Gift #2: Amber Bath Bathing Essentials
I have always had dry skin. I was one of those lucky people who had cracked, bleeding fingers, and was basically in pain during the winter months of the year. Picking the nursing profession was probably a poor choice in hindsight, but I battled through it with every hand lotion I could find, and even used to sleep in gloves hoping to provide some improvement before my next shift. Then came pregnancies, breastfeeding, moving to a more arid climate, and my skin took a terrible turn for the worst. The doctor actually told me my skin was “allergic to pregnancy.” Yep, super sexy.
But this all changed 2 years ago, when I had a chance meeting at Whole Foods with someone who would save me from this life long battle. I met the owner and creator of Amber Bath, a Colorado based product made of pure “therapeutic ingredients,” and nothing but the “best essential oils.” It is made-by-hand in small batches, with 100% natural ingredients. The owner Elizabeth, suggested a few products that would help my (at the time pregnant) ailing skin.
I have recommended these products to so many people, gave them as gifts to teachers, moms, sibling, etc., because it has been the only thing I have ever found to work. The feedback I received has been very positive from everyone, so I am definitely not alone in my belief in this brand.
Although there are many amazing products, I am going to tell you about my two favorite. The first is called the Shea Shower Frappe. This product is so unique, and I have never found anything like it. You keep it in the shower, and use it after washing and rinsing (while the warm water is still running), or immediately after turning the water off. This is all due to the fact that the product itself does not contain water, so it uses what is left on your body. The Shea butter is thick, and it becomes smooth as it combines with the water and warmth of your skin. For me, it absorbs immediately, and my skin doesn’t dry out from those long, hot showers I take in the winter months. Additionally, due to my laziness, I don’t have to stand and freeze, while I decide whether I should put lotion on, or just get dressed since no one is going to see my skin for the next 6 months anyway; it is done immediately before I can change my mind.
And now to the salves, which are the holy grail of my hand health. These salves, made by Amber Bath, consist of bees wax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, along with all natural essential oils. Not only does it help your skin, the ingredients provide some aromatherapy as well! Additionally, one of the things I love the most about this salve is the fact that it can be used not only on your hands, but also on elbows, heels, and get this…your lips! So much of my body craves moisture, and I have loved buying one product that can do so much. It is thick in consistency, but for me, it all gets sucked up and absorbed and instantly smooths (in case you were wondering, it is also not too thick for the lips). By morning, my body feels so much better, and my hands have transformed back to health. I have had cracked fingers every winter since I can remember, but since I have found this product and use it consistently every night, I have not had a single crack in my skin. Not an exaggeration!
Don’t worry, I am not going to pull a Dr. Oz on you, and recommend every product out there that is said to be a “superfood,” or the “next big thing” in healthy living. I have been on this journey for roughly 11 years, and I have tried many, many things. I am only going to recommend products that I have extensively used, definitely work, and in relation to how your body functions…things that makes sense. I am writing this blog because I am super passionate about making peoples’ life better, and making it realistic and achievable by all. Health is not generational, racial, ageist, or sexist…it is about finding a quality life, and treating yourself well. Keep up the good work.
Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.
Val