Though winter may be my least favorite season, a clear day with bright blue skies and frost under foot blows the cobwebs out like nothing else. I love snuggly jumpers, mulled wine and cosying up inside at this time of year. But since not all winter days are like this, it’s hard to ignore that you’re getting up in the dark, leaving work in the dark. The lack of natural light makes it a terrible time to be a blogger trying to take photos, not to mention (more seriously) the peril of not getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.
Something I am making a conscious effort to do this winter is to pay a little more attention to my skin. Biting winds contrasted with central heating often makes for dry, occasionally irritated, skin. In a bid to use moisturiser more often I’ve been on the lookout for new brands that fit the bill of being cruelty-free, natural, not highly perfumed and good quality.
Passion for Natural are a Leeds-based company who produce organic aloe vera-based products, all of which are free from parabens and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) (both known skin irritants common in many cosmetics). Their range of lotions and scrubs are made using only natural ingredients to complement the aloe such as skin strengthening betaine, protective shea butter, and soothing jojoba seed oil. These combinations make them the perfect winter allies.
As a company Passion for Natural ensure that everything they do has as minimal impact as possible – from recycling their waste, using low energy bulbs or limiting fuel use. I have so much respect for a company who sees the difference they can make through these small actions as well as the big ones. Of course, Passion for Natural also ensure that all ingredients or end products are never tested on animals and most of their range is also vegan (some products do contain beeswax). Being from Leeds also means their products are made from right on my doorstep, cutting down their “air miles” which is a bonus.
I tried out the aloe vera body lotion and body butter, both of which felt rich and nourishing – perfect for these winter months. The one I really loved though was the aloe vera gel; it is great having something to hand for irritated skin that I know is completely natural and healing and will also be perfect in summer for insect bites or sunburn.
What are your go-to skin products to get through the winter months?
