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4 december 2001 |
handy stuff
I like winter. My skin, however, does not. In fact, it is very much not a fan of the dryness, wind, and general abuse heaped upon it by short days and low temperatures. My hands and lips crack and bleed, which is just way attractive at all the holiday parties. Nothing like skin that looks like it's been through a meat grinder to invite lots of handshakes. And try as I might, opera gloves are not coming back into fashion anytime soon. Trust me. I tried. Now, I'm not generally one to spend a bunch of money on glop and goo most of the time. For the rest of the year, whatever's a buck a gallon at the drugstore usually does the trick. So once I found something that really works during the winter, I felt justified in spending just a wee bit more. Last year, I discovered two items that I now recommend with equal enthusiasm. The first is the Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector. At first, I was a little put off by the heaviness of it. This stuff is about the consistency of toothpaste. But as I gazed at my reddened knuckles, I relented and bought a tube. Used almost daily for two seasons, that one tube just ran out on me just last week. It doesn't take much per application, and lasts through two or three good handwashings. I don't know what it is about hemp seed oil, but even the worst-chapped hands will feel better in a couple of days. It also contains lanolin to seal in moisture. That's great for me, but what about someone like my Friend Q, who is allergic to lanolin and other wool products? I know. Totally weird.
So I also happened upon this other stuff made by Crabtree and Evelyn, whose stuff I've been using for years. Made with shea butter, and with a most light and pleasant smell, Gardeners Hand Therapy is somewhat lighter than the hemp creme. From what I can tell, it's no less effective. Mostly because of the smaller tube, I carry this one around more, saving the hemp for home and before-bedtime. What I like most about these two items is that you only use them sparingly. None of that "apply liberally" crap. In fact, if a lotion doesn't pass my doorknob test, I don't like it. To perform this test in your own home: do the following:
The best news is their price. One tube of each will last you at least all winter and early spring. For 10 or 11 dollars, it's a deal. And, if they don't work for you, both stores have nice return policies in case you're allergic or something. In my search for healed hands, I also tried Aveda's hand protector creme. At 18 dollars--for a smaller tube--and that light lemony smell (not my style), I took advantage of their nice return policy. It ain't worth nearly twenty bucks. Now, as to the kisser, I think most of us have tried just about everything that our wallet will stand. Am I right? We've bought Chap-Stick in every flavor imaginable. We tried the squeeze-n-ooze Blistex/Vaseline/Yuck-o-balm tube. (Which grossed me out for no other reason than it seems really hard to keep clean. Lint magnet.) We even bought Carmex, in spite of blaring FOR COLD SORES on the lid. Criminy. None of the above really do it for me. I couldn't put my finger on a good reason, until I discovered the stuff that I currently use. I realized that, for me at least, petroleum products feel gross. All of that other stuff is made from, you guessed it, petroleum. Yicky. Instead of absorbing and healing, it just sits there like an oil spill and makes your mouth feel...gah. I don't even want to think about it. 
My current favorite lip balm would be by the good folks at Badger Balm. Made with pure olive and plant oils, essential oils for scent, and beeswax; this is for those of you who don't like that over-protected feeling. It's especially good before bedtime, and first thing in the morning. Makes smiling a lot less painful in the winter. How else to combat winter skin? Stay hydrated. Even though I love hot coffee and tea, I drink more water than anything. Whether you realize it or not, your home and business heating can leave your more dehydrated than in the summer. What's worse is that you often don't realize it until late in the day. Also, when we're having a particularly rough spell, I go to the kitchen and dab some olive oil on my face. That's right--olive oil. It works like a charm, and absorbs quickly so no one will ever know. Finally, this year I've started making my own soaps. I tinkered the recipes to suit me and other people with dry skin. My new favorite is the olive and coconut oil soap with carrot juice. It cleans me up without making me feel like I took a spin in the dryer. In fact, I've got a big batch curing in my kitchen right now. So if I run into you and I smell like a carrot... Come on. No one smells like a carrot. Body Shop (their website is difficult; just go to the store.) Crabtree and Evelyn Badger Balm |
