With cold weather finally upon us, many of us are beginning to feel the dreaded drying effect of winter.  The following article describes the best and most effective ingredients to protect skin from trans-epidermal water loss in cold weather.

Water

It might seem counter-intuitive to some people, but having water as an ingredient in your skincare is a definite boost.  It activates the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) in your skin. NMF include sodium lactate, sodium PCA, and amino acids molecules.  These compounds are meant to hold water and keep skin moisturized. When the air around us is very dry, or we become dehydrated, these NMF dry out and can’t do their job.  Using a cream or lotion (make sure it’s a true cream and not a balm) will plump those little guys up.  Then those skin loving oils have a little more to work with.  Another way to keep your skin hydrated is to make sure you’re drinking enough water.  Running a humidifier helps, too.

Beeswax

You had to see this one coming.  The reason beeswax is such a great ingredient in cold weather skincare is because it is so hydrophobic, meaning it does not like water.  It seals skin to keep the water in.  That keeps skin hydrated, and looking plump and full.

Another benefit of the anhydrous nature of beeswax is that it isn’t easily rinsed away.  If you’re in a profession that requires frequent hand washings, look for a good beeswax cream to stick around after the first rinse.

True beeswax emulsions contain significantly less water than traditional creams and lotions.  That means that while they have enough water to activate the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) in your skin, they’re still thick and rich and protect skin.

Lanolin

Lanolin is pressed from sheep’s wool after it’s shorn.  Lanolin is the only oil I know of that can actually absorb 30% of it’s weight in water.  It’s molecular structure is remarkably similar to human sebum.

These properties make it an excellent barrier cream, that actually stores moisture for the skin once it’s finally absorbed. It’s important to make sure to use USP (US Pharmacy) grade lanolin to ensure that it is pure lanolin.  Our hand creams and our Mint and Honey Lip Balm Tin harness the power of beeswax + USP lanolin.

Allantoin

Allantoin is the active ingredient in aloe and comfrey root.  Studies have actually proven that allantoin speeds wound healing. (Araujo et al)  Studies have also shown that allantoin helps with itching.(Veraldi, et al) That’s good news if your skin get so dry that it becomes cracked and itchy.  

Bee Lovely Botanicals™ beeswax skincare was formulated to protect and nourish dry skin.  To read more about our women’s hand creams,  with organic oils, beeswax, lanolin, and probiotics, click here.  For our even tougher Bee Rugged line that contains beeswax, lanolin, allantoin, organic oils and probiotics click here.