Lotions and Oils for Your Health

I received the following products in exchange for a review on my blog. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Just as your skin absorbs lotions and oils, it also absorbs nutrients. I never really thought about this until I started using lotions that contain vitamin supplements in them, like the Vita Sciences vitamin D3 cream that I recently reviewed. As I’ve use new skincare products, I’ve looked into the health benefits of each. The following are products that I’ve recently tried:

• Vita Sciences Maxabsorb Melatonin Sleep Cream: Your brain produces melatonin naturally to help you sleep. Some people use it, according to MedlinePlus, to help them fall asleep, to treat headaches or to treat tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Vita Sciences’ melatonin cream delivers 3 milligrams of melatonin with each pump.
  
  I generally take up to 2.5 milligrams of melatonin when I can’t sleep. When I have insomnia, I’ll take up to 5 milligrams. I found that one pump of the melatonin cream didn’t really make me feel sleep. More relaxed, yes, but sleepy, no. Two pumps, however, knocks me out. I usually use one pump and then wait 1 to 2 hours before using the cream for the second time. This makes me wonder if my body absorbs melatonin tablets better than the cream. If you’re new to melatonin, you may benefit from the cream.
  
  
• VitaSciences Maxabsorb Vitamin B 12 Cream: Other Vita Science creams that I’ve used are white and scent-free. This B12 cream is pepto-pink and smells like peppermint. Actually, to me, it smells like peppermint bubblegum at first, but then fades into a pennyroyal or catnip scent. Either way, I like it.
  
  One pump of this lotion delivers 320 micrograms of methylcovalamin (vitamin B12), 120 micrograms of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and 10 micrograms of folic acid. The MedlinePlus states that vitamin B12 is vital for DNA synthesis and cell health. The best sources of it come from animal sources, such as meat, eggs and dairy products. People who are older or have digestive disorders may not absorb enough B12 in their foods.
  
  A report on the Neuropsychopharmacology website states that vitamin B12 affects melatonin production in the brain, helping you feel more alert and awake. Because of this, I use B12 in the morning. My skin quickly absorbs the lotion and it doesn’t feel greasy.
  
  Vitamin B3, according to MedlinePlus, is good for controlling high cholesterol and helping those with circulation problems, migraines, diabetes, brain health and those who feel stressed. The site points out only niacin, not niacinamide, helps reduce cholesterol. I’ve noticed that since I started using the B12 cream, I have been in a better mood.
  
  
• La Beauté Pure Vitamin C Eye Gel: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps your skin, connective tissues and bones. It also promotes healing. The National Institutes of Health states that vitamin C helps the body produce collagen. This eye cream is 99 percent natural and 72 organic. It contains 5 percent vitamin C, as well as aloe vera, jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid. When you use it regularly, it helps reduce puffiness and dark circles.
  
  The gel smells and feels like another eye gel that I tried in the past. It has a light citrus scent and provides soothing, light moisture. I use the gel during the day and a more moisturizing product at night.
  
  
• Skleer Skin Conditioning Gel: Skleer is a product that comes out of South Africa. It uses eucalyptus, caraway, tea tree, cinnamon and cardamom oils to heal, nourish and correct your skin. You can use it on your face and body to treat acne, dermatitis, dry skin, insect bites, minor burns, hives, sunburns, sunspots and rashes.
  
  I was hesitant to use Skleer on my face because of all the potent essential oils in it, even though the manufacturer states that it’s ideal for delicate skin. I’ve used eucalyptus oil for ear infections, for example, and it feels as if some is sticking a hot dagger in it. I’m happy to report that I did not experience any skin irritation when I used Skleer. I tried it as a facial cream a few times, but found that it didn’t deliver enough moisture for my needs.  It also felt too sticky for my liking. I do like to use it every day, however, for dry patches of skin.

• Nura Natural Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil: Rosehip seed oil is one of my favorite facial moisturizers to use. Oil on my face? Yes! It only takes a few drops to moisturize your whole face and it’s light on the skin.
  
  Rosehip seed oil naturally contains antioxidants (e.g., lycopene), vitamins (e.g., vitamin C) and essential fatty acids. It helps heal your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. According to the Huffington Post, ancient civilizations used rosehip seed oil for its healing properties. You can also use it on dry scalp to relieve itchiness.
  
  Nura Natural’s oil comes in a dark bottle with nice a nice floral label. Like other quality rosehip seed oils, the oil is dark yellow and does not smell like roses. It works exactly as I expect it to work. I recommend rosehip seed oil to everyone.

What types of healing lotions or moisturizers do you like to use?

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review on my blog. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on an Amazon.com link and make a purchase.