Winter is the most important season to look after your skin. Extremely low temperatures, varying moisture levels in the air and wind chill factors can all combine to cause dryness, chafing, cracking and more. All of which can leave your skin looking and feeling far from its best. If you have sensitive skin, this can cause a real problem, with dry and sore skin resulting in irritation and discomfort.
So when it comes to bath or shower time, you must consider your soap and body hygiene options. There can be a big difference between using a bog standard soap or body wash and one specially designed to provide barriers and soothe skin against the winter weather. When your skin is depleted of natural moisture and oils, it pays to use a soap that boosts your natural defences and prevents any further drying out or sensitivity. So, with this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the problems winter can cause your skin and at the soap solutions at your disposal during this colder period.
Winter skin
Low (and often freezing) temperatures combined with low humidity can create a harsh environment for your skin. It will remove your skin's natural moisture defences and expose it to dryness, soreness and further irritation. Using basic soaps as part of your grooming routine might be all right in the summer, but in the winter you need natural and warming soaps to create a natural barrier. But just what are the benefits of choosing a suitable winter soap?
Warming, natural soaps are much gentler on the skin and reduce the risks of irritation. They are generally packed full of hydrating oils, which add moisture to your skin when it needs it the most. These natural ingredients also provide essential vitamins and minerals your skin needs to function at its best. They even contain antioxidants that help the skin fight the signs of ageing and damage. Natural soaps also contain fewer (if any) nasty chemicals that can accentuate any sensitivity issues you may be having with your skin. That means they are a much safer choice in the winter months.
Natural soaps are designed to nourish your skin and are generally designed with mild formulas. But that’s not to say they don’t also cleanse the skin effectively, removing dirt and grime from the pores. They will remove any impurities in your skin without washing away the beneficial natural oils your skin needs to be healthy. With all of this in mind, what are the best natural winter warming soaps to choose to give your skin a boost?
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is wood from a specific class of trees known as Santalum. These woods are generally heavy and fine-grained and retain a distinct fragrance, sometimes for decades after the wood is removed. Oil can also be extracted from the wood and used to make warming soaps for winter. Sandalwood oil can be great for softening dry and hard skin, as well as alleviating itchy patches. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and helps your skin to retain moisture by hydrating every cell. This will leave your skin soft and supple, ready to take on the challenges of winter.
Three of our best selling Sandalwood soaps:-
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Soap
Stirling Sandalwood Shaving Soap
Proraso Sandalwood Shaving Soap
Bay Rum
Bay Rum is a dark, rich, intoxicating and warming spirit that can lift the spirits, so it’s not surprising that it can do the same for your skin. Bay Rum soaps can be worked into a warm and cleansing lather which removes impurities from the skin without removing any of the natural moisture.
Bay Rum soaps that we recomend:-
Phoenix & Beau Imperial Rum Shaving Soap
Moon Soaps Warmest Regards Shaving Soap
Stirling Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Pumpkin spice
This is a classic autumnal combination, one that works well over the winter months, too. With a mixture of spices to invigorate and cleanse the skin, pumpkin spice soap is a real winter warmer that will leave your skin feeling fresh and tingling long after your shave.
Avocado
Rich in vitamins like A, D and E, avocado soap is ideal for nourishing the skin and restoring its natural softness. Avocado is an ideal choice for winter as it boosts your skin's natural barrier in the fight against drying out and chafing. It has a deeply moisturising effect that can last for hours.
Aloe vera and cucumber
The cooling and cleansing properties of cucumber and aloe vera can be used in combination to rejuvenate your skin and reduce inflammation caused by the winter weather. It also produces a light and fresh aroma that helps to restore your skin’s natural balance.
Saffron
A known anti-septic, saffron not only cleans and nourishes but also adds a healthy glow to your skin. It will help to combat dryness and dullness that can be caused by winter weather and will also help to increase your skin’s elasticity.
Our Saffron soap recommendations:-
Stirling Deton-8 Shaving Soap
Taylor of Old Bond Street Oud Shaving Cream (Whilst this one is technically a shaving cream we still think its worth a mention.)
It’s vital to give your skin every possible chance of looking its best this winter. Until spring rolls around and the temperatures begin to rise, the cold winds and low temperatures can cause damage that will leave your skin not looking its best. Here at Blades & Whiskers, we stock a range of soaps to keep glowing, even in the deepest and darkest winter months.
In addition to soaps, our extensive range of shaving products, such as creams and lotions, are designed to minimise irritation and keep your skin looking its absolute best – no matter what the weather. We also have a selection of balms and aftershave treatments to reduce the chance of infection and restore your skin’s natural moisture.