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As a lifelong eczema sufferer, I battle itchy, dry, irritated skin all year long, particularly during the cooler months. If you’ve got a similar condition, you can relate. But even if you don’t have particularly sensitive skin—winter can still wreak havoc on it.
According to Harvard Health, “Wintertime poses a special problem because humidity is low both outdoors and indoors, and the water content of the epidermis tends to reflect the level of humidity around it.” Add wind, and indoor heating into the mix…and it does our skin no favors. The results can cause winter itch, aka “winter xerosis.”
That’s why it’s extra important to keep your skin—your body’s largest organ—well hydrated during winter. Because this is a necessity for me (ignore it, and I’ll be up all night scratching), I keep a variety of skincare products in my arsenal, including Honey Pot’s Cannabis Infused Body Lotion with THC, and Balm.
The seasons have finally started to change in California, and my skin is making it just as apparent as the 40 degree nights! Desperate for moisture and relief from itching, I whipped out Honey Pot lotion with THC, and lathered it all over my arms and legs. I applied it after a warm soak, in order to seal in some extra moisture (note: hot water can irritate the skin more).
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I felt relieved in seconds. The itchiness was replaced with a tingly sensation on my skin, and in my nostrils (thanks to the potent aroma). The lotion eased my irritated skin; not only did it feel much better, it looked better—the redness dissipated, and the ashy-ness too. And it lasted all day! In fact, I applied the lotion on Friday and didn’t need more until Sunday. This is a major bonus because as others with eczema may know, many lotions do not sufficiently or deeply moisturize, leaving the skin cracked, dry or uncomfortable soon after application.
My face and lips seems to suffer the most during wintertime. Because balms are best for these sensitive areas, I find the company’s 1:1 Topical Balm to be gentle and effective enough to use under my eyes and on my lips. It’s so light, and eases any dry patches or flakiness. Not only does it keep my lips from cracking too, they stay silky smooth for several hours. Skiers and snowboarders take note: this is great for sunburned or windburned lips!
Though I haven’t hit the slopes for awhile, one of my favorite winter hobbies is to crochet (hello scarfs and beanies!). I’ve been known to bust out the balm, which works similar to Bio Freeze type products, after hours with hooks and yarn to ease soreness or stiffness, or heal blisters.
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Don’t just take my word for it. Cannabis products, including those with hemp, are proven beneficial for the skin. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, shows that cannabinoids can help treat skin conditions including: psoriasis, skin cancer, acne and more. Additionally, the National Eczema Organization recognizes cannabinoids to have, “measurable anti-itch, anti-pain, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties […].”
Cannabinoids, like THC, give infused products their punch, but it’s the honey and beeswax in Honey Pot topicals that make their formulations particularly effective. Both are extremely moisturizing, and have powerful anti-inflammatory and bacterial properties in their own rights.
However, like most infused topicals, there are two minor downfalls.
The first is the potent aroma. Honey Pot lotions have a strong scent which is soothing, but does linger. It doesn’t waft too much of ganja; it’s rather minty, thanks to the peppermint and eucalyptus its made with. It’s worth noting. that the balm isn’t as potent.
Another common issue with lotions—cannabis-infused or not—is the residue they leave on the skin. Sometimes it’s oily, sticky, or slippery. Honey Pot leaves a slight oily residue, but my skin soaks the extra oils up within minutes, so that’s an non-issue here.
The bottom line is that if you have sensitive skin, it matters what you put on it. And what works for some may not work for others. After 30 years of trial and error with over-the-counter and prescription skincare products, I’ve found cannabis (including hemp) infused products to be second-to-none when it comes to treating dry, itchy, inflamed skin—add honey and it’s a no brainer.
Besides…these two products make great medicated massages!
Products are chosen at the discretion of individual staff members and are not paid sponsorships.
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