AD It’s finally getting warm enough that I don’t have to hide under thick jumpers and tights. I love this time of year when I can start to feel the warmth of the sun on my face, but peeling off those layers of clothes is bound to reveal that my skin needs a little TLC. Fortunately, thanks to GIFTA, I have received just the products from Palmer's to get my skin looking beautiful again. 

Great Palmer's Skin Care Products For Preparing Summer Skin

When I think of Palmer’s and their Cocoa Butter products I think of their Stretch Marks range which was a staple skincare product in all my pregnancies, but they actually have a much wider range of products than I realised. As well as the body products they have hair care, lip balm, lots of products for the face … even a Foot Magic Range! The 3 products I have been sent are perfect for preparing your skin now the warmer weather is coming so you can look your best in your summer clothes. 

Preparing Your Skin For Summer

I’m sure I’m not alone in neglecting my skin over winter. As soon as I’m wearing t-shirts I look at my arms and realise how dry and dull the skin looks. While I try to use body lotion regularly in winter I am often too cold. By the time I have persuaded myself out of the warmth of the shower I am ready to attempt to beat the world record speed for getting dressed as quickly as possible. It’s lovely when the weather improves and I can take the time to give my body the attention it deserves. 

The trio of Palmer’s products I received to review are perfect to use together or alone. All 3 have the Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E that Palmer’s are best known for.

Palmer’s Cocoa Body Scrub

The wide opening tub makes it easy to scoop out and rub the body scrub on to damp skin. It can be used all over the body to exfoliate, refine and polish thanks to the crushed cocoa beans that reveal instantly softer and fresher looking skin. The combination of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Vitamin E makes the body scrub moisturising too so as you rub the old skin away you will be left with smooth, silky and great smelling skin. 

This is a great product to use a couple of times a week all over your body. 

This delicious smelling Body Scrub contains crushed cocoa beans for exfoliation

Palmer’s Retexture Renew Exfoliating Body Lotion

This exfoliating body lotion can be used after the body scrub or on its own. Unlike the scrub the exfoliation in the body lotion comes from AHAs. The non-abrasive chemical exfoliant helps remove the dead skin cells from the top layer of skin. It is designed to smooth rough, bumpy skin so if your skin needs that little bit extra attention or you have Keratosis Pilaris (strawberry skin) it is worth checking out.

As well as AHAs the body lotion contains Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter providing 48 hour moisturisation. I found it absorbed in really quickly leaving my skin feeling super soft. It is less scented than the normal Palmer’s products so if the cocoa butter smell sometimes puts you off you should be ok with this.

In a small independent study 100% of subjects reported improved skin texture and smoothness after 4 weeks use and most people reported a reduced appearance of bumpy skin. 

It’s worth noting that AHA’s can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so it is recommended that you use sunscreen for a week after use, but given how damaging the sun can be wearing sunscreen should be part of your daily routine for your body in Spring and Summer anyway (and all year round on your face). The AHA’s also mean you need to take a little care with storage; Palmer's advise storing below 25 degrees.

This Palmer's Body Lotion gently exfoliates to leave softer skin

Palmer's Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Body Lotion 

I have pale skin so I don’t tend to use self tans after an early experience left me looking rather orange, but the gradual tanning formula in this body lotion appeals to me. If you are looking for just a little more glow you can apply say once a week or you can apply daily to build up a darker tan.

I found Natural Bronze absorbed quickly into my skin without leaving a residue. The body lotion has no obvious colour when applied, but you can tell where you have used it because it’s noticeably softer. I applied it in the morning as I have white sheets and didn’t want to test if the colour transfers to material.

The body lotion has a mild smell which to me smells like a combination of Cocoa Butter and PVA glue. I  like the smell, but it’s mild enough to not be overpowering so even if you don’t like the smell when first applied you probably won’t notice it again.

Despite not having a lot of experience with self tan I do know that exfoliation is key to getting a great result. The Cocoa Body Scrub is ideal for using before applying the Gradual Tanner, but if your skin is particularly dry or rough I would recommend using the Retexture Renew Body Lotion for a week or so first.   Save the Natural Bronze Body Lotion until your skin is feeling smoother and more moisturised so you get a more even looking tan.

Get a natural looking glow without risking sun damage

The Palmer's products are widely available so you can get your new skincare favourite while picking up your groceries in the supermarket, in Superdrug, Sephora or online from Just My Look. 

Get smoother and super moisturised skin with Palmer's

About GIFTA

I received these products as part of a collaboration with GIFTA, an Influencer Marketing Agency. I have received several products to try over the last few years from GIFTA. It's great that you are only encouraged to share on your socials if you love the product. This means you don’t feel under pressure to create content unless it is something you are genuinely happy to recommend. They work with great Brands though so there is a good chance you will love whatever you receive. You also get to fill in a survey giving your feedback so you can let GIFTA (and through them the Brand) know what you loved and what could be improved. 

If you are an Influencer (2k plus followers and genuine engagement) or a Brand and want to find out more then check out GIFTA here.