Time for a scented body cream?

Time for a scented body cream?

October is the month when many dermatologists and skincare experts recommend adapting our skincare products for the colder, drier temperatures. In summer, humidity levels are high offering our skin abundant hydration – it’s what gives our skin that wonderful summer glow. But as the humidity levels drop (from 60% to 25%) and temperatures plumet, our skin requires more care and products designed for the changing environment. The air literally draws moisture from our skin making it feel dry, tight and even itchy.

One of the best products you can use is a good quality body cream. It’s a concentrated product used to treat and prevent dry, cracked skin while keeping it supple and moisturized. Body creams differ from body lotions in that they are typically thicker with a higher viscosity or mixture of oil and water.

The best body creams contain ceramides, lipid molecules found in the membrane of skin cells that help prevent moisture loss. Essential fatty oils support the cell’s biological process of moisturization. Since our body does not produce enough essential fatty acids on its own, the nutrients must be absorbed from our diets or from skin creams. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you have three members of the humectant family: glycerin, glycols and polyols which draw in and bind extra moisture to the skin. These ingredients literally draw in moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acid molecules then add to the benefits by absorbing 1,000 times its weight in water. It’s a super power skincare ingredient. And finally, Sodium PCA, found naturally in the proteins of human skin helps bind water to cells. Each ingredient can help keep your skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the cooler months.

Quite simply, a body cream is a concentrated moisturizer designed to be used all over your body.

One of the ways to make using a body cream more pleasurable is to find one gently scented with your favourite perfume or fragrance. Applying a perfumed body cream in the morning can give you an immediate lift. These ancillary products as they are called in the industry contain the exact same fragrance as in your eau de parfum or eau de toilette. The added bonus of using a scented body lotion is that you can ‘layer’ your fragrance on top of the lotion adding longevity. Your fragrance will last longer throughout the day and evening.

One of our favourites is Oscar de la Renta’s signature perfumed body cream. It’s lightly scented with the award-winning amber-floral eau de toilette that blends notes of rosemary, carnation, orange blossom, basil, gardenia, musk, amber and sandalwood. It even comes in an elegant white jar that looks beautiful on a bathroom vanity.

Oscar de la Renta Signature Perfumed Body Cream is available in Canada at thebay.com and select Hudson’s Bay stores.

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