LATHER founder and skin care expert Emilie Davidson Hoyt has been a serious migraine sufferer since childhood, and is ultra-sensitive to synthetic ingredients and fragrances found in most cosmetics. When she was just a child her father brought her back a lavender soap from a business trip and she found that it relieved much of her pain, so she began placing it beneath her pillow at night to help her relax. It was with this discovery that she gained her passion for natural healing products and the desire to use her experience to help others.
Below Emilie addresses common complexion questions and offers an insiders’ guide to the benefits behind natural healing ingredients.
Below Emilie addresses common complexion questions and offers an insiders’ guide to the benefits behind natural healing ingredients.
winter '10
Swiss Apple
You know that old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well it appears that may be true, at least when it comes to the skin doctor.
A new ingredient, known as Uttwiler Spatlauber, or, as it’s informally referred to, Swiss Apple, has everyone from beauty editors to scientists abuzz about its benefits. Hailing from rural Switzerland, this rare fruit was initially discovered in the 18th century, and was lauded for its excellent storability and longevity. Unfortunately, the taste left something to be desired. Too tart to be eaten, the trees dwindled, but the apples lived on. The forceful fruit seemed resistant to shriveling, and, if punctured, could regenerate newer, healthy skin.
Recently, scientists attributed this apple’s resiliency to its longer-living stem cells. Like humans, plants contain stem cells that maintain and repair tissue. In humans, stem cells have a limited life span and decrease in number as we age, affecting their ability to regenerate tissue. The result is a loss of elasticity, as well as lines and wrinkles.
Since the function of stem cells is similar in humans and plants, scientists theorized that the stem cells from the long-living apple would have a regenerative effect on human cells. In a clinical study*, a skin care application containing 2% of the apple extract was shown to reduce wrinkle depth in 100% of the subjects, by 15% after 4 weeks of daily use. So by stimulating aging human cells, the apple extract increases the longevity of skin cells and decreases the signs of aging.
We’ve combined this powerful extract with a number of other ingredients that hydrate, heal, and rejuvenate to create our new Swiss Apple Wrinkle Remedy, a lightweight serum that minimizes lines and nourishes the skin. Hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin to improve hydration and texture, and phospholipids help to diminish dryness and keep skin in healthy balance. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps to stimulate microcirculation and reduce skin discoloration.
The remaining Uttwiler Spätlauber trees are now protected by a European environmental group, so your skin can be protected from wrinkles for years to come.
*Click here to read more about the Swiss Apple clinical study
You know that old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well it appears that may be true, at least when it comes to the skin doctor.
A new ingredient, known as Uttwiler Spatlauber, or, as it’s informally referred to, Swiss Apple, has everyone from beauty editors to scientists abuzz about its benefits. Hailing from rural Switzerland, this rare fruit was initially discovered in the 18th century, and was lauded for its excellent storability and longevity. Unfortunately, the taste left something to be desired. Too tart to be eaten, the trees dwindled, but the apples lived on. The forceful fruit seemed resistant to shriveling, and, if punctured, could regenerate newer, healthy skin.
Recently, scientists attributed this apple’s resiliency to its longer-living stem cells. Like humans, plants contain stem cells that maintain and repair tissue. In humans, stem cells have a limited life span and decrease in number as we age, affecting their ability to regenerate tissue. The result is a loss of elasticity, as well as lines and wrinkles.
Since the function of stem cells is similar in humans and plants, scientists theorized that the stem cells from the long-living apple would have a regenerative effect on human cells. In a clinical study*, a skin care application containing 2% of the apple extract was shown to reduce wrinkle depth in 100% of the subjects, by 15% after 4 weeks of daily use. So by stimulating aging human cells, the apple extract increases the longevity of skin cells and decreases the signs of aging.
We’ve combined this powerful extract with a number of other ingredients that hydrate, heal, and rejuvenate to create our new Swiss Apple Wrinkle Remedy, a lightweight serum that minimizes lines and nourishes the skin. Hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin to improve hydration and texture, and phospholipids help to diminish dryness and keep skin in healthy balance. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps to stimulate microcirculation and reduce skin discoloration.
The remaining Uttwiler Spätlauber trees are now protected by a European environmental group, so your skin can be protected from wrinkles for years to come.
*Click here to read more about the Swiss Apple clinical study
Fennel
Culinary types may have fun with fennel in the kitchen, but not everyone knows how beneficial this natural herb is for the skin.
Popular among the ancient Chinese, Romans, and Egyptians, fennel has long been used in aromatherapy to boost courage, resolve and strength. Additionally, ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight, recommending tonics made with fennel root extract to clear cloudy eyes. Both fennel essential oil and the extract originate from the seed of the plant and act as active anti-oxidants, but the essential oil is steam-distilled from the crushed seeds to retain the scent.
LATHER has just launched two new products that draw on the benefits of this potent ingredient. New Toning Eye Gel with Vitamin K firms with fennel essential oil, which has a soothing, cleansing, and toning effect on the skin and helps keep wrinkles at bay. A known diuretic, it also reduces water retention in the skin, gets rid of toxins, and stimulates healthy circulation. Fennel oil also contributes a naturally fresh scent.
Our new Gentle Eye Makeup Remover draws on fennel extract for its antiseptic qualities that cleanse and tone the skin. Paired with soothing botanical extracts and gentle cleansers, these ingredients work together to dissolve makeup, condition lashes, and help balance the pH of skin.
I find it interesting to note that the Greek word for fennel is “marathon.” Named for the abundance of fennel plants in the area, Marathon, Greece sits south of Athens and served as the site of the Battle of Marathon, as well as the inspiration for the 26.2 mile runs still held today. Perhaps that is no coincidence, as this powerful ingredient certainly goes the distance.
Culinary types may have fun with fennel in the kitchen, but not everyone knows how beneficial this natural herb is for the skin.
Popular among the ancient Chinese, Romans, and Egyptians, fennel has long been used in aromatherapy to boost courage, resolve and strength. Additionally, ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight, recommending tonics made with fennel root extract to clear cloudy eyes. Both fennel essential oil and the extract originate from the seed of the plant and act as active anti-oxidants, but the essential oil is steam-distilled from the crushed seeds to retain the scent.
LATHER has just launched two new products that draw on the benefits of this potent ingredient. New Toning Eye Gel with Vitamin K firms with fennel essential oil, which has a soothing, cleansing, and toning effect on the skin and helps keep wrinkles at bay. A known diuretic, it also reduces water retention in the skin, gets rid of toxins, and stimulates healthy circulation. Fennel oil also contributes a naturally fresh scent.
Our new Gentle Eye Makeup Remover draws on fennel extract for its antiseptic qualities that cleanse and tone the skin. Paired with soothing botanical extracts and gentle cleansers, these ingredients work together to dissolve makeup, condition lashes, and help balance the pH of skin.
I find it interesting to note that the Greek word for fennel is “marathon.” Named for the abundance of fennel plants in the area, Marathon, Greece sits south of Athens and served as the site of the Battle of Marathon, as well as the inspiration for the 26.2 mile runs still held today. Perhaps that is no coincidence, as this powerful ingredient certainly goes the distance.
fall '09
Planting Seeds
As some of you may know, migraine headaches have long been a part of my life.
Since childhood, I have suffered from migraines that, at their worst, would affect my ability to speak and see. Doctors were unable to effectively treat my symptoms, but through keeping a journal, I learned that my migraines could be triggered by certain foods and smells. In fact, many of my migraines could be traced back to the synthetic fragrances found in my mother’s beauty products and perfumes – try avoiding those in the ‘80’s!
When my father brought back a lavender soap from a business trip, I found that its soothing scent helped alleviate some of my headache pain. It calmed me so effectively, I began putting it under my pillow at night to help me sleep.
It was with this discovery that I started studying the effects of aromatherapy and how natural ingredients could heal. In short, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant extracts and essential oils. Essential oils are derived from aromatic essences of plants, trees, fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices; offer medicinal and healing properties; and contain organic chemical compounds that regenerate and oxygenate new cells.
I learned that lavender oil has been used for centuries for relaxation and stress relief. I also learned that many migraine sufferers use aromatherapy - and lavender in particular - to manage the pain and anxiety that often accompany a migraine. It’s not a cure, but it helps many of us manage the symptoms.
With this knowledge, I set out to create LATHER using only essential oils as a natural alternative to synthetically-fragranced skin care brands on the market. Some of our first products included olive oil-based soaps combined with a variety of essential oils and other natural ingredients.
Now, as LATHER celebrates our 10th Anniversary, we are going back to our “roots” and introducing the Planting Seeds Gift Set, which contains our Oatmeal Lavender Soap, a Lavender Aromatherapy Candle, and a packet of lavender seeds. Five dollars from every sale will benefit the National Headache Foundation (NHF) for headache awareness, education, and outreach. The NHF is a non-profit organization that is the premiere educational and informational resource for headache sufferers, their families, their healthcare providers, and the public. You can visit their website at www.headaches.org and purchase the Planting Seeds Gift Set here.
We hope this gift set inspires you to plant your own possibilities.
As some of you may know, migraine headaches have long been a part of my life.
Since childhood, I have suffered from migraines that, at their worst, would affect my ability to speak and see. Doctors were unable to effectively treat my symptoms, but through keeping a journal, I learned that my migraines could be triggered by certain foods and smells. In fact, many of my migraines could be traced back to the synthetic fragrances found in my mother’s beauty products and perfumes – try avoiding those in the ‘80’s!
When my father brought back a lavender soap from a business trip, I found that its soothing scent helped alleviate some of my headache pain. It calmed me so effectively, I began putting it under my pillow at night to help me sleep.
It was with this discovery that I started studying the effects of aromatherapy and how natural ingredients could heal. In short, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant extracts and essential oils. Essential oils are derived from aromatic essences of plants, trees, fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices; offer medicinal and healing properties; and contain organic chemical compounds that regenerate and oxygenate new cells.
I learned that lavender oil has been used for centuries for relaxation and stress relief. I also learned that many migraine sufferers use aromatherapy - and lavender in particular - to manage the pain and anxiety that often accompany a migraine. It’s not a cure, but it helps many of us manage the symptoms.
With this knowledge, I set out to create LATHER using only essential oils as a natural alternative to synthetically-fragranced skin care brands on the market. Some of our first products included olive oil-based soaps combined with a variety of essential oils and other natural ingredients.
Now, as LATHER celebrates our 10th Anniversary, we are going back to our “roots” and introducing the Planting Seeds Gift Set, which contains our Oatmeal Lavender Soap, a Lavender Aromatherapy Candle, and a packet of lavender seeds. Five dollars from every sale will benefit the National Headache Foundation (NHF) for headache awareness, education, and outreach. The NHF is a non-profit organization that is the premiere educational and informational resource for headache sufferers, their families, their healthcare providers, and the public. You can visit their website at www.headaches.org and purchase the Planting Seeds Gift Set here.
We hope this gift set inspires you to plant your own possibilities.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I’m proud that LATHER offers two products that support breast cancer research, treatment, and education.
One out of eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and many of us have been affected personally. So creating a product that contributed to the fight against breast cancer has always been an idea simmering on LATHER’s back burner; however our “Soap for Hope “collaboration came about in such an unexpected and organic way, I wanted to share the story with you.
About two years ago, it came to light that actress Andrea Evans (best known for her work on daytime dramas “One Life to Live” and “The Bold & the Beautiful”) had been a long-time fan of LATHER. A Pasadena native, she regularly shopped in our store, valuing our natural ingredients and synthetic-free formulas. We talked about working together in some way, and she then shared with us her involvement with City of Hope.
Based in Duarte, CA - only minutes from Pasadena - City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases. It was ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by
U.S. News & World Report, and is known for its distinguished breast cancer program that explores less-invasive surgical options, highly targeted therapies, and customized treatments that may be more effective while causing fewer side effects.
The daughter of a breast cancer survivor, Andrea Evans has worked to support City of Hope for years, and has regularly served as a Celebrity Ambassador for the organization’s annual Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer. The Walk for Hope occurs every fall in Los Angeles, as well as in eight other cities around the country.
Given this information, we thought, what if the soap company and the soap star co-created a soap bar, and donated all the proceeds to City of Hope for breast cancer research? Indeed, a new soap star was born.
We worked closely with Andrea to create Sandalwood Rose Soap, a lavish olive oil-based bar infused with rose petals, delicately sweet rose absolute oil, and warm, exotic sandalwood oil. This calming and balancing soap softens and soothes all skin types, and is especially pampering for dry or sensitive skin. For those who wanted to give the gift of hope to others, we also created the Soap for Hope Gift Set, which includes two bars of Sandalwood Rose Soap and our Natural Wood Soap Dish. Through September 30, 2010, $5 from the sale of the soap ($8) and $12 from the sale of the gift set ($20) will be donated to City of Hope for breast cancer research, treatment, and education.
In the year since our project launched, I’m proud to share that we’ve raised close to $10,000 for this cause. I’m also pleased that beyond the business collaboration, Andrea has become a good friend – our children now go to school together! If you’re looking for a new soap to try, or an unexpected gift to give, I hope you will consider one of these items. You’ll be helping others, and maybe reminding yourself of all the good that comes from giving.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I’m proud that LATHER offers two products that support breast cancer research, treatment, and education.
One out of eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and many of us have been affected personally. So creating a product that contributed to the fight against breast cancer has always been an idea simmering on LATHER’s back burner; however our “Soap for Hope “collaboration came about in such an unexpected and organic way, I wanted to share the story with you.
About two years ago, it came to light that actress Andrea Evans (best known for her work on daytime dramas “One Life to Live” and “The Bold & the Beautiful”) had been a long-time fan of LATHER. A Pasadena native, she regularly shopped in our store, valuing our natural ingredients and synthetic-free formulas. We talked about working together in some way, and she then shared with us her involvement with City of Hope.
Based in Duarte, CA - only minutes from Pasadena - City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases. It was ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by
U.S. News & World Report, and is known for its distinguished breast cancer program that explores less-invasive surgical options, highly targeted therapies, and customized treatments that may be more effective while causing fewer side effects.
The daughter of a breast cancer survivor, Andrea Evans has worked to support City of Hope for years, and has regularly served as a Celebrity Ambassador for the organization’s annual Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer. The Walk for Hope occurs every fall in Los Angeles, as well as in eight other cities around the country.
Given this information, we thought, what if the soap company and the soap star co-created a soap bar, and donated all the proceeds to City of Hope for breast cancer research? Indeed, a new soap star was born.
We worked closely with Andrea to create Sandalwood Rose Soap, a lavish olive oil-based bar infused with rose petals, delicately sweet rose absolute oil, and warm, exotic sandalwood oil. This calming and balancing soap softens and soothes all skin types, and is especially pampering for dry or sensitive skin. For those who wanted to give the gift of hope to others, we also created the Soap for Hope Gift Set, which includes two bars of Sandalwood Rose Soap and our Natural Wood Soap Dish. Through September 30, 2010, $5 from the sale of the soap ($8) and $12 from the sale of the gift set ($20) will be donated to City of Hope for breast cancer research, treatment, and education.
In the year since our project launched, I’m proud to share that we’ve raised close to $10,000 for this cause. I’m also pleased that beyond the business collaboration, Andrea has become a good friend – our children now go to school together! If you’re looking for a new soap to try, or an unexpected gift to give, I hope you will consider one of these items. You’ll be helping others, and maybe reminding yourself of all the good that comes from giving.
summer '09
As Sweet as Honey
“Nothing but money is sweeter than honey.” Benjamin Franklin may not have been speaking about skin care, but his assessment of this buzzworthy ingredient is right on the, well, money.
Honey is one of the most effective and versatile ingredients used in skin care, which may explain why it has been used in beauty recipes for centuries. As you may remember from science class, honey is the nectar produced in flowers, collected and stored by bees. It’s made up of many different elements – sugars, wax, lactic and fruit acids, beta carotene, enzymes, amino acids and vitamins – all ingredients you may already recognize from your favorite face care products.
Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water, so it is mainly used as an emollient in skin care, providing excellent moisturizing and conditioning properties. It also contains hydrogen peroxide, thereby making it a natural antibacterial agent when applied to the skin - great to treat pimples plus minor abrasions and burns.
At LATHER, we rely on honey to sweeten a number of our popular skin care products. Our Honey Moisture Mask draws on beneficial honey extract, plus propolis (a natural resin, rich in vitamins and minerals, which is used by bees on the outside of the hive to keep out bacteria) to condition dry skin. This super-conditioning mask also contains royal jelly, anti-inflammatory properties, and is high in B-vitamins such as B5 (panthenol) to encourage tissue repair.
LATHER’s Manuka Body Butter with Juniper and Grapefruit is made with Manuka honey, produced by bees who gather nectar from the Manuka tree indigenous to New Zealand. Manuka honey contains special plant-derived components that make its antibacterial and skin-soothing properties even greater than regular honey. This deeply moisturizing crème is chock-full of emollient oils including sweet almond, brazil nut, kukui nut and macadamia nut, not to mention shea butter and cocoa butter for the ultimate in skin-softening.
The natural humectant, anti-irritant and antibacterial properties of honey make our Honey Almond Olive Oil soap perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Pure essential oils of clove, orange, cedarwood and lavender lend a warm, earthy aroma. Almond meal has been added to gently exfoliate dry or rough skin.
I know we all complain that bees can be a nuisance in the summer, but I think we can agree - their honey sure sweetens the pot!
“Nothing but money is sweeter than honey.” Benjamin Franklin may not have been speaking about skin care, but his assessment of this buzzworthy ingredient is right on the, well, money.
Honey is one of the most effective and versatile ingredients used in skin care, which may explain why it has been used in beauty recipes for centuries. As you may remember from science class, honey is the nectar produced in flowers, collected and stored by bees. It’s made up of many different elements – sugars, wax, lactic and fruit acids, beta carotene, enzymes, amino acids and vitamins – all ingredients you may already recognize from your favorite face care products.
Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water, so it is mainly used as an emollient in skin care, providing excellent moisturizing and conditioning properties. It also contains hydrogen peroxide, thereby making it a natural antibacterial agent when applied to the skin - great to treat pimples plus minor abrasions and burns.
At LATHER, we rely on honey to sweeten a number of our popular skin care products. Our Honey Moisture Mask draws on beneficial honey extract, plus propolis (a natural resin, rich in vitamins and minerals, which is used by bees on the outside of the hive to keep out bacteria) to condition dry skin. This super-conditioning mask also contains royal jelly, anti-inflammatory properties, and is high in B-vitamins such as B5 (panthenol) to encourage tissue repair.
LATHER’s Manuka Body Butter with Juniper and Grapefruit is made with Manuka honey, produced by bees who gather nectar from the Manuka tree indigenous to New Zealand. Manuka honey contains special plant-derived components that make its antibacterial and skin-soothing properties even greater than regular honey. This deeply moisturizing crème is chock-full of emollient oils including sweet almond, brazil nut, kukui nut and macadamia nut, not to mention shea butter and cocoa butter for the ultimate in skin-softening.
The natural humectant, anti-irritant and antibacterial properties of honey make our Honey Almond Olive Oil soap perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Pure essential oils of clove, orange, cedarwood and lavender lend a warm, earthy aroma. Almond meal has been added to gently exfoliate dry or rough skin.
I know we all complain that bees can be a nuisance in the summer, but I think we can agree - their honey sure sweetens the pot!
spring '09
Soften Your Carbon Footprint
April 22nd is Earth Day, and LATHER wants to help soften your carbon footprint, and also take this opportunity to let you know about the changes we’ve been making as a company to be more environmentally responsible.
First, when you purchase any product from our foot care line throughout the month of April, LATHER will donate 50% of the retail price to carbonfund.org. Carbonfund.org is a non-profit organization which makes it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organization to eliminate their climate impact and quicken the transformation to a clean energy future. So stock up on our Eucalyptus Foaming Foot Scrub,Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème, Pumice Stone, or our
Treat Your Feet Gift Set and soften your carbon footprint while prepping feet for sandal season! As an added incentive, we’re offering a free luxury sample of Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème with orders of $50 or more.
Our commitment to the environment extends well beyond April, however. Over the past year, we have taken a number of steps to be more environmentally-friendly, without sacrificing the quality you’ve come to expect.
If you visit our retail stores, you may have noticed that we’ve changed our shopping bags to use 100% post-consumer recycled material. We’ve also implemented an in-store recycling program, in which customers who bring in old/empty packaging receive 10% off their next purchase.
Company-wide, we’re transitioning towards using more recycled materials in gift set packaging, replacing our foil sample pouches with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, and offering gift cards made from 100% recycled materials. These are small changes that were simple to make and we hope will have a big impact.
April 22nd is Earth Day, and LATHER wants to help soften your carbon footprint, and also take this opportunity to let you know about the changes we’ve been making as a company to be more environmentally responsible.
First, when you purchase any product from our foot care line throughout the month of April, LATHER will donate 50% of the retail price to carbonfund.org. Carbonfund.org is a non-profit organization which makes it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organization to eliminate their climate impact and quicken the transformation to a clean energy future. So stock up on our Eucalyptus Foaming Foot Scrub,Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème, Pumice Stone, or our
Treat Your Feet Gift Set and soften your carbon footprint while prepping feet for sandal season! As an added incentive, we’re offering a free luxury sample of Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème with orders of $50 or more.
Our commitment to the environment extends well beyond April, however. Over the past year, we have taken a number of steps to be more environmentally-friendly, without sacrificing the quality you’ve come to expect.
If you visit our retail stores, you may have noticed that we’ve changed our shopping bags to use 100% post-consumer recycled material. We’ve also implemented an in-store recycling program, in which customers who bring in old/empty packaging receive 10% off their next purchase.
Company-wide, we’re transitioning towards using more recycled materials in gift set packaging, replacing our foil sample pouches with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, and offering gift cards made from 100% recycled materials. These are small changes that were simple to make and we hope will have a big impact.
winter '09
Vitamins
Well, we’ve almost made it though yet another cold and flu season, but I have another reason to remind you of the preventative power of vitamins. Just as vitamins can protect your body from illness and maintain overall health, they can also protect your skin from nature’s harsh elements (like wind and sun) and keep it looking radiant for years to come.
LATHER looks to a number of vitamins to comprise our face and body care products. Our newest launch, Moisture Magnet, draws on pro-vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, to help with tissue repair. Panthenol has incredible absorption properties, and helps diminish lines and wrinkles by delivering essential moisture deep within the skin. By helping the skin’s repair system to function optimally, it also helps reduce inflammation in irritated or sensitive skin.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that aids the skin’s natural ability to fight the effects of pollution and sun exposure, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works to regenerate the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and neutralizing free radicals. There are various forms of Vitamin C, but our Vitamin C Peptide Renewal draws on sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is considered to be the most stable, thereby delivering better, more noticeable results.
Vitamin E is known for nourishing and is a key ingredient in our Lavender Lime Lip Treatment as well as all of our Shea Butters. Vitamin E protects skin from free radicals, reduces the visible effects of sun and aging, promotes cell renewal and helps retain moisture.
Well, we’ve almost made it though yet another cold and flu season, but I have another reason to remind you of the preventative power of vitamins. Just as vitamins can protect your body from illness and maintain overall health, they can also protect your skin from nature’s harsh elements (like wind and sun) and keep it looking radiant for years to come.
LATHER looks to a number of vitamins to comprise our face and body care products. Our newest launch, Moisture Magnet, draws on pro-vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, to help with tissue repair. Panthenol has incredible absorption properties, and helps diminish lines and wrinkles by delivering essential moisture deep within the skin. By helping the skin’s repair system to function optimally, it also helps reduce inflammation in irritated or sensitive skin.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that aids the skin’s natural ability to fight the effects of pollution and sun exposure, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works to regenerate the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and neutralizing free radicals. There are various forms of Vitamin C, but our Vitamin C Peptide Renewal draws on sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is considered to be the most stable, thereby delivering better, more noticeable results.
Vitamin E is known for nourishing and is a key ingredient in our Lavender Lime Lip Treatment as well as all of our Shea Butters. Vitamin E protects skin from free radicals, reduces the visible effects of sun and aging, promotes cell renewal and helps retain moisture.
Calming chamomile.
Pale January lay
In its cradle day by day
Dead or living hard to say.
This melancholic verse by Alfred Austin has always resonated with me, so seasonally affected I am that even the slightest reduction of sun in September makes me nostalgic for summer nights. By the time January blows in, I still dread the darker days but I’ve found ways to cozy into the longer nights.
One of the most soothing winter treats is chamomile, which has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, treating ailments such as insomnia, indigestion, weariness, and aches and pains. While I enjoy drinking it as a tea, it has topical benefits as well, and is ideal for treating winter skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and more.
Because hands are most frequently exposed to harsh winter weather, LATHER is introducing NEW Aloe & Chamomile Hand Lotion. This ultra-hydrating hand lotion draws on soothing aloe and Chamomile flower extract, also known as German chamomile, to soothe and reduces skin irritations. Shea butter, almond oil, and avocado oil soften, hydrate, and condition, while wasabi extract acts as a mild antiseptic.
German chamomile is also used in our Chamomile Foaming Bath Treatment. This essential oil has a harmonizing, enveloping aroma that eases stress; it is also an anti-inflammatory, ideal for treating tender, chilled skin all over. Research has shown that taking a hot bath before bed can improve sleep, so try a quick dip before dozing off.
LATHER draws on Moroccan chamomile, or blue tansy, to comprise our Blue Tansy Baby Oil. Known for its compatibility with a range of oils, blue tansy acts as a safe and mild anti-inflammatory while imparting the scent of fresh honeyed apples. Manoi oil deeply hydrates, and will soften and balance skin – even in the driest and dreariest conditions. Baby yourself with this indulgent oil after the bath, or use as a massage oil.
Years ago, chamomile was heralded as the “plant’s physician”, as any ailing plant or garden would improve if the herb was placed within its proximity. Perhaps that’s why today, I continue to think of chamomile as winter’s little pick-me-up.
