Tag Archives: raising babies

EKOBO – designed for Good. To be used and REUSED, by big and little, day in and day out, indoors or outdoors x

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Ulula is really happy and proud to introduce a new home living brand from Ekobo!!

 

packed lunch made, breakfast waiting x

Ekobo specialise in the design and manufacture of contemporary home accessories made from renewable bamboo and other eco-friendly materials.

Ekobo’s BIOBU range for kids dinnerware is chic, colourful, practical and fun, and we and the kids LOVE IT!

 

 

The story behind the range is really inspirational. Here’s what Boo & Bruno have to say:

“We’ve been long-devoted to improving the way we engage with people and our planet, but our creative process is fueled by our own family – our 3 girls, our messy real life needs; each collection expands as our own kids grow.

Our first bamboo fibre product, a kids set, was conceived because we couldn’t find BPA-free (or Disney-free 🙂 baby dishware for our first daughter, who just turned 13! At the time, as parents and consumers, we struggled to trust established brands who offered the only products on the market. Leaning on our bamboo expertise, Skype and considerable sweat, tears, in 2012, we partnered with a factory in China that produced a new bamboo fibre eco-composite. We worked together to fine-tune what is now our BIOBU® FSC-certified  Bamboo Fibre Collection. To push both design and function, we’ve added other responsibly-sourced materials to our range, like cork, wood and organic cotton.

We’ve always believed that being green isn’t a fad, nor an option, so we stand committed to making products that are durable, safe, thoughtful alternatives for today, but most importantly, for tomorrow. All our products are meant to be used and REUSED, by big and little, day in and day out, indoors or outdoors.

Thanks for being a part of our family’s adventure. Boo & Bruno // Founders of EKOBO [EKOBO, since 2003]”

But… why Bamboo?

“EKOBO chose bamboo because it is one of our earth’s most renewable resources. It is a fast-growing, naturally-regenerative woody grass which flourishes organically without pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides. It can be continuously harvested every 3 years without damaging the plant or the surrounding environment. The bamboo used in BIOBU products is collected from the sawdust that is shed from cutting and shaping bamboo chopsticks and bamboo flooring.

We are not only rigorous about maintaining worldwide safety standards (LFGB, FDA, REACH) that our products are 100% non-toxic, but our raw material (bamboo recycled from chopstick factories) is also FSC-certified. In case there’s anyone out there that isn’t sure why it’s so important for timber and bamboo fiber products to carry this certification, we thought we’d explain what it’s all about:

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council; an independent and non-profit organisation set up to address the exploitation of forests, protect indigenous peoples rights to use a forest, support the training and employment of local workers within forests, and much more. ⠀⠀

For a company to be awarded an FSC certification, each business involved in the entire chain of production – from forest owner to manufacturer to seller – must also have FSC certification. So you can purchase our goods, or any good bearing the FSC logo, with a clear conscience that it was responsibly sourced and managed from A-Z. In fact, you can give yourself a pat on the back for shopping thoughtfully and consciously. xoxo”

Top Tips for Keeping Babies and Children Cool in Hot Weather

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baby-sleep-coolBabies and young children should be watched carefully during hot weather. They can quickly lose body fluids through perspiring, which can lead to dehydration. They need to drink regularly, wear light clothing and be kept cool.

Babies and young children may not show early signs and symptoms of the effects of heat. They may just look unwell or be more irritable than usual. Babies may seem floppy, have drier skin, and refuse to drink, or have fewer wet nappies than usual. The soft spot on top of a baby’s head (fontanelle) may also be lower than usual.

Top tips for keeping your little one cool

When keeping your baby or young child cool during a heat wave, it’s important to remember that their bodies aren’t the same as older children or adults and react to heat differently.

  • Dress your baby or young child in light, loose clothing such as a vest and nappy, or loose top.
  • Regularly bath them in lukewarm – not cool or cold – water. If your child resists having a bath, wipe them down with a sponge or muslin dipped in lukewarm water.
  • When putting your baby or child down for a nap, choose the coolest place in the house. Make sure the cot is clear of bumpers or blankets so air can circulate through. Never leave babies to sleep in a pram as they may overheat.
  • If you have a fan, direct it towards the centre of the room to keep the air circulating, not directly at your baby or child.
  • If you have an air conditioner, try to keep the room your child is sleeping in around 18C – 20C so they don’t get too cold.
  • If you do not have a fan or air conditioner, you can cover your baby’s or toddler’s body with cool damp cloths or muslins. You can also place wrung out wet towels or sheets around the cot to cool the air near them. Check on your baby regularly to make sure they are not getting too cold.

Eating and drinking

Keeping your child hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during a period of intense heat. Young children and babies in particular, are not able to tell you they are thirsty, so it is important to make sure they are getting enough to drink. If you wait until your child is thirsty it is too late, he is already dehydrated! Get your kids drinking before thirst develops and consume additional fluids even after thirst is quenched.

    • Breastfeeding mums don’t need to give very young babies extra water during a heatwave as the breast milk provides their babies with all they need, although mums should make sure they drink plenty of fluids.
    • If your child also consumes other food, you can give them small amounts of cooled boiled water between feeds.
    • Bottle-fed babies may need extra formula or small amounts of cooled boiled water if they seem thirsty.
    • Make sure your child has regular drinks throughout the day, such as water or at worst, fruit juice. Avoid giving sugary or fizzy drinks. They can actually dehydrate them further!
  • If they’re over 6 months old and get bored with water, try giving them a combination of very diluted fruit juice, frozen fruit pieces (orange quarters, watermelon) for them to suck on and homemade dilute fruit juice lollies throughout the day. For older children, plenty of fruit and salad will also help keep their fluid levels up.

How to keep cool when travelling

Ideally, it’s best to avoid taking your baby or toddler out during periods of intense heat as babies and young children can overheat very quickly, particularly in cars. Even during cooler days, cars can heat up to dangerously high temperatures very quickly. However, if you have to take your baby or child out:

  • Try to make trips during the coolest part of the day.
  • Never cover a baby seat in a car with a rug or towel to shade from the sun as this will restrict air moving around the baby, which will make them hotter.
  • Use sunshades on windows. Use a muslin, towel or stick on shade screen to cover the window next to your baby or toddler so the sun doesn’t shine directly on them through the window.
  • Never leave babies or young children alone in a car, no matter what the weather (even in mild weather cars quickly become too hot for small children).
  • Don’t leave babies to sleep in a pram in hot weather – prams can be hot and airless; make sure air can circulate around your baby.

How to keep cool at night

  • If possible choose the coolest place in the house.
  • Keep bedrooms cool throughout the day by closing blinds or curtains. Turn a room fan on before bedtime. A fan can be left on all night – but well out of reach and never pointed directly at the cot or bed.
  • Open windows in several rooms to create a through breeze.
  • Give them a tepid bath, or sponge bath, before bed and let them air dry while lying on a towel so the evaporation of the water will cool their skin down.
  • Make sure the cot is clear of bumpers or blankets so air can circulate through.
  • Hanging wrung out wet towels over chairs or windows cools the air.
  • Cover waterproof sheets with several layers of cotton sheets to absorb perspiration.
  • Remove unnecessary bedding and opt for a cool muslin sleeping bag.
  • If your baby is still hot let them sleep in a vest and nappy, or even just a nappy.
  • A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby’s room. Your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C (61F) and 20C (68F).
  • Remember that the air temperature usually cools during the night. To find out if your baby is at a comfortable temperature – not too hot, not too cold – put your hand to the back of his neck. This will give you an accurate feeling of how warm or cold the rest of their body is, because it is near the core. Arms and legs don’t give an indication of baby’s internal temperature, rather giving a reflection of the external air’s temperature.

Sick babies and children need special care in hot weather

Even with minor illnesses, such as colds or gastroenteritis, babies and small children need special care in hot weather. These illnesses often lead to a slight rise in temperature by themselves, but in hot weather this could lead to dehydration.

Frequent breastfeeding and extra drinks are important if your baby is ill. To cool a baby’s or a child’s hot body, try frequent lukewarm baths – NEVER cold – or sponge your baby or child down. Seek help if there is no improvement or if you are worried.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/how-can-i-keep-my-baby-safe-during-hot-weather/

Crafted wooden toys, made with Love

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When we are looking for new products to bring to Ulula, we use our heads and our hearts equally, in the belief that if both are in agreement, we feel that we have found the right product!

When we started looking to expand our range of toys, our hours of buying and trying led us to Hohenfried.

In this modern world, Hohenfried Heimat feels to us a real gem in our midst. Hohenfried is an open community of learning for disabled adults and children, providing sheltered accommodation, schools, and employment in organic agriculture, craft workshops, carpentry, gourmet kitchens, and bakeries. Hohenfried is not simply a ‘place’. It is a home; a field of learning, a gathering of people, wildlife and most importantly of all, purpose.

Sitting in the Bavarian Alps, the landscape alternates between woodlands and meadows with flowing transitions between nature and the areas of living and working.

For Ulula, the wooden rattles that came to our attention made us fall in love! The rattles are made in the community workshops, and are made entirely of local timber, cut mostly (and sustainably) from trees grown in the communities own grounds; the toys are beautifully machined, and finished only using pure vegetable oils.

The various rattles or greifling (clutching) toys are handmade to the renowned carpenter, pedagogue, and educational theorist Hugo Kükelhaus’s original 1930s ‘allbedeut’ designs. Kükelhaus was a well-known German architect, educator and environmentalist, who designed a range of special baby toys which promote sensory, motor skills and the imagination.

Hohenfried Dreilochring Rattle
This beautiful, chunky, handmade wooden rattle, containing two balls of beechwood securely enclosed within an outer ring of strong cherry wood, makes a lovely, gentle sound when shaken. The silky, smooth surface is finished with a natural oil so you can rest assured it is safe for little mouths, and the size is perfect for little hands to grab, hold, explore and shake. A quality rattle, made with love, that is certain to become an heirloom. Comes packaged in an unbleached cotton drawstring bag.

Hohenfried Kugel Rattle

This handmade wooden ball rattle is made of pear tree wood with an inner ball of hard cherry wood. The ridged, textured surface is finished with a natural oil so you can rest assured it is safe for little mouths, and the size is perfect for little hands to grab, hold, explore and shake. Comes packaged in an unbleached cotton drawstring bag.

“My mum had a rattle just like this, and as soon as she saw it at Ulula she had to get it for my little one – it already feels like an heirloom because of the familiarity, and my LO loves it so much x” Johanna

Hohenfried Urfisch Rattle
This fun, eternally classic, quality handmade wooden rattle contains a wooden inner ball which makes a pleasing sound when shaken. The multi-textured surface is finished with a natural oil so you can rest assured it is safe for little mouths, and the size is perfect for little hands to grab, hold, explore and shake. A delightful rattle, beautifully made with love, that is certain to become an heirloom. Comes packaged in an unbleached cotton drawstring bag.

 

Hohenfried Greifling Rattle
This lovingly handmade wooden ring rattle contains a central bar holding three loose disks which make a lovely sound when shaken. The silky, smooth surface is finished with a natural oil so you can rest assured it is safe for little mouths, and the size is perfect for little hands to grab, hold, explore and shake. Comes packaged in an unbleached cotton drawstring bag.

“Love this so much – it is so beautiful to hold, and just brilliant for my son – he is teething, and he loves a good gnaw!!” Anna

 

Enjoying our Great Outdoors this Summer!

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The weather is warming up, the days are longer and there’s more time to be outside doing fun things! But if you and your little one are going to be out in the sun you need to stay sun safe.

Tips to keep you child safe in the sun

  1. Encourage playing in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
  2. Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.
  3. Cover exposed parts of your little one’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don’t forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks, the tops of feet and the backs of knees when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. Reapply often throughout the day – least every 2 hours.
  4. Cover up your child in loose cotton clothes – such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves – that you can’t see your hand through. You may still get burned through more sheer fabrics.
  5. Make sure your child wears a hat, ideally a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck. A baseball cap leaves unprotected ears and the back of the neck exposed to the dangers of burning.
  6. Reapply sunscreen more often if children have been swimming or sweating a lot — even if the sunscreen is waterproof. And remember that you can get sunburned more quickly when you’re paddling, swimming or boating because the reflection from the water intensifies the sun’s rays. Reapply after towelling.

 

The article below is taken from parents.com and we thought it interesting.

Sun Care 101: The Basics of Sun Safety for Kids

Just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double your little one’s lifetime risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Young, sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to damaging rays, so protect your child by being sun-care savvy.

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays make the skin tan; ultraviolet B (UVB) rays cause skin to burn. But don’t be fooled: A tan isn’t healthier. “Both suntans and sunburns are signs that skin cells have been damaged by radiation from the sun,” says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at Continuum Health Partners in New York City. UVB used to get all of the blame for causing skin cancer, but new research shows UVA is equally damaging. This is particularly worrisome since UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent, and they penetrate deeper into skin cells.

What does SPF stand for? Is a higher number more effective?

An SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates a sunscreen’s effectiveness at preventing sunburn. “If your child’s skin reddens in 10 minutes without sunscreen, SPF 15 multiplies that time (10 minutes) by 15, meaning she’d be protected from sunburn for approximately 150 minutes or 2 1/2 hours. Of course, this depends on an adequate application of sunscreen and is based on SPF calculations with artificial instead of natural sunlight. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using sunscreens with at least an SPF of 15*, which blocks 93 percent of UVB rays. Higher SPFs provide even greater protection, but only to a certain point: SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB and SPF 50+ (the maximum SPF you’ll find) blocks 98 percent.

What should I look for in a sunscreen? Are sunscreen sticks and sprays as effective as lotions?

As long as you’re using a sunscreen with SPF 15* or higher that’s broad-spectrum (meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays), it doesn’t matter whether you use a lotion, cream, gel, stick, or spray. Some young children are sensitive to certain sunscreen ingredients. To test for reactions, apply a small dab on the inside of your child’s upper arm and check the area in 24 hours for signs of redness or rash. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are often less irritating because the ingredients aren’t absorbed into skin.

At what age is it safe to put sunscreen on a baby?

Your baby’s skin is sensitive and can easily absorb too many chemicals, so only use sun creams with zinc oxide as the active ingredient, and use on small areas of baby’s body. Use clothing plus shade as the primary method of protection. Provide additional protection by keeping her out of the sun as much as possible: take walks before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when UVB rays aren’t as intense; use a stroller canopy; dress her in lightweight clothing that covers her arms and legs; and choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that covers her face, ears, and neck.

How much sunscreen should I use on my child? How often should I reapply it?

The Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org) recommends that adults use at least an ounce (that’s a shot glass) of sunscreen, but there’s no set amount for growing children. The important thing is to cover all exposed areas (especially easily overlooked places like ears, tops of feet, backs of knees, and hands) 30 minutes before your child heads outside so her skin has time to absorb it. Reapply at least every two hours, more frequently if she’s swimming, playing in water, or sweating.

*SPF gives an indication of how much longer it will take for your skin to burn with sun cream compared with bare skin over the whole day. However, studies suggest that most people won’t achieve the specified SPF due to poor application. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 35ml for the total body – that’s around seven teaspoons: one for the face/head and neck, one for each arm and each leg, and one each for your front and your back. The average amount of sunscreen we typically apply is about half of what we ideally need to. Not applying enough sun cream reduces the level of protection we’re receiving. According to the WHO, applying a smaller quantity of sun cream leads to a disproportionate reduction in protection – if the quantity applied is reduced by half, protection may fall by as much as two thirds. Therefore, using an SPF 30 or higher is a safer option. (which.co.uk/reviews/sun-creams/article/spf-uva-uvb-sun-creams-explained)

Does my child really need to wear sunscreen in the winter or on overcast days?

Up to 80 percent of UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off sand, water, snow, and even concrete. “Kids actually may be more exposed to UV rays on cool days because they stay outside longer,” Dr. Mariwalla says. Basic sun protection tips — clothing that covers arms and legs, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen — still apply.

Will my child get enough vitamin D if she’s always wearing sunscreen?

Your child needs vitamin D to help his body absorb calcium and build strong bones, and sunshine is a great source. Studies suggest that some infants and children don’t get enough vitamin D (perhaps due to increased sunscreen use).

My family has dark skin. Do we need to worry about sun protection?

“It’s a fallacy that people with dark skin are immune to skin cancer,” Dr. Mariwalla says. Although skin cancer affects between 1 and 4 percent of African Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it’s often deadlier because it goes undetected longer (and rates among Asians are rising). In dark skin, cancer can also lurk in areas that aren’t exposed to the sun, like the palms of hands, soles of feet, and mucous membranes.

Besides sunscreen, what else can I do to protect my family?

Keep your child out of the sun between 10am and 4pm, when UVB rays are most intense. Dress him in clothing that have a UV protection of at least SPF 30 or that have a tight weave (you shouldn’t be able to see easily through it) and make sure he wears a wide-brimmed hat that protect his face, ears, and neck. Seek shade as much as possible.

www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/sun-care-basics/

If you are planning on using a paddling pool this summer, avoid plastic toys with holes, as they can turn into a bacteria bomb:

https://blog.ulula.co.uk/2016/07/18/dont-drop-a-bacteria-bomb-in-your-childs-bathtub/

Bathtime Fun

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Bathing is soothing to most babies as the water reminds them of being in their mother’s womb. However, when babies are tiny, you don’t need to bathe them and certainly not every day. Their skin is still forming and adjusting to being on the outside and so needs only simple, gentle care. To start with you can just wash baby’s face, neck, hands and bottom. This is often called ‘topping and tailing’.

From about four months, baby’s skin has developed a functioning protective mantle and it is around this age that bathtime can really become fun. Choose a time when your baby is awake and happy and make sure that the room is warm and there are no draughts. You must never leave your baby or toddler alone in the bath, so gather all the things you will need beforehand and put them within reach.

You can use your elbow to check the water temperature if you don’t have a special bath thermometer – it should be about 37°C, which is about the same as body temperature and best suited for baby. A careful dipping of their feet or the bottom first helps them to get used to the water. For tiny babies, put your left arm under baby’s neck and gently hold around their shoulder and arm with your left hand – the back of baby’s head should feel supported and secure on your forearm. With your free hand you can then wash baby. For larger children, the bathing water should not reach higher than their waist and babies can feel more comfortable when they can touch the end of the bathtub with their feet.

It is important that baby doesn’t get too cold. Five to eight minutes is normally long enough in the bath as you don’t want the water to cool down too much and since the head loses a lot of heat, only wet their hair towards the end.  After the bath wrap your little one up in a warm towel and gently dry. Now is the perfect time for a lovely cuddle followed perhaps by a massage with a soothing baby oil.

Weleda Calendula Baby Oil

Martina Gebhardt Calendula Body Oil

Baby’s Delicate Skin

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After birth, your baby loses the protective warmth of the mother’s body and now the skin is the only border between inside and outside and the environment. Baby skin is five times thinner than adult skin and is still developing. The top layer is formed through interaction with the environment, while the protective acid mantle and barrier function are also still forming. This means that baby’s skin absorbs externally applied active ingredients faster and can be much more sensitive. The sweat glands are also not yet fully developed, so baby’s small body has trouble regulating its warmth independently.

After birth, babies therefore need a warm, protective coat, not only in the form of natural, breathable materials, but also through skin-compatible care products and loving skin contact.

During the first months of life baby’s skin needs simple, gentle care, for example your baby doesn’t need foam baths or shampoos as they only dry out the skin. A bath once a week is perfectly adequate in the first months of life and in the meantime your baby can be cleaned daily with a soft, damp washcloth. After washing or bathing, a body lotion can be applied to protect the skin of your baby and provide moisture. The most sensitive part is the nappy area, which needs extra special care. After a nappy change, it is good for the skin to be cleaned and treated with warm water, a soft cloth and then a few drops of body oil. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of oil in the water. If possible allow your baby to lie in a warm place for a few minutes, without a nappy on to allow the skin to have some fresh air. Finally, a layer of a good nappy cream offers protection against soreness.

Weleda Calendula Baby Care provides comfort and supports the development of healthy skin. From over eighty years of experience working with natural substances comes Weleda’s deep understanding of the special needs of a baby’s delicate skin. All of their products have been developed with the assistance of physicians and midwives and are dermatologically tested.

Martina Gebhardt’s Baby Care Range is demeter certified, ensuring the finest quality ingredients. The creams contain wool wax or lanolin as a base. The special value of the wool wax is that it closely resembles the vernix, the white, cheesy cell layer that covers and protects the baby‘s skin while in the womb. Wool wax gently protects sensitive baby skin and is very effective against nappy rash, which is why it is an important ingredient in the Martina Gebhardt Calendula Super- Protect cream.

Tip: Make your own wipes for traveling: for the purest option combine cooled boiled water with a few drops of organic baby oil. Place organic cotton wool pads in a shallow leak-proof container and pour the water and oil mixture over the pads until they are fully moistened. Keep the lid on to maintain the moisture and you are ready to go. As the liquid contains no preservatives or chemicals, make enough for just a couple of days at a time. You can also add some baby soap, but we didn’t find this necessary. Essential oils can cause irritation to very sensitive skin.

Is it Mothering Sunday soon? Well then, Happy Mummies Day lovely Ulula mummies x

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Happy Mothering Sunday to all Fabulous Mummies, with love, from Ulula x

Treat yourself to any Martina Gebhardt Trial Kit with £10 off & free p&p

Just use code MGU178 at checkout

Martina Gebhardt’s skin care is built on the philosophy that less is more and that truly healthy skin requires a truly holistic approach. The range contains ingredients that promote healthy skin and which complement each other harmoniously. The result is a highly effective range of skin care products that nurture your skin’s functions naturally for a healthy, effortlessly radiant, glowing complexion.

All Martina Gebhardt’s products are Demeter certified biodynamic and carry the cruelty-free seal, guaranteeing the highest possible quality and absolutely no animal testing.

 Rose – balances dry, sensitive skin

Discover the beauty of the heaven-scented Rose Skin Care System by Martina Gebhardt with the Rose Mini Kit. Created for dry and sensitive skin, regular use helps to prevent premature wrinkling and support regeneration, leaving skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and radiant.

 

Sheabutter – mild & soothing

The Martina Gebhardt Sheabutter Skin Care range offers soothing, moisturising care for hypersensitive, allergy-prone skin. Totally free of any substances that may irritate allergy-prone skin, such as essential oils, alcohol, herbal extracts and bee products, and of course, any synthetic ingredients.

Ginseng – enlivens demanding, tired skin

The Martina Gebhardt Ginseng Skin Care range is packed with vitamins and activating, vitalising plant extracts to strengthen the immune system and support regeneration. Ideal for 30+ skin, it enhances the skin’s regenerative capacity, improves elasticity and maintains optimal moisture levels, leaving the skin soft and supple. Also beneficial to restore balance and harmony to your skin after an illness or a prolonged holiday in the sun.

Salvia – balances oily, combination skin

The Martina Gebhardt Salvia Skin Care products help to nurture, tone and restore balance to oily, large-pored and combination skin by working to regulate the activity of sebaceous, oil-producing glands and restoring harmony to the skin’s natural protective skin layer. The Salvia Mini Kit is perfectly sized for travelling, and makes a wonderful gift.

Happy Mother’s Day xx