Beauty and The Beast: Banish Dry Skin

So far we have had a pretty warm and dry fall but our mornings and a few days have been cold enough for the horses to need blankets. With blankets and the dry air comes dry, itchy skin. I have noticed that the horses are rolling more, rubbing against the fence and their hay bags and just overall itchy when they are being curried. I decided to take advantage of a warm afternoon and give the horses a conditioning and moisturizing rinse. This is the easiest thing to do (so long as you have warm water and a warmish day) to add instant moisture and shine to your horse’s coat.

I filled a bucket with a few squirts of jojoba oil and avocado oil, added a dollop of Attitude’s Oatmeal Conditioner and warm water. I then used a sponge to distribute the mixture all over my horses and let it sit while I washed their manes and tails. I then gave them an all over, warm, water rinse, scrapped off the excess water and finished with a spritz of my homemade Shine Spray (recipe here). Later that evening when I went to the barn I was shocked at just how shiny and soft their hair coats were. It made a world of difference and will hopefully help them be less itchy.

Why jojoba oil, avocado oil and an oatmeal conditioner?

Jojoba Oil is rich in beauty-boosting vitamins A, E, and D, plus antioxidants and fatty acids, jojoba "oil" is actually a wax ester with remarkably similar properties to our skin's own sebum. This means the "oil" is able to penetrate deeply, reaching below the top layer of skin for maximum nourishment. Jojoba is also naturally antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. My favorite is Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Jojoba Oil from Amazon.

Avocado Oil is also loaded with antioxidants and is very emollient and anti-inflammatory. It helps the skin maintain hydration and minimizes damage from free radicals by softening the skin and allowing the skin to trap and hold other humectants (moisturizers). Studies have proven that avocado oil helps improve dry, flaky skin and scalp. Fun Fact: Avocados were first used by early Egyptians to prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth and moisturize dry, damaged hair. Handcraft Blends also makes my favorite Avocado Oil.

Oatmeal has long been used to help heal dry, irritated skin. Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal binds to the skin and provides a protective barrier against irritants. It contains water-binding polysaccharides (long chain sugars) and hydrocolloids that hold moisture against the skin allowing it to act as an emollient. Attitude’s Conditioner uses oatmeal and avocado oil to create a truly wonderful, moisturizing conditioner. It is also free from any toxic or worrisome ingredients. You can purchase it from Attitude’s website.

Horses aren’t the only ones who suffer from dry skin in the fall and winter. Being out in the elements can also make your skin dry. Consider adding a few pumps OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil to your favorite body lotion (my favorite is Attitude Oatmeal Body Lotion) to banish dry skin. I immediately noticed a difference in how soft my skin looked and felt after doing this for a few days. This seaweed-infused body oil delivers a rush of antioxidant mineral moisture that softens, nourishes and firms like no other. It is super rich yet never greasy, and soaks in instantly and can visibly diminish the look of sagging skin and stretch marks. I even add a squirt to my hands after washing them to keep dry skin away. It is also super clean and free of nasty ingredients.