Organic Body Lotion

We often neglect the skin on our body and focus mostly on the face. The skin on our body requires just as much care and focus – it’s the body’s largest organ and covers over 20 square feet. It acts as a protective barrier and helps maintain the right internal temperature. It also allows us to sense feeling through nerve endings. Skin is a complex organ – it contains over 20 blood vessels, 650 sweat glands and more than 1,000 nerve endings. It’s only a few millimeters thick and makes up around one-seventh of our body weight. 

Skin is made up of three layers: 

The epidermis – this layer mainly makes new skin cells, gives skin its color and protects the body. It is the most outside layer that acts as a waterproof barrier. Dead cells are shed continuously from the epidermis as new ones take their place – over 500 million skin cells shed everyday. New cells are made in the lower layers of the epidermis. In around 4 weeks, they make their way to the surface, become hard, and replace the dead cells after they shed. The epidermis doesn’t contain any blood vessels. Melanin in the epidermis protects the skin from harmful UV rays. 

This first layer is also made up of a few other layers:

stratum corneum

stratum lucidum

stratum granulosum

stratum spinosum

stratum germinativum

The dermis – it produces sweat and oil, provides sensations and blood to the skin and hair. It’s mostly made up of protective tissue and gives the skin strength and elasticity. The dermis holds hair follicles, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. It is also holds a number of glands, including sweat glands and sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oil that lubricates hair. 

The dermis is made up of two layers:

• Papillary region: this layer is made of loose connective tissue, it has finger-like projections that push into the epidermis. These projections give the dermis a bumpy surface and are responsible for the patterns we have on our fingertips.
• Reticular region: it’s made of dense, irregularly organized connective tissue. Protein fibers in the reticular region give skin its strength and elasticity.
• The hypodermis – this layer attaches the dermis to the body, stores fat and controls body temperature. It also provides the skin with nerves and blood supply. The hypodermis is mostly made of fat, connective tissue, and elastin. 

The main functions of the skin include:

• Regulating our temperature by dilating and constricting our blood vessels near the skin surface, controlling the transfer of heat out of the body. Temperature is also regulated by evaporative cooling due to sweat production and by the insulating effect of erect hairs on the skin surface. Heat loss is also affected by the insulating layer of subcutaneous fat
• The production of Vitamin D, which helps prevent many diseases including osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, obesity and neurological diseases
• Working as a barrier – protecting against water loss as well as physical and chemical injury
• Controls water loss
• Protecting us from UV radiation by producing melanin
• Wound healing
• Thermoregulation
• Helping us fight off bugs, allergens, toxins and carcinogens via the parts of our immune system that exist in our skin
• Beauty and physical attraction – the quality and condition of the skin greatly contributes to the perception of health, wellness, youth and beauty
• Giving us the sense of touch 

It’s super important to take care of the skin, not only aesthetically, but also for various health reasons. 

Body care routine

Cleanser and Body Wash

This is the first basic step to a proper skin care routine for the skin on your body. Body wash should be used to keep clean everyday. It’s also very important to look at the ingredients of the wash you use. It is best to find products that help to solve skin problems and imperfections. There are many different types of body wash – hydrating, exfoliating, and anti-acne which fights acne and the overproduction of sebum. 

Exfoliator 

Exfoliating your body once every few days in important and beneficial for the skin. Exfoliation helps to get rid of dead skin, reduce ingrown hairs, and helps to keep your skin feeling soft and nourished. There are a few different ways to exfoliate. You can use a skin glove to help with your exfoliation. 

Body lotion

Moisturizing and keeping your body is super important. It might seem like a lot of work to moisturize your whole body. The good part about lotions is that they are typically thinner in consistency and sink into the skin much quicker. Some lotions are used as in-shower moisturizers. This saves a lot of time since it can be done while washing your skin. A traditional body cream or lotion is more moisturizing, and is great for in between showers or just when you want to take a moment to relax and unwind. Lotions come in different forms and consistency – they can be lightweight or on the thicker side. Most lotions are thinner. 

Shaving

If you shave every few days, make sure you exfoliate your skin in order to prevent in-grown hairs. It’s important to be careful and gentle when it comes to the actual usage of razors. It’s easy to cut yourself somehow or to be too aggressive and irritate the skin or get razor bumps. Always use shaving cream or some type of soap. 

You should also always remember to use sunscreen. This helps avoid premature wrinkles and future issues with skin cancer, sun spots, etc. Dry skin should always be taken care of with more attention and special care. 

Some skincare tips you should follow and watch out for: 

• Control your actions – if you notice breakout after the gym or intense workouts, you should do something about it. Acne from sweating is completely normal, but always shower right after and change your sheets frequently. If this is the problem, it can be easily controlled. 
• Body breakouts – acne and breakouts aren’t just found on the face. Body acne is actually very common and can be avoided.
• Always check your products. If you have sensitive skin, your body wash or lotion could be too harsh or contain harmful chemicals that you’re skin is reacting to. Stop using these products to see if you can pinpoint the issue. If it’s super severe, try to see a dermatologist. Even other products you use in the shower, like shampoo and conditioner, can be causing irritation. Always rinse your skin thoroughly!
• Flaky skin – treating this type of skin issue isn’t easy. Heavy-duty moisturizers are the best option since they penetrate deep into the skin. You can also include a hydrating body wash into your routine. 

Organic products 

Organic products are healthier for your skin and the environment. Toxins and harmful chemicals can even cause long-term damage. With organic products you won’t have to worry since they are safe to use and typically eco-friendly, cruelty-free and high-quality. Don’t worry about chemicals either!  They are never aggressive on the skin and are perfect for everyday use. Sensitive skin will love using organic products since they’re delicate and gentle. Brands are realising how beneficial and popular these products are and they’re becoming more available on the market.

• Irritating foaming agents – these include a lot of sulfates and other substances that are extremely drying to the skin. 
• Oxybenzone – it’s linked to hormone disruption and can potentially damage cells which leads to skin cancer.
• Formaldehydes – they cause burning sensations in the nose, eyes and throat as well as coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritation. It’s can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath and has been linked to cancer. It’s linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies in children.
• TEA/DEA – they’ve been linked to cancer and organ system toxicity. Studies have even found that DEA affects human male reproductive health and alters sperm structure, causing abnormalities that affect the sperm’s abilities. It accumulates in the liver and kidney (this is what causes organ toxicity and neurotoxic effects like tremors). It also affects memory and brain development.  
• Petrochemicals – these chemicals help produce lather and bubbles in soap. Some common ones are SLS and SLES. They strip the skin of its natural oils and increase penetration of the skin’s surface. 
• Parabens – some parabens can mimic the activity of hormone estrogen in the body’s cells and can form breast tumors. They can also cause a variety of allergic reactions and skin irritation. They may even cause contact dermatitis- a serious skin inflammation that results in rashes, blisters, and burning skin. 
• Triclosan – it’s linked to have many negative effects on human health. It causes abnormal endocrine system/thyroid hormone signaling and weakening of the immune system. Children exposed to these type of antibacterial products at an early age have an increased chance of developing allergies, eczema and asthma. 
• Phthalates – this ingredient combined at low levels can cause much harm. Phthalate exposures in humans has been linked to changes in hormone levels and altered development of genitals. 
• Sulfates – sulfates cause irritation to the eyes, skin and scalp. They are also very drying and irritating. 

JUICE BEAUTY – GREEN APPLE FIRMING BODY MOISTURIZER

A very effective moisturizer made with ingredients like an organic fruit juice blend (apples, grapes, and lemons), vitamin C, jojoba, and shea butter which work to visibly firm, hydrate, and nourish the skin with fatty acids and vitamins. It’s great for uneven skin tone and sagging skin.

CHRISTINA MOSS NATURALS – ORGANIC BODY LOTION

A lemongrass scented organic lotion that is amazing in its quality. The lotion is non-comedogenic, GMO-free, gluten-free, and preservative free. Sensitive and dry skin types will love its gentle and non-greasy organic ingredients like aloe, apricot oil, and orange essential oil. It is no wonder this lotion has received overwhelmingly positive customer reviews all across the web.

100% PURE – BLOOD ORANGE ORGANIC WHIPPED BODY BUTTER 

An organic body lotion that smells good enough that you’ll want to eat it. Packed with antioxidants galore, this thick, creamy, and luxurious body butter is powerful enough to treat mature and dry skin. Green tea, acai berries, resveratrol, and goji berries deliver a boost of anti-aging compounds (including vitamin C), while cocoa, shea, and avocado butters provide intense moisture and protection. 

Soft and moisturized skin feels amazing. It feels even better knowing the lotion you use is organic. Switch to a natural formula today and you definitely won’t regret it!