Natural U balms

I was recently given the opportunity to try some products from the natural-u handmade organic skincare range. Founded by Catherine Matthias and her close friend Nicola in 2009 as a result of suffering from sore, itchy, dry hands - they say necessity is the mother of invention- the range bases itself on natural, organic ingredients chosen for their known benefits to the skin.

I have to say, the balms could not have arrived at a better time. I was going through a lot of upset and stress at home and it was showing all over my skin; my lips were chapped and flaky, my cuticles and hands were a mess, and my eczema had flared up. Big Eeek, but perfect opportunity to see what these balms could really do! I have used them daily for the last couple of weeks, and in place of some of my other moisturisers and products to really put them to the test… and these babies have performed!!

As mentioned above, my three main areas of concern were dry, chapped lips; dry cuticles and that horrid dry skin you get at the sides of your nails, and eczema: I have suffered with eczema on my right foot for years. Just my right foot, just a certain place, and whenever I’m down, tired or stressed it comes back with a vengeance. I applied the original all purpose balm to all of these areas as required (once daily after bathing on my feet, and throughout the day on my hands and lips). I began to notice a difference after the first application but now I notice that the problems have not threatened to return and my skin is soft and feels nourished.

The all purpose balm contains some well-known natural goodies including shea butter, beeswax, chamomile, callendula and manuka, with well-known benefits which include natural anti-inflammatory, moisturising and anti-septic properties. Catherine has explained these fully on her website. The balm itself is a solid at room temperature but melts in the warmth of your hands and leaves a rich silky finish which I did notice as it sunk in, especially on my lips, but it was not oily or greasy and did not break out my skin (which I have noticed previously especially around my mouth when using mineral-oil based lip products). The fragrance is fairly neutral, although reminded me of something else which I couldn’t put my finger on, it doesn’t linger and isn’t over powering as some products with essential oils can be. The daily body rub has an almost sweet minty eucalyptus fragrance (owing to the inclusion of peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils) to give an invigorating feel when applied. I mainly used this on my legs and feet, and lower back after working long shifts and it is definitely soothing, and has all of the moisturising benefits of the all purpose balm.

I suspect I will also be reaching for this when the dreaded summer cold comes – that comforting smell of eucalyptus smells like it could do some good there!

I have really enjoyed using these balms and they have well and truly earned themselves a place in my day to day regimes. They have also become regulars with friends and family. They come packaged in neat but weighty little glass jars which I feel adds to their natural charm and organic feel. I always think that glass packaging adds to the luxury of a product, giving it an almost classic apothecary feel which we know has been very successful for certain other big brands specialising in organic products. Appearances aside, I am very glad I had the chance to try these balms as they have restored my faith that you can get good results from totally natural, organic, uncomplicated products and that not *everything* in skincare needs chemicals.

Balms are available in a variety of sizes and range from £2.99 to £16.50. Available from b-natural.co.uk.

*These balms were a PR sample