub periodically.  The salt and sugar rubs are super exfoliants, salt or sugar combined with various oils and essential or fragrance oils are a delightful way to pamper your skin in the cold season.  Franklin Farm custom blends sugar and sea salt scrubs and will match a hand/body cream, goat milk and glycerin soap, massage oil and bath salts with your favourite fragrance.

 Other ways to keep your skin healthy in dry cold weather is to drink a lot of water and add moisture from the inside to benefit the outside!.  Limit alcohol and coffee as they dehydrate the body.  Shorten your bath and shower times to less than 20 minutes - soaking or standing in hot water for more than that also dehydrates.  And always, always use a good all over moisturiser at least once a day, especially after bathing when the skin is still damp.

 

 

Lt - Rt; Sugar Scrub, Body Cream, Sea Salt Scrub

Franklin Farm is open by appointment or by chance in the winter months.  Contact Jill by phone 705-277-9800, or email jillherb@yahoo.com.