With the holidays long behind us, but the weather still not really what we would consider ideal, sometimes it feels as though winter will never end, and even though it’s still a little chilly and chances are you’re wearing pants or tights anyways, there are things you can do to help you have softer and smoother legs for the spring. 

For starters, why do our legs get so dry and scaly in the winter?  You would think that because you’re covered up all the time that your skin would be holding in moisture and getting a little break, but our legs actually dry out more during winter months.  This is because of the constantly changing temperatures our bodies are encountering when we move from inside to outside, in and out of the shower, and to and from central heating.  

While there’s not too much you can do about the changing temperature, (aside from waiting out the cold weather in one, heat-controlled room, essentially like a bear in hibernation), there are a few things you can do to help soften your dry skin and make it much smoother. 

Here’s three easy tricks to try in order to have softer, less irritable legs during this final stretch of cold weather leading us into spring.  

1. Stay Hydrated

You obviously can’t keep your skin hydrated without keeping yourself hydrated, that’s just science.  On average, you should be drinking about two liters of water a day, which is easier to do if you have a cute water bottle.  We recommend treating yourself (make hydrating fun) and getting yourself a new water bottle you like.  Then, sport that thing around everywhere.  Staying hydrated will not only help with the dry and itchy skin on your legs, and all over your body, but drinking water also burns calories, so it’s a win, win.

2. Wear Soft, Natural Materials

Our skin is easily irritated by synthetic fibres and material blends, especially in these colder months when we are constantly covered up.  While it might be hard to swap out our everyday wear with all natural and comfortable materials, there are some areas of your life that should be purged of synthetic fibres before spring.

Harsh fabrics love the hide in our bedding and pajamas unfortunately.  This is probably because we don’t check the material blend of our bedding as often as we just “feel it” and are drawn to the overall look of it in our homes.  Since you are spending 6-8 hours a night in your bed and pajamas though, making sure that at least those blends are all natural materials will give your skin some much-needed rest after taking on the day.

3. Moisturize!

Real cutting edge stuff here, but yes, if you do moisturize regularly, your skin will be less dry and itchy.  Let the key word here be “regularly.”  Most people only moisturize after getting out of the shower, or once their skin already feels dry, and while, yes, this is helpful it is not as helpful as getting in the habit of moisturizing every day. 

Not only will moisturizing everyday penetrate your skin to treat the dryness itself, but also natural oils protect your skin by acting as a barrier between it and the elements or temperature.

By being aware and incorporating these three simple steps into our everyday routine, we can combat dry and itchy skin in these final winter weeks.  And, if our skin is feeling softer and more comfortable, then chances are we will too! 

Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly, and while it’s nice to spoil your loved ones around you, this might be the year you focus on ‘me, myself, and I’. All we have to say to you is: treat yo’ self, and here are five ways to do it.

Massage: Ahhh, a day at the spa. Take some time to allow your body to relax this Valentine’s Day with your favorite kind of massage. Don’t be afraid to book the longer session, you deserve it.

Unique exercise class: Looking for a new way to beat this winter tiredness? Show your body some love and treat yourself to that yoga or spin class you’ve been wanting to try. Bring a friend along and the two of you will be feeling more energized in no time.

An Exciting Experience: Break away from the general ‘ooey-gooey’ feel of Valentine’s Day and treat yourself to a gift that gets your blood pumping. We’re thinking something along the lines of...sky-diving? Whatever it is, gift yourself the experience of a lifetime that sets the bar high for future Valentine’s Day presents.

Nice Pair of Shoes: Admit it, you’ve had your eye on these for a while now, waiting for the right occasion to make your move. Well, that occasion is now. It’s Valentine’s Day and your feet deserve some love, too.

Lavilin Foot Care Line: Speaking of your feet deserving some love, how nice does a foot spa sound right about now? Our Foot Repair Emulsion and Foot Moisturizing Gel are the perfect duo to get your feet looking and feeling like they haven’t been stuck in snow boots for the last few months.

Have you ever made the drive to the gym, walked past the check-in guy who use to greet you by name when you came more frequently but now looks at you with that quizzical, “I know that I know you, but have no idea from where” look, made the long trek to the locker room and opened up your bag only to realize you forgot some of the most pivotal tools needed to enjoy your gym experience?

In 2016, people are busier than ever. With work, kids and trying to find time for long-gone facets of years-past like “social events” and “hobbies”, getting to the gym can be incredibly difficult. It can be especially difficult when we find we don’t have the necessary tools upon our gym arrival.

Think of the gym as a job.

 Like any job, it can be a total nightmare, or it can be completely fulfilling and even fun. This all depends on your mindset and your tools to complete the work.

 Just like a construction worker should never show up to a job-site without his toolbox, you should never show up to the gym without the tools you’ll need to enjoy and maximize your gym experience.

 Here’s a list of the five most important tools to put your best foot forward at the gym.

Water: Nobody enjoys standing in line, especially when that line is being held up by extremely sweaty people at the gym drinking fountain. Bring your own water bottle to have on you at all times. Less time taking water breaks at the water fountain = more time working.

Headphones: Listening to music, or having some other form of stimulus while you work out, can be one of the most enjoyable parts of exercising. Studies have shown that listening to music during your work out can provide a welcome distraction, up your effort, put you in the zone, and provide you with a beat that can function as a way to set your pace during cardio. Bring the tunes to help you bring your best effort.

Workout Clothing: Have you ever run six miles in jeans? Hiked a mountain on the stair-stepper in high heels? Would you ever want to? Probably not. Necessary clothing like shorts, tennis shoes, sports bras, or other flexible and breathable clothing designed for exercise are a must when your packing your gym bag.

A Plan: One of the most important tools to enjoying your time at the gym, and getting the most out of it, is to enter through those doors with a plan. What muscle groups do you want to exercise today? What workouts will help you to work those groups? How much time and how many reps should be spent on each workout?

Deodorant: Let’s cut to the chase. Sweating is GOOD. Not only is it a constant reminder of how you are bettering your body during your workout, but it is actually good for you and your skin. That’s why you should always make sure to bring a deodorant, and not an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants attempt to stop you from sweating while deodorants simply eliminate some of the negative effects of sweat (such as odor).

Lucky for you, we’re kind of experts in the deodorant category. You won't find any harsh chemicals or aluminum in Lavilin deodorants. They utilize plant extracts and oils to help address odor without interfering with the body's natural ability to remove toxins/sweat.

So the next time you find yourself heading out the door for the gym, remember these five tools not only to maximize your time and effort, but to make sure your body is being taken care of throughout your entire workout.