A Little Balm For Your Skin

What Is Salve and Why Do You Need It?

In the cleanup of soap making, I double wash my equipment with commercial grease-cutting soap. While it works to keep my bowls and tools free of any kind of residue, it is harsh on my hands. I have found a really wonderful solution to this, I started making salve to soothe my dry skin.

I now want to share these with you.

Salves are an absolute treasure, and are key in the winter to correct the damage due to the elements or indoor heating. Dry skin is so uncomfortable; this quickly and easily returns my skin to better than its natural state.

Some of you may be familiar with Salves, but for those of you who are not here is a little overview.

Salves are the heavy-hitters of the moisturizing world. Salves are oil-based, unlike water-based creams and lotions. They may need to be rubbed in a bit more than a lotion, but they penetrate more deeply, moisturizing more than just the top layer of the skin. This is replenishment to the core. They are most associated with healing, even minor healing like dry and cracked skin.

At the time of this posting I have created three different salves using oil infusions:

Dandelion Infused Oil: The common yard ‘weed’ is so good for your skin. It heals chapped skin and dry patches. It's full of vitamins and minerals that protect your skin and keep it healthy. It also makes me happy to think that I’m using a touch of spring in the dark, cold months.

Elder Flower Infused Oil with Rosehip Oil: This one is very beneficial for mature skin. Elder Flower is very mildly astringent so it can firm skin and protect skin against future damage. The Rosehip Oil is full of vitamin C that is a healthy antioxidant for your skin. It brings out the best in your skin and can protect against damage.

Chamomile Infused Oil with Tamanu Oil: This one is amazing for dry skin. I know that being bundled up throughout the winter annoys my skin; my arms and legs always seem to be itchy. Chamomile soothes irritated skin. Tamanu Oil is a silky-smooth oil that has strong moisturizing power. The combination of the two makes my skin happy again.

I love these as a source of nourishment for my skin, and you will too!