The days are getting shorter, the heating is back on and there is a definite chill in the air. I love autumn, but my skin sometimes feels differently.
As soon as the temperature drops and the heating goes on, I notice my skin feeling drier. And I’m certainly not the only one.
This is the time of year when skin can appreciate a little extra care. Cold outdoor air and dry, heated rooms can make it harder for skin to retain moisture. If your skin is naturally dry, you may notice tightness or rough patches.
And just as winter approaches, so does the annual search for St Nicholas and Christmas presents.
What do you give someone who seems to have everything?
Another candle? A scarf? A perfume you can only hope they’ll like?
I would much rather give someone something they will genuinely use. Something a little special that they might not immediately buy for themselves.
Dry skin in winter: why I reach for a balm
Our skin continuously loses a little water to the environment. That is normal. But in the colder months, when the air is often drier, that loss can increase.
Dry skin may feel tight, develop rough patches or simply feel less supple.
That is why, when I think about skincare, I look beyond hydration alone. I also consider the lipids and conditioning ingredients that help keep skin soft and reduce moisture loss. Read more about how The Skin Barrier works.
I developed The Six-Seed Balm with dry and mature skin particularly in mind. Its formula combines six carefully selected seed oils with squalane, botanical butters and active ingredients.
The result is a rich balm that melts on contact, spreads easily and absorbs within minutes. It leaves a soft satin finish rather than a greasy film.
That was one of my priorities throughout the formulation process: a balm that provides rich care and helps limit moisture loss, while still feeling light and comfortable. Even during the day.
Exactly what I want when my own skin needs a little more attention in winter.
And yes, men are fans too
Dry skin has no age or gender.
Although I originally developed The Six-Seed Balm with dry and mature skin in mind, I have discovered that men enjoy using it too.
My son is a fan, and two of my male friends have started using it as well. I love that. It turns out the formula appeals to more people than I originally expected.
The scent fits that idea nicely. It is neither sweet nor overtly floral, but a subtle blend of ho leaf and bergamot FCF: softly spicy and woody, with a fresh hint of citrus.
Not a typically masculine or feminine fragrance. Just a balm with a scent I genuinely love, one that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film.
Which makes gift-giving a little easier.
Luxury skincare for every day
I don’t think a good gift always has to be something someone needs. It can simply be something they enjoy.
A beautiful product, carefully chosen ingredients, a distinctive texture. Something that feels good to use in the morning or evening.
For me, luxury is not only about packaging. It is about the care that goes into making something.
I worked on The Six-Seed Balm for a long time. It took 26 versions before I was happy with both the formula and the way it felt on skin.
I still make every jar by hand in small batches in the Netherlands.
The balm comes in 30 g and 50 g sizes. The smaller jar is a lovely introduction; the larger one is there for someone who already knows they enjoy it.
A gift that won’t end up in a drawer
Still looking for a thoughtful Christmas present or St Nicholas gift for your partner, mum, dad, sister or a good friend? A luxurious skincare gift for dry skin might be a rather lovely idea.
And if you are the person who always organises everyone else’s presents, don’t forget yourself.
To me, the best gift is something that brings pleasure not only on the day it is opened, but long afterwards.
After 26 formula versions, at least I have one less problem this year: my Christmas presents are sorted. 😂
Find your Six-Seed Balm here .
