Fresh, flowery and fruity
If your normal creams are too heavy for the hot weather, try some of these lighter options
High temperatures demand the use of light, fruit or flower based and fragranced products to help create a feeling of coolness, freshness and calm. Our normal body lotion or face cream may feel too heavily fragranced or over stimulating and sticky for use in hot weather. In addition, products that contain or are based on fruit and flower extracts tend to be better suited to the skin in the summer. Face and body products need to feel and smell refreshing and cooling rather than heavy or cloying.
The fresh smell of citrus or flowers give a definite psychological lift, especially if you are feeling hot and bothered. You may feel too hot to slather your whole body in oils or lotions in the daytime, but before bed is the ideal time to apply beautifully scented, natural-ingredient-based lotions or oils. Choose products that contain a very high percentage of vegetable or plant derived oils or ‘butters’ as these have a long-term conditioning effect on the skin and will feed it. Brands like Korres, Roseveda and Jurlique are good examples.
Products with citrus extracts smell great and lift the spirits but use those that have been developed with low amounts of citrus, such as the ones listed below. The use of citrus essential oils for use in aromatherapy is a different story and should not be used in the summer as they can have a photosensitising effect on the skin when used in the sun.
Products containing real extract or essential oil of rose are a real treat as rose is the most expensive essential oil in the world, needing hundreds of kilos of rose petals to extract just a small amount of oil. Rose essential oil is used to make rose water (not the cheap imitations in the chemist or supermarket) and is used in skin care preparations, high quality face oils or used by aromatherapists in massage blends, and is perfect for very sensitive skins prone to redness and broken capillaries or dry and mature complexions. It also has anti depressant qualities and suits women who may be going through emotional or ‘hormonal’ times. Jasmine and neroli (orange blossom) have similar qualities and are not quite so expensive.
I have recently used all the products below and they all scored gold stars for quality and effectiveness.
Korres Body Milk with Citrus
Uplifting fragrance and perfect texture with moisturising effect that lasts. Contains jojoba oil, shea butter, zinc and vitamins C and E, which deliver the perfect blend of lightness yet richness. As with all Korres products, this mineral oil, silicone and propylene glycol free.
Korres Body Butter with Quince
Gorgeous melting, velvety texture, light and fresh fragranced cream for drier skin conditions. Excellent for feet, elbows and knees.
Rosveda Skinelle Face and Body Oil
This wonderful, light treatment oil is perfect for parched or dry skins. Great for feeding dry or wrinkle-prone complexions overnight and works wonders on body skin or feet and cuticles while you sleep. The smell of sweet orange gives a real psychological lift and is very sensual as a massage oil.
Korres Jasmine Eye Make Up Remover
Effective even on waterproof mascara yet gentle and non oily. Great skin and eyelash conditioning formula containing jasmine, cucumber, calendula and provitamin B5.
Rosveda Rose Skin Tonic
A gentle, cooling face toner with the calming smell of rose to soothe and tone skin after cleansing, scrubbing or sunbathing. Offers an immediate feeling of hydration and helps calm sensitive or parched skin. Petrochemical free.
Korrres Wild Rose Moisturiser
The wild rose oil in this rich cream offers excellent anti-wrinkle properties as rose is high in vitamin C. It is recommended for normal and dry skins but I think it will be loved by women with dry or very dry skins as the texture is very nourishing and therapeutic.
Jurlique Rosewater Freshener
This organic facial toner can be used as part of your skin care routine or sprayed onto the face and chest any time of day to soothe and refresh all skins. Especially good for sensitive or red skins.
Jurlique Rose Shower Gel and Rose Body Lotion
Pure luxury. Calming, organic rose extract to soothe the senses as well as skin with light textures to keep you feeling cool in the heat.
Korres available at fine chemists and department stores. Jurlique and Rosveda products available at [email protected] or 99548338.
