MOTHER MANUAL: Body Lotion

SIMPLY PUT: Your body deserves the same amount of love as your face.

Through your pores, your skin can absorb up to 80% of what you apply and of course your body has a much larger surface area than your face. So when you think about it, more attention should be given to your body routine rather than your face routine right? .......

DW we are all guilty of prioritising our face first (MOTHER included). Luckily we now have so many good body options available that are clean, sustainable and most importantly - HYDRATE OUR SKIN!

I remember back in the day we only had a few options when it came to a body lotion - Either a big pump bottle of Vaseline or maybe you couldn't resist the coconut smell of Palmers Cocoa Butter? Well unfortunately most body lotions are just petroleum jelly bottled up to look real fancy! 

WHY IS PETROLEUM A POPULAR INGREDIENT?

Petroleum Jelly works as an occlusive. It forms a barrier over your skin which feels amazing to dry and cracked skin. However this also means that it doesn't actually 'add moisture' to your skin. It provides temporary relief whilst not offering any nourishment to heal or restore your skin. 

You can easily spot it in the ingredient list as Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil and White Petrolatum (refined and safe for use).

MOTHER NATURE IS NOT A FAN!

Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil refining process. Petroleum jelly was originally found in the bottom of oil rigs and is further refined for use in the beauty industry. The carbon footprint associated with oil extraction and refinement is HUGE and whilst I do greatly admire anyone who is pushing for climate change, I can't help but wonder how many of them slather themselves in a petroleum filled body lotion every day without realising this very simple act is in fact supporting what they are trying so hard to fight against (fossil fuel industry)

INSTEAD LOOK FOR: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Mango Butter, Cocoa Butter, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil

MOTHER'S Personal Favourites: 

Weleda Skin Food Body Butter - Amazing for winter 

MooGoo - Great for every day

Nécessaire Body Serum - It's pricey but oh so good 

Coconut Oil - I buy a large jar and put it on only at night time (the oil can stain clothes) so best to be worn with PJ's. Keep the jar to store nuts, flours etc! 

Other brands that I like: Trilogy, Sodashi, Saya, Kora Organics, Eco Tan, Jojoba Oil Co, Lavera, Mukti, Dr Bronners, Koala Eco, Burts Bee's, A bit hippy