Fiona Tutte, founder, Pure Lochside
Aromatherapy is ideal to help soothe arthritic pain plus you benefit from the feel good factor of aromatherapy-based products. Essential oils have the ability to penetrate through the skin and into the bloodstream and therefore can help soothe a variety of conditions. Warm baths with soothing aromatherapy bath oils are a great way to soothe joint pain. Pure Lochside Calm and Soothe Body Oil is a favourite with arthritis sufferers. It contains a complex blend of essential oils such as pine, black pepper and high altitude lavender plus an infusion of arnica, and was originally designed to help relieve joint pain. I would recommend applying it to affected areas four or five times a day for the first couple of months, until you feel an improvement. There are many essential oils to help relieve arthritis symptoms but the synergy of oils blended together helps to create a greater effect. German chamomile has anti-inflammatory, soothing properties, while high altitude lavender has analgesic properties and is great combined with marjoram and peppermint. Black pepper has warming properties to soothe stiff joints. Always read the label or consult an aromatherapist if unsure.
Use a light, natural skincare range because the last thing sensitive skin needs is a range packed full of artificial chemicals that can irritate. Peony Skincare is ideal. People often think that the more chemicals their anti-ageing products have the better – but that is not true. Anti-ageing natural skincare works just as well. I would also avoid thick heavy creams that can block the pores, as well as cause skin to overheat. Your regime should not be complicated as sensitive skin will not appreciate being over treated. A gentle cleanser used daily, and once or twice a week, incorporating a light exfoliating treatment, will give you a good basis. As and when your skin needs it, after cleansing, a rebalancing mist containing no alcohol can be used under a serum. Your face is now prepared for either a day or night cream, which should be light enough that it is fully absorbed into the skin, leaving no residue. You need to look for a cream with no greasy base ‘carrier’ – the main ingredients should be extracted from natural products and plants. These products are extremely high in antioxidants, which are must-have anti-ageing ingredients, and vitamins, to nourish your skin.
Agua de Colonia Concentrada owes its success and longevity to a number of factors. There is the quality and personality of the fragrance itself, which has wide appeal because of its simplicity and unique character. But also the careful management of this family business – the same family that created it 100 years ago – has played a very important part in its continuation. 
‘Natural’ is a somewhat vague term that refers to ingredients or products derived from plants, minerals and algae. A ‘natural’ cosmetic product would be one that has not been altered chemically or synthesized. However, natural is one of the most abused words used on product packaging today. 