Mad Dogs and Ice Plants..

What do mad dogs and Ice Plants have in common?  Well, like Englishmen they go out in the midday sun.  

The plant’s generic name 'Mesembryantheumum' derives from the Greek words ‘mesemria’ meaning midday and ‘anthemon’ meaning flower.  Like the plant’s German name Mittagsblume (noon plant) this is a reference to the flowers, which only open when there is strong sunshine.

Unlike me (anything over 20°C I’m erupting in prickly heat rashes), and the majority of Englishmen (I’m not sure about mad dogs), Ice Plants have an amazing ability to survive in sunny, dry conditions.  They do this by virtue of their succulent leaves, which are covered with glistening fluid reservoirs, giving the appearance of being covered in ice crystals.  

As an ingredient in skin care preparations the healing powers of this plant help address itching, pain, swelling and redness.  For this reason it is used within another fabulous Dr. Hauschka product that I have been reaching for during this sunny spell: After-Sun Lotion

Following exposure to sunshine this product is incredibly cooling and soothing; it has a beautiful fragrance and a smooth consistency which is easily applied and easily absorbed-  I have tried various others which have left me looking like antipasto (think chargrilled pepper covered in oil!).

Alas I’m unable to comment on whether it helps maintain a tan (I’d give snow white a run for her money in the paleness stakes), but it works better than anything else I have ever tried at calming my reactive skin.