Organic Body Lotion

Choose Your Body Lotion
By John Morris

Body lotions come in many different combinations of herbs, natural products derived from fruits, plant leaves or seeds. They work in so many ways, such as healing dry skin, improving skin’s texture, nourishing and replenishing skin’s lost natural oils as well as it restores the radiance of the skin.

I. Natural Ingredients:

1. Shea butter

Derived from the fruit kernels of the shea nut tree, it has remarkable healing and softening abilities. Studies show that shea butter has anti inflammatory effects on the skin, thus increase wound healing and improve scar appearance. From its physical make up of vitamin E, vitamin A, and cinnamic acid as well as a unique fatty acid profile, this butter can moisturize and heal dry skin.

2. Sunflower oil

Is rich in vitamins E and A and very high in fatty acids that aids in restoring skin moisture, natural oils and regenerates. Vitamin A encourages collagen production and is able to retain moisture.

3. Almond oil

Easily absorbed, this is an important nutrient for skin softening and conditioning. With high vitamin A content, it is very suitable to dry, flaky or inflamed skin. Helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture.

4. Jojoba oil

Good for all skin types, It readily penetrates the skin to nourish, moisturize and softens dry skin. Hypoallergenic and pure, it contains minerals, proteins and a waxy substance which imitates the skin’s collagen, making it supple and soft to the touch.

5. Cocoa butter

A very popular ingredient among hand and body lotions, like the shea butter, it acts as an emollient helping the skin feel soft and calm. It can also prevent and lessen stretch marks if applied regularly.

6 Aloe Vera

Studies show that aloe vera can very well improve the skin’s capability to hydrate itself. It has a powerful penetrating ability which carries healthy substances through the skin. With daily use, aloe vera will help maintain a healthy glowing skin. Because of its numerous biologically active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, phytosterols, glycerol, vitamins E, B & C and zinc; these all contribute to the healing, scar reducing and anti inflammatory effects of aloe vera.

7. Macadamia oil

This has lubrication properties and is easily absorbed. This oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids acting as anti oxidants to prevent deterioration and weakening of cell membrane. It is also an emollient with magnesium and thiamine, that soothes and calms. Good for mature and aging skin.

8. Glycerin

It has humectant properties, drawing moisture from the air unto the skin.

II. Choosing The Right Body Lotion For You:

- Read labels
Different products have different ingredients. It is important that you know what consists of the lotion that you are buying, to avoid allergies. Also choose a product labeled as a moisturizer.

- Choose a moisturizing lotion
Take note of the positive changes it has done to your skin. Note these changes and if you love the results, then continue using it.

- Know your skin
Although many lotions are for all skin types, there are lotions which are specifically formulated for normal,dry, amd extra dry skin. It is best to buy a lotion that could address to your skin type to achieve the best results.

- Know what you need
Do you need a lotion just for daily moisturizing? Or you have stretch marks that needs attention too? There are hundreds of moisturizing products in the market that can improve the appearance of your stretch marks as well as nourish your skin.

- Consider your skin’s condition
If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing lotion that is noncomedogenic. This means that the lotion has been proven and tested not to cause acne reactions on the skin. Likewise, unscented body lotions will unlikely cause allergies.

- Consider your lifestyle
If you are the type who loves spending time outdoors, you may need a lotion with ultraviolet protection, to minimize skin wrinkling and drying.

- Consider the season
In winter, choose a heavier lotion with shea butter or any intensive ingredient. During the summer, a lighter, well absorbed lotion with aloe vera and sunscreen protection works best.

For more great body lotion related articles and resources check out http://bodylotion.bathnbodyhq.com

Body Moisturizer

Winter in, Dry Skin out!
By Chelle Murphy

Why does your skin become drier during the winter months? Because many of us are exposed to factors that cause us to lose moisture, including the soaps that we used on a daily basis.

Take fewer showers

Dermatologists recommend that we limit the number of showers or baths that we take. For those of us who simply must bathe frequently, try spending a little less time in the tub/shower.

While many of us like a hot shower, try adjusting the water temperature. Make it warm, rather than hot. The hotter the water, the more it depletes your skin and hair of natural moisture. Try switching to gentle cleansers, ones that do not contain a lot of harsh chemicals: Aveeno, Dove, Nuetrogena, or Tea Tree Gel Therapeutic Body Moisturizer.

Lay it on thick!

If you’re like me, then you don’t care for the feel of thick, heavy, greasy moisturizers. But, let’s face it, they work best. If you cannot tolerate the heavy stuff, then you might want to mix it with a lighter lotion, but make sure to avoid products containing alcohol. It’s best if you apply your moisturizer right after bathing.

Don’t forget to drink lots of water, at least 8 fluid ounces per day and add a humidifier to your arsenal, especially if your house has forced-air heating.

Chelle Murphy is a contributor to http://www.thecozyshack.com's health, beauty and fashion section.