It's that time year again, and I've noticed a few new dry patches of skin - particularly where my bra straps sit on my shoulder, why there? No idea! Even googling it doesn't give me a clear answer ... anyway when the cold weather arrives in the winter months I always turn to Gem's Dry Skin Balm. Now full disclosure Gem is my niece (in-law) and is like another daughter to me (or little sister depending on how brave I am about the age gap), Gem lived with us for a while and we are very close. When she was living here we worked a lot together on her small business, then she moved to Devon, had a baby paused for a few years to concentrate on being a new mum, but she's back and thank goodness because I was running out of supplies of her balm, Gem's Dry Skin Balm really is a beauty cupboard essential, for both summer and winter. Winter can be a tough time for our skin, especially for women over 50 navigating midlife. As the temperature drops, the combination of cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity levels can mean our skin changes and leaves the skin feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable. Add to this the natural changes in our skin’s texture and elasticity during midlife when our hormone levels drop (especially oestrogen), and it’s no wonder winter often feels like a battle for hydration. But that is why we all need one hero product - a dry skin balm. This is a personal recommendation - although I do receive gifts of Gem's Dry Skin Balm regularly because Gem is my niece! Get 15% off Gem's Dry Skin Balm below! Why winter skin needs extra TLC in midlifeAs we age our skin produces less oil and retains less moisture making it more prone to dryness and irritation and winter's harsh conditions exacerbate these changes leading to: Flaky or rough patches I am experiencing this under my bra straps, but older women might find areas like cheeks, forehead, and around the nose particularly susceptible. Cracked dry hands We are washing our hands more frequently and the cold air can add to the dry winter skin and in fact it was down to Gem's mother's dry hands that Gem's Dry Skin Balm came about! Chapped lips and tight skin Which can feel super uncomfortable and often lead to bleeding, Gem has a lip balm too ... more on that below. A good dry skin balm acts as a skin barrier locking in moisture and protecting your skin from the elements while helping it to repair and heal. 5 quick fixes a Gem's Dry Skin Balm can help withA little goes a long way and a balm can really care for your skin concerns, help with dull skin and dry skin conditions. Heal dry hands After washing your hands, apply the balm to your knuckles and cuticles or for a really intensive treatment, add Gem's Dry Skin Balm into your nighttime skincare routine, by applying a thick layer before bed and wearing cotton gloves overnight to lock in the moisture. Rescue rough patches Use the balm on stubborn dry areas, elbows, knees, heels, the perfect time to apply is just before bed after a shower or bath, it is your new secret weapon for sensitive skin and will encourage your skin's natural oils and moisture. Protect your face If your skin is feeling tight or dry during the day, or you are heading out into the cold air for a walk, apply a tiny amount of balm to your cheekbones and nose, it will soothe but also protect from the wind burn outside. Soothe sore chapped lips Gem has created two beautiful lip balms designed especially for use on the lips and guaranteed to keep your lips soft and hydrated, and don't forget to apply a thicker layer before bed for an intensive overnight treatment. Add glow to your makeup Add a small amount of balm to your foundation to use as a natural highlighter on your cheekbones! Choosing the right dry skin balm for midlife skinNot all balms are created equal and Gem recommends avoiding products that contain petroleum jelly, did you know it creates a heavy barrier that traps dirt and bacteria, preventing the skin from breathing naturally leading to clogged pores, breakouts and irritation and is especially bad for acne-prone skin and anyway, a natural balm is much nicer than a by-product of the petroleum industry in my opinion! Firstly look for natural, nourishing ingredients and Gem uses beeswax, rose otto bulgaria oil, evening primrose oil, carrot seed oil and cocoa butter but visit her dry skin balm key ingredients for the full ingredient list and all the important things you need to know. Next you need natural skin-soothing elements like sweet almond oil and sunflower oil that are proven to hydrate, calm, protect and soothe and galbanum oil which will help remove dead skin cells and is anti-inflammatory. Finally fragrance free is better, we all know that synthetic fragrances irritate the skin so look for a balm that has used natural essential oils with proven benefits to your skin health and your mental wellbeing. Tips for maximising the benefits of a skin balmLayer it over your moisturiser, apply your hydrating serum or cream first then seal it in with the balm and top up if you are heading outside in the colder months. Use sparingly, a little really does go a long way, start small and add more if needed. Keep it handy so you remember to use it, we always have a jar of Gem's Dry Skin Balm in our kitchen for quick fixes - and it looks lovely on the shelf too! Winter really doesn't' have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. with the right balm and a few simple habits, you can keep your skin soft, nourished and glowing. Gem's Natural Skin CareIt all started with Gem's mum and her sore, dry hands. Gem had already completed an aromatherapy course and was loving researching how natural skin care can support healthy skin ... so she experimented and when her natural skin balm helped her mum's hands and her friends wanted to try it and more family were asking for a jar ... she took a brave step and started making Gem's Dry Skin Balm for others to purchase. Gem worked really hard, starting with local markets then a stall at Portobello Road Market every Saturday until finally she was brave enough to start a website and market her dry skin balm to a wider audience. The feedback was always positive and she has a loyal following and many many regular customers. Gem has been featured in national magazines, newspapers and is stocked in a selection of shops too. Then along came a family of her own and she took a break but she's back, because she missed making her balm, her customers missed her and we missed her! Gem has several products in her range, there's the original Gem's Dry Skin Balm but also her very popular Dry Skin Balm for Babies (oh how I wish we'd had this when Alex was a baby and suffering from very severe eczema on his wrists and hands) ... and now she has two organic lip balms Nature's Lip Balm - Rose and Nature's Lip Balm - Eucalyptus. My daughter has a regular supply of her favourite, the Rose one ... to condition, repair and soothe dry lips. Gem’s Dry Skin Balm hydrates and restores dry, sore, itchy skin and is also suitable for skin prone to eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The balm is a hard consistency but melts on the skin. We find the best method of application is to push the balm out with your nail. All products are handmade with love in Devon and her website features personal stories, genuine reviews and even my own son and daughter! And it's sustainable ... The jars and lids are recyclable as are the labels - they are made from FSC certified pulp and apple waste pulp. All packaging is recyclable and even the sellotape is plant based and compostable. The push up lip balm tube is made of cardboard with a food safe wax lining, it contains a very substantial 12 ml of balm so should last a long time! It is 100% recyclable or compostable. Gem has a FAQ page - yes you can use on eczema and allergy prone skin, yes you can use if you are pregnant, you can use on babies, around your eyes, on rosacea and on psoriasis. Find out more about Gem's Dry Skin Balm and all it's uses here.
So if your skin is suffering this winter season, please do give Gem's Dry Skin Balm a try! And it's great for cracked heels and getting your feet sandal ready too! Get 15% off your first order using FIFTY&FAB15 at Gem's Natural Skin Care. Gem shares her love of nature and snippets of family life in Devon on her Instagram account and you can get special offers if you sign up for Gem's newsletter on her website. Love from Michelle xx Disclaimer: this is a personal recommendation, I was under no obligation to write this post, Gem is my niece and often gifts me jars of her dry skin balm.
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Michelle ...Welcome to Fifty & Fab – a lifestyle blog to inspire and empower women over 50. I’m passionate about sharing insights on health, menopause, fitness, beauty, and style, tailored just for you! Categories
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![]() Hi, I’m Michelle and my blog Fifty & Fab is all about my journey into and through my 50s. I started this blog in 2016 with the purpose of helping other women at this stage of life. I’m delighted that my blog has grown to over 13k visitors per month. Visit my Work with Me page and request my Media Kit for details of product reviews, blogging services and social media content creation.
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February 2025
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