As cold weather settles in, protecting and nourishing your skin is important to keep it from becoming chapped and dry. One of my favorite products to use for deep moisturizing is our Butter Bar. In fact, this lotion bar is referred to as our ‘ultimate moisture therapy’. It’s a great product to prevent dryness and cracking , but it is just as good at restoring moisture and healing areas that need attention as the blend of cocoa, mango and shea butters penetrate and hydrate the skin.

Simply take the Butter Bar out of the tin and hold it in your hands. Your body heat will cause the bar to melt slightly. Rub the lotion into your skin. Be patient – it may take a little while to absorb, but it is worth it! I used this religiously during my last pregnancy and it protected my expanding belly -not a stretch mark to be found! Now my favorite way to use the Butter Bar is to pamper my feet and heels. Just before bed I slather on the Butter Bar and then put on a pair of socks. When I wake up, my feet are super smooth.

This month, all Butter Bars (even the vegan version that includes fair trade unrefined cocoa butter that has a heavenly natural chocolate scent) are on special for 20% off. Stock up on one or two to pamper your skin throughout the fall and winter and grab a few more for holiday gifts – they make great stocking stuffers!

What is your favorite way to use our Butter Bars? Leave your comments below.

Spearmint is another essential oil we tend to use quite a bit here at Vintage Body Spa. Sweeter smelling and less overwhelming than peppermint oil, it’s a good choice when you want mint without the menthol tones. Spearmint oil also blends well with many other essential oils, as evidenced by our products containing a variety of blends (listed below).

Image via Wikipedia

Latin Name: Mentha Spicata

Description: Spearmint is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region that grows approximately three feet high. The leaves are bright green, are sharply serrated and have pink or light purple colored flowers. The oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the herb.

Countries of origin: Although native to the Mediterranean region, it is now common throughout Europe, western Asia and the Middle East. The oil is produced in Europe (Hungary, Spain, and Russia), China and America (Midwest).

Scent: Spearmint has a fresh, minty, aroma.

Properties: Refreshing and comforting, Spearmint oil has been used to promote relaxation and relieve mental fatigue. The oil is also slightly antiseptic. Spearmint oil has also been used for respiratory issues as well as for the digestive system.

Precautions: Spearmint oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.

Vintage Body Spa products containing Spearmint Oil: Salt Soak in Eucalyptus Spearmint, Daily Moisturizing Lotion in Eucalyptus Spearmint or Mojito (Spearmint & Lime essential oil blend), Butter Bar in Double Mint and Mojito Soap.

What is your favorite use for spearmint oil? What other essential oils do you like to blend with spearmint oil?