The Organic Bath Co. Mountain Sage Face & Body Moisturizer for Men
The Organic Bath Co. Mountain Sage Face & Body Moisturizer for Men Ingredients List
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Price: $ (under $10) – Available at The Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon.
Scent: Fresh blend of lemon, eucalyptus, and sage.
I like: how natural the product is. This versatile lotion absorbs easily into the skin.
Not a fan of: nothing really. The scent is a bit too lemony for my taste. However, the smell quickly fades away.
Prior to a recent chance visit to my local Vitamin Shoppe, I had never heard of The Organic Bath Company’s Mountain Sage Face & Body Moisturizer for Men. The product’s packaging is nothing to write home about. Let’s be honest – it’s pretty ugly. What convinced me to purchase this moisturizer was what the product didn’t have: sulfates, parabens, artificial scents, petroleum by-products, and a high price tag. Nowhere else could I find such a large-sized (14.2 fluid ounces) natural face and body moisturizer for men for under eight dollars. I like the lotion’s versatility – it really is effective at moisturizing both the face and body. The lotion’s jojoba oil content nourishes without making your skin feel greasy. The lemon scent may take some getting used to, but it’s a small price to pay for using such a natural, effective moisturizer.
Stretch marks suck. They occur when the skin can’t keep up with the rapid growth of the body due to weight gain, hormones/puberty/growth spurts, or muscle building. They easily appear but they don’t naturally completely disappear. Try stretching a thick, old rubber band and you’ll see what essentially happens to the skin when it expands too quickly. Stretch marks affect a number of people, from pregnant women to male athletes. We can’t escape them, but we can do our best to avoid them. Here are some simple over-the-counter tips to keep the stretch marks to a minimum:
Prevention
Regularly moisturize any areas of the body that stretch with lotions or creams containing shea or cocoa butter as well as vitamin e. Natural serums and oils rich in vitamin e, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids such as 100% pure argan oil also work well at preventing stretch marks and scars by nourishing the skin and helping to increase the skin’s elasticity. Areas of the body that are susceptible to stretch marks include the upper arms, underarms, pectorals, thighs, hips, back, breasts, around the knees, belly (front and sides), and buttocks. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try using pure shea or cocoa butter. While extremely viscous and nutty smelling, these butters help make the skin much more elastic and thus more adaptable to rapid expansion.
Body creams made with shea or cocoa butter aid in making the skin more elastic.
Over-the Counter Treatment
There is no true natural remedy for treating existing stretch marks. You can, however, help diminish the appearance of stretch marks by regularly applying scar gels such as Mederma and Derma E. Keep in mind that if you use scar gels, they should be applied five times daily in order for them to be somewhat effective. Don’t expect miracles. If you’re lucky, you may notice some slight improvement over a two month period of using scar gels.
Scar gels can help diminish the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Kiehls Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 Texture
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$$ ($20-$30) – Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom, Grooming Lounge, and Bloomingdale’s.
Scent: No noticeable fragrance.
I liked: how easy it was to apply. This sunscreen won’t drip into the eyes like lotions can. The compact container and texture makes it convenient to travel with and carry without having to worry about spillage. The high SPF is ideal for adventure seekers and summer tourists alike.
I didn’t like: the texture at first. The solid wax-like consistency took some getting used to. However, once applied on the skin, the product absorbed quickly.
Kiehl’s Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 is an ideal sunscreen for anyone who is exposed to the Sun for an extended period of time. I had some doubts when I first saw the product – unlike most other sunscreens, the Cross-Terrain Face Protector has a solid texture. I wrongly assumed the wax-like consistency meant a heavier feeling on my face. My skin adapted quickly to the product. It felt no weightier than the face moisturizers I typically use. Don’t let the small size fool you – this stuff packs a protective punch and will last a while. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the lack of a scent. Though this sunscreen is water and sweat resistant, I recommend reapplication after a swim or workout. Ingredients squalane and synthetic beeswax help to keep skin moisturized.
Are your skincare products increasing your chances of getting cancer? Let me be more specific – do your products have parabens in them? Parabens are a family of chemicals mainly used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These low-cost, effective preservatives are commonly found in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shave creams, and many other body care products.
Seriously, watch out for these ingredients in the products you currently own and intend to purchase. I want all of you to live longer, healthier, more productive lives – which is why I am posting this. Considering that up to 60% of what you put on your skin enters your bloodstream, using products with parabens in them is no joke. One application may not make a huge difference, but over an extended period the effects are potentially harmful. The next time you’re in the shower, take a look at the ingredients of your body wash and shampoo to see if they contain parabens. There’s a good chance they do.