The Gold Mine Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

Photo by Chris Woodard

SPOTLIGHT Business

Owner Mike Beals, born and raised locally, runs Placerville Body Shop with a customer-first mindset that has earned the business numerous Best Body Shop awards over the years. He credits an ROP body repair class at Ponderosa High School for sparking his interest in the trade, which led him to pursue training in Wyoming before returning home to put his skills to work.

The shop offers complete auto collision repair, auto glass replacement and repair, wheel alignment, headlight restoration and additional services designed to meet the community’s needs. Beals emphasizes that the team’s approach makes the difference.

“We are a family oriented shop that works for the customer and not the insurance company,” he said. “We have the best team and they go above and beyond and that is what

sets us apart. The shop would not work as well as it does without the staff.”

Recent renovations have refreshed the shop, and Placerville Body Shop stands ready to handle repairs even as surrounding construction continues. Beals highlights the work of office managers Mandy and Samantha Howard, who guide customers through every step of the process. “They take care of people from the first phone call to getting customers a rental if needed and everything in between,” he said.

The shop backs every collision repair with a lifetime warranty and maintains its reputation as an industry leader by staying current with advancements in automotive technology and state-of-the-art color matching. That commitment to precision and customer care ensures that every driver receives high-quality service and leaves with confidence in their repair.

Placerville

Courtesy photo

Placerville Body Shop has served El Dorado County residents for more than 55 years, providing quality and dependable repairs.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full

and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

To Do

Now

Olde Coloma Theatre presents its Christmas production, “Thrice Upon A North Pole Christmas” Or “Get Lost, Jack Frost.” On Friday and Saturday the show begins at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinée is at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets visit oldecolomatheatre.com or call the OCT box office (530) 626-5282 and make reservations by phone. The theater is located at 380 Monument Road in Coloma.

Dec. 6

Check out the Community Holiday Bazaar at the VFW on Main Street in Georgetown from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar at the Georgetown Library takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will enjoy local author book signings and shop the collection of local artisans, Friends of the Library book sale and Holiday Basket Raffle.

Sierra Symphony presents its 40th anniversary season Christmas Concert at the Cameron Park Community Center,

Top activities in the region

4-6 p.m. For tickets and more information go to sierrasymphony.org.

Don’t miss the Parade of Lights and Georgetown Christmas tree lighting on Main Street, Georgetown. The lights are turned on at dusk and the parade follows.

Gold Trail Grange in Coloma hosts its annual BASSgiving, 6-11 p.m., featuring beats, blues and grooves with a live DJ. This family friendly event also boasts a big dance floor, snacks and refreshments. For more information visit goldtrailgrange.com.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will illuminate the night, bringing families, friends and neighbors together to kick off the holiday season. This cherished annual tradition features festive performances by live musicians setting a joyful atmosphere for the whole community. As excitement builds, Santa himself will arrive at 6:30 p.m. to greet the crowd and spread holiday cheer.

Elizabeth DeBenedetto

El Dorado County Office of Education

Administrative Assistant Elizabeth DeBenedetto, supporting the Geographic SELPA program, Systems Improvement Leads Grant Project and the Special Services program at the El Dorado County Office of Education, has a job that encompasses more than administrative tasks; it’s about empowering the teams that help students and families every day. Elizabeth’s passion for facilitating the behind-the-scenes work that allows her departments to run smoothly is just one of the many outstanding qualities that make her an invaluable part of EDCOE.

Elizabeth initially connected with EDCOE two years ago while working with the HUBS team at the Placerville Library. She shares that she immediately noticed how kind and collaborative everyone at EDCOE is. When a position became available, she quickly applied.

As an administrative assistant to Assistant Superintendent Tamara Clay, Elizabeth focuses on creating space for everyone to proactively and continuously improve processes so that her teams can concentrate on uplifting students and families.

“I appreciate that my team is always solution-oriented,” Elizabeth shares about her EDCOE partners. “We see a challenge, we acknowledge it and then we get to work. The nature of our collective roles often means navigating curveballs, unexpected events and highly nuanced situations — but our team is always ready to jump in.”

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys renaissance fairs, historical reenactments and exploring the outdoors. With her unwavering commitment to supporting her team and her proactive approach to every challenge, Elizabeth truly embodies the collaborative spirit that makes EDCOE thrive.

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000* to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified wood or gas device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low-income residents or residents of designated low-income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment In centive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a cordless electric version. Now includes push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/weedeaters, chainsaws, and more!

The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

The new CHar ge At your Resid ence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.

The Driving Clean Assis t ance Pr ogr am (DCAP) offers lowerincome residents up to a $10,000 incentive towards the purchase of an eligible new or used clean air vehicle in addition to a $2,000 incentive to help cover the cost of charging. DCAP also provides financial advice and counseling and their select group of financial partners offer financing at a rate of 8% or less.

The Chrisgiving Community Potluck Dinner & Abundance Swap begins around 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Valley Grange in Garden Valley. Check Facebook for more information.

Dec. 7

The 2025 Hangtown Christmas Parade — Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas takes place on Broadway and Main Street in Placerville at 1 p.m. Check-in for participants is 11 a.m. Entry fee is an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots.

Christmas in Cool takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2966 Highway 49, Cool, in the parking lot of American River Pizza/Lokl. Parade begins at noon with Santa and the Grinch, vendors booths, kids crafts and games, visit and photo with Santa and more.

Music On The Divide presents the Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills at 3 p.m. at the IOOF Hall in Georgetown.

Dec. 9

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department presents its Santa Run Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive through EDH neighborhoods, Dec. 9-12. For route information and more details visit edhfire. com/santarun.

To Do Continued from 7

Dec. 10

Join the El Dorado Hills, Shingle Springs/Cameron Park and El Dorado County Chambers of Commerce for the Joint Chamber December Holiday Mixer at Patra Corporation in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m. with a no-host bar tended by Kiwanis Club of Placerville. Bring a non-perishable food donation to support the Food Bank of El Dorado County. There will be collection barrels on site. All are encouraged to bring a raffle prize that supports their business.

Dec.

Marshal Gold Discovery Park will host Christmas in Coloma, old-fashioned Christmas fun including warming fires, music, gift vendors, crafts, wreath making, hot food and beverages, Santa and more. fro. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and same time on Sunday. For more information visit marshallgold.com.

The Rescue Community Center will host its Christmas Craft

Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com.

Join the Oak Ridge High School Music Department for The Jingle Drive, a drive-thru music event in support of the ORHS Music Boosters, at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District pavilion parking lot, 5-8 p.m.

Dec. 14

Cantare Chorale presents Christmas Concert Family

STONEY (A163902)

Solid as a rock and ready for adoption. Meet this M Catahoula mix today. 9mo.

TOPPER (A169029)

He will not ghost you. Stop by the shelter and meet this cool cat. 10 yr. DSH Grey tiger tabby.

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

WILLOW (A1690830)

PARKER (A167895)

More playful pal than spider-man. M Dobie mix 4 yr. black/red.

Like the plant she is agile and adaptable. DSH 6mo. torti-tabby. If

STITCH (A137519)

Adopt this lovely cream Siberian Husky mix in time for the holidays. 6yr. M

TNR TOBY (A168891)

• Large selection of handmade artisan chocolates

• Our chocolates paired with wines from El Dorado & Amador Counties

• Gift boxes of all sizes for any occassion

Matinee at the Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue, 3-4:30 p.m. For more information visit cantarechorale.com.

Dec. 18

Experience Hanukkah at El Dorado Hills Town Center with Rabbi Yosef, 6-8 p.m. in the Steven Young Amphitheater. Enjoy the enchanting melodies of Hanukkah songs, savor delicious traditional foods and warm your spirits with a variety of hot beverages. Everyone is welcome to partake in this joyous festival, coming together to celebrate the Festival of Lights and the enduring spirit of togetherness.

Dec. 19

Get ready for twinkling lights, sirens of cheer and a sleigh full of holiday magic as the Cameron Park Fire Department proudly presents the 2025 annual Santa Parade. Santa rolls out from Station 89 at 5 p.m. sharp, making his merry way through Cameron Park neighborhoods Dec. 19-21.

ACROSS-----------�

1) Kind of arrest or step

6) Cricket sound

11) Emulating a fox

14) Scottish families

15) Vibes from people

16) Athletic supporter?

17) Entry on a tax form

19) Egg cells

20) Legendary actress Bette

21) Tile setter's time-saver

23) Chromosome container

26) Listen, old-style

27) Worshiper, essentially

28) Globetrotter's home?

29) PC linkup acronym

30) Portly

32) Hitches

35) Large copiers?

37) Throat ailment, for short

39) Arduous journey

40) Phonograph needles, e.g.

42) Some car parts

44) Popular pond fish

45) Hal of "Barney Miller"

47) Withdraw, as from a union

49) Man "for hire" in a '80s TV show

51) On top of the world

52) Crave

53) Slangy potato

55) Do a summer's work?

56) Balance provider, for short

61) "Adolescent" lead-in

62) Entanglement

63) Items on a busy one's list

64) "Always" poetically

65) Yukon carriers

66) SUV part?

DOWN

1) TV monitor?

2) In the fashion of

3) Something you stand to lose?

4) Baseball Hall-of-Farner Duke

5) Subjects of wills

6) Colombian city

7) "Kisses" partner

8) Bank offering

9) Aggressive poker player

10) Foreign correspondents?

11) It has its ups and downs

12) Riverside embankment

13) Be wistful

18) Heads off

22) "Looks _ everything"

23) Some grand opening events

24) Assimilate

25) Pawnbroker, e.g.

26) Abominates

28) Second largest of the Great Lakes

31) Word with "worldly" or "woman"

33) Crystal-lined rock

34) Did half a biathlon

36) Creep furtively

38) Former Spanish currency

41) Web victims?

43) Culls

46) Lose track?

48) Drive-in employee of old

49) Good thing to get into

50) Man with a mission

53) Sound of a fall

54) Intensifies (with "up")

57) Perceive

58) Ringing endorsement?

59) "Neither rain _ sleet ... "

60) Plus-or-minus fig.

Answers to puzzle on page 22

ShowStopping party biteS

perfect for your upcoming holiday celebrations

Family Features

When gathering around the table with family and friends during the holidays, the main course is often front and center, but every great host or hostess knows it’s not always the star of the show. Kick off the evening with effortless, crowd-pleasing party bites that will impress your guests and set the tone for a memorable night.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next seasonal gathering, look no further than accompaniments made with premium European ingredients like Grana Padano PDO cheese and Prosciutto di Parma PDO — some of the world’s most delicious cheeses and cured meats.

Only products made following traditional methods within defined geographic regions, under strict supervision and using carefully monitored ingredients, qualify for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification from the European Union. The PDO system helps distinguish these foods from imitators and guarantees high quality, authenticity and trace-

ability.

Made in the Po River Valley in northern Italy from raw, semi-skimmed cow milk, Grana Padano PDO cheese is naturally lactose free due to the characteristics of its production and long aging process and rich in protein, vitamins and mineral salts, especially calcium. A 100% natural product, Prosciutto di Parma PDO contains no additives such as nitrites, nitrates or hormones. Produced only in Parma, Italy, its all-natural aging process creates a wide variation in flavor profiles and textures, from mild and nutty to mature and full-flavored.

These artisan meats and cheeses can be enjoyed on their own alongside olives, nuts, bread and your favorite jam for a quick and easy holiday snack board. And they shine in culinary treasures like Whipped Ricotta Toast with Prosciutto di Parma and Hot Honey or Grana Padano and Nutmeg Cheese Puffs that feed the soul and warm the heart.

To ensure authenticity, look for the red and yellow PDO logo, and visit distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu for more seasonal recipe ideas and pairing tips for your next get-together.

Whipped Ricotta Toast with Prosciutto di Parma and Hot Honey

Yield: 3 toasts (6 halves)

3 large slices thick-cut sourdough bread

1 container (16 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese salt, to taste pepper, to taste hot honey

6 slices (3 ounces) Prosciutto di Parma PDO

Directions: In toaster oven, toast bread to desired doneness. Set aside.

In large bowl, with electric mixer, beat ricotta until whipped and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Spoon ricotta onto each toast evenly. Drizzle each with hot honey, as desired. Top each with two slices prosciutto.

Grana

Padano and Nutmeg Cheese Pu s

Servings: 4

1 3/4 cups milk

1 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon salt

1 2/3 cups flour

1 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, grated Grana Padano PDO cheese, divided

6 medium eggs

black pepper, to taste nutmeg, to taste

canola oil, for frying

Directions: In pan, boil milk, butter and salt until butter is dissolved.

Add flour and stir using wooden spoon over low heat until mixture doesn’t stick to bottom of pan. Add 1 cup cheese and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Put mixture in mixing bowl and add eggs one by one until mixture is smooth. Add black pepper and nutmeg, to taste. Let mixture cool and form dough into small, round parcels. Fry parcels in hot canola oil, about 325 F, until golden. Dust with remaining cheese and serve.

HANK (A169094)

You can ‘exchange’ glances with this blue-eyed senior kitty every day! Adopt! M 11 yr Siamese/ DSH lynx point

BLENDER (A168892)

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

JOE (A166362)

He is not average. He is an awesome paw-some. Australian Cattle Dog mix. black 13 mo.

OZZY (A166596)

1. Place Christmas trees in a corner.

2. Tinsel can cause intestinal blockage.

3. Don’t place lights or ornaments on lower branches.

4. Holly and mistletoe are poisonous to dogs and cats.

5. Place burning candles away from wagging tails. If You Need Us, We’re Here

Christmas PET SAFETY

Concerns to avoid during the holidays:

WINNIE (A169082)

After we get to know you on a personal level, we’ll partner with you throughout your journey, always sharing strategies to help bring you closer to the future you see for yourself.

After we

Joshua Fournier Financial Advisor

to know you on a personal level, we’ll partner with you throughout your journey, always sharing strategies to help bring you closer to the

3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422

Enjoy snowshoe hikes and more this winter with the American River Conservancy, which oﬀers a variety of programs designed to educate and explore the great outdoors.

Winter adventures offered by ARC

We recommend you review the options for your 403(b) or 457(b) and make sure your retirement plans stay on track. Call me to learn more. Joshua Fournier

3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422

Julie Allen American River Conservancy

The American River Conservancy invites community members of all ages to deepen their connection with nature through a diverse lineup of outdoor adventures, cultural programs and educational workshops this winter.

All events require online registration and are subject to change. Please note that dogs are not permitted unless otherwise stated. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For a full schedule of events and to register visit ARConservancy.org/events.

New Year cleanse

January (date TBD) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Welcome the New Year with positivity and renewal! Join Ami Stroud for a peaceful, free 2.5-mile hike to the South Fork of the

Courtesy photo

American River, designed to release the old and invite the new. Along the way, you’ll gather acorns and leaves to represent any negative experiences or energy you wish to let go of from the past year. At the river, we’ll symbolically set these burdens afloat, making space for a fresh start in 2026. To invite positive energy, we’ll spend about 10 minutes practicing gentle standing tai chi on the riverbank before looping through Greenwood Creek and returning to the trailhead. Well-behaved children of all ages and dogs on-leash welcome. Meeting location Pilot Hill area. A detailed email will be sent once you register online and again when date is set.

iPhone artistry class

Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Join local photographer and teacher Betty Sederquist for a short, fun workshop that introduces the basics of phone photography. Learn how to capture better photos with your smartphone and explore some of the many helpful photography apps available. While iPhones are preferred, most newer phones are welcome. You’ll receive a list of apps to download the week of the class. 14-year-olds+ welcome. Meeting location in Gold Hill/Placerville area. Cost: $45/members, $55/non-members.

Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk & Workshop

Sunday, Jan. 25, noon to 2 p.m. — Join poets Taylor Graham and Katy Brown (El Dorado County’s first Poet Laureate and an award-winning Sacramento-area poet) for

Placerville Body Shop

a creative exploration of the historical farmhouse, barn, and scenic surroundings at Wakamatsu Farm. After taking in the sights and atmosphere, participants will be guided to write a poem inspired by their experience. Those who wish may share their poems with the group and with ARC. Children 8 and older welcome with adult supervision. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/ non-members.

From Trails to Tales: A Park Ranger’s Stories – Author talk

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon — Ever wonder what a park ranger really does? You’ll be amazed to hear the stories of the life of a woman park ranger who worked right here on the American River! Laugh out loud and cry tears of joy as you listen to these wild tales from a former California (and U.S. National) Park Ranger. Rosanne McHenry will regale you with stories like you never have imagined! Prize drawing and book signing. Well behaved children welcome. Meeting location in Gold Hill/Placerville area. For more information about Rosanne McHenry, also known as Ranger Rose, visit triptalesbook.com. To contact her directly email: RangerRose123@gmail.com. Suggested ARC donation: $5/ members, $10/non-members.

Sip, Savor & Solve: ARC’s Inaugural Trivia Night

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, 6:30-8 p.m. — Join ARC for our very first Trivia Night, where curiosity meets community! Mingle with Legacy Circle members, board members, staff and fellow nature lovers for an evening of lively conversation, laughter and local lore. Informal teams will puzzle over trivia questions about our local flora and fauna, Native American tribes, Wakamatsu, the Gold Rush, watershed and surprising conservancy trivia! Enjoy a relaxed evening with wine, desserts and friendly competition — and maybe even take home a prize! Space is limited, so register online to reserve your spot. Adult supporters only. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Donations encouraged.

Book Club

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m. — Join us for this discussion on “Is a River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane. At the heart of this thought-provoking book is a transformative idea: rivers are not just resources for human use but living beings that deserve recognition and respect. Inspired by the global “Rights of Nature” movement, Macfarlane takes readers on journeys to Ecuador, India and Quebec — places where communities are fighting to protect their waterways from mining,

pollution and damming. Along the way, he reflects on his own relationship with a fragile English stream, weaving together science, activism and deep ecological insight. Through reading and discussion, we’ll explore how this book challenges us to reimagine our connection to rivers and the natural world — and what it means to live in partnership with the waters that sustain us. Mature 15-year-olds and older welcome. Meeting Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested donation: $10/members/$15/non-members.

Think history is dull? Think again!

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, 5:30-7 p.m. — Join us for an unforgettable evening with Alan Ehrgott, ARC’s retired founder and director, as he shares stories from his newly released historical novel — a sweeping tale of early California filled with adventure, courage and discovery. Alan’s captivating photo presentation blends history, historical fiction and personal memoir to bring the past vividly to life. Perfect for curious minds ages 12 and older. Meeting location Gold Hill/ Placerville area. Signed copies of the book will be available after the presentation. All proceeds from this event support Phase 2 of ARC’s Education Center.

Mushroom “pop-up” walks

Dates and times TBD — When winter brings mushrooms, it’s time to explore! Join ARC volunteer Elizabeth Standeven for a leisurely hike and mushroom foray through the winter landscape. The adventure begins with a short introduction to the property and tips on where to look for mushrooms. Along the way, you’ll discover a variety of local fungi, discuss how they relate to the surrounding botany and practice basic mushroom identification in the field using helpful handouts. After the hike, gather to share your finds and appreciate the fascinating diversity of mushrooms discovered. Responsible 12-year-olds and older welcome. Meeting location (TBD) will be within 30 minutes of Placerville area.

Snowshoe “pop-up” hikes

Dates and times TBD — ARC volunteer and board member Scott Vail will lead snowshoe hikes (5-6 miles) this winter and spring. These are intermediate-level hikes for snowshoers ages 12 and older. Well-behaved dog on leash OK. Meeting location Placerville area.

Get

inside look at El Dorado County law enforcement

e El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce Citizen’s Academy begins Jan. 7, 2026. is is a free training program designed to familiarize participants with the many aspects of law enforcement, and the role the sheri ’s o ce plays in the community. is program meets at the EDSO Public Safety Facility and runs 13 consecutive weeks on Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. Each week will bring a di erent instructor to discuss a variety of law enforcement topics and provide a behind the scenes look at the various EDSO units, equipment and facilities. Another bonus of this program includes an opportunity to take a ride-a-long with an EDSO Deputy. Space is limited so it’s important to register as soon as possible. Due to adult themes and content, the academy is only for ages 18 and older. ere are exceptions to this so email for further information. Class lls up fast so enroll today by lling out the application online at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Justice/SafetyJustice/sheri /community. If you have questions about participation, contact the program coordinator Deputy Julian Sandoval at sandovalj@edso.org.

Give Your Skin a Seasonal Glow with Winter Care Tips

FAMILY FEATURES

As your sun-kissed glow gives way to crisp winter air, your skin may start to feel the effects of cooler, drier weather. Yet, with the right care, it’s possible to maintain that healthy, luminous look all season long.

Winter skin care isn’t about adding complexity – it’s about preserving hydration, protecting the barrier and choosing products that nurture instead of strip. Rooted in the century-old European tradition of natural botanical skin care, the experts at Herbacin aim to show that radiant skin is achievable year-round with just a few mindful adjustments to your daily routine.

Skip Long, Hot Showers

A steaming shower may feel heavenly on a chilly morning, but the heat can actually pull moisture from your skin. To keep your complexion balanced, choose warm (not hot) water and limit shower time. Gentle cleansing helps maintain the skin’s natural oils, which are vital for keeping dryness and irritation at bay.

Lock In Moisture Immediately

After showering, pat skin lightly with a towel and apply lotion while it’s still slightly damp. This simple step helps trap water before it evaporates. Look for a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula enriched with natural emollients. A trusted choice like Herbacin Daily Moisturizing Lotion combines nourishing jojoba oil and shea butter to soften and hydrate. Aloe vera and chamomile calm irritation while leaving a light, refresh-ing scent. Suitable for all skin types, it delivers lasting softness without any greasy feel – perfect for daily use from head to toe.

Ease Up on Exfoliation

When your skin feels rough or flaky, it’s tempting to exfoliate frequently. However, over-exfoliating can remove the skin’s protective barrier and worsen dryness. Instead, use a gentle scrub or enzymatic exfoliant no more than once or twice a week and always follow with moisturizer to soothe and restore balance.

Layer for Maximum Hydration

Layering products allows each formula to do its job effectively. Start with the thinnest, most water-based product – such as a hydrating serum or lightweight moisturizer –and finish with a richer cream to seal it all in.

For a deep-moisture boost, try Herbacin Skin Solutions Daily Skin Moisturizer, formulated with a hydro-boosting complex featuring hyaluronic acid, myo-inositol and fucose biopolymer. This quick-absorbing, silky-soft lotion provides long-lasting hydration – up to 24 hours – and helps soothe even sensitive or irritated skin. Plus, its airless dispenser keeps the formula fresh and easy to use.

Choose a Thicker Moisturizer for Extra Protection

Winter’s cold winds and low humidity can weaken your skin’s barrier. A richer, cream-based moisturizer creates a protective layer that locks in moisture and shields against environmental stressors. Even those with oily or combination skin can benefit as the right moisturizer helps balance oil production and prevents dehydration.

Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen

Sun protection isn’t just for summer. Winter UV rays can still damage skin and contribute to premature aging. Apply sunscreen

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

daily to exposed areas, such as your face, neck and hands, especially when spending time outdoors. Reapply as directed for continuous protection.

Add a Little Light

Emerging research supports the benefits of red light therapy, which helps stimulate collagen production and improve circulation. The result is firmer, more resilient skin that holds moisture better and appears more radiant.

Keep the Air Comfortable

Indoor heating can sap moisture from the air – and your skin. Maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30-50% supports not only skin health but also respiratory comfort. If your home’s air feels overly dry, consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom or main living space.

From a quick morning shower to evening self-care, small daily choices can have a big impact on your skin’s health – no matter how cold it gets outside. Discover more seasonal skin-care tips and explore the full collection at herbacinusa.com.

Stocking Stuffers for Better Skin Care

A stocking stuffed with treats is the perfect way to shower a loved one with practical gifts that show how much you care. Nature-inspired skin care gift sets offer a spa-like experience that feels both luxurious and genuinely thoughtful.

A Practical, Pampering Trio

This Pamper Yourself Trio of mini tubes includes a selection of must-have products to cleanse and care for your skin and hair. Each product is dermatologically tested and vegan, with no parabens, mineral oils or synthetic colors. The set includes Herbal Shower Gel in dragon fruit and passion fruit, as well as the Herbal Shampoo Care and Herbacin Intensive Body Lotion.

5-in-1 Bliss

This Hand & Skin Care 5 Tin Set of trial-size containers is perfect for on-the-go skin protection. Each tin provides hands and skin with natural all-round protection free from parabens, mineral oil, animal byproducts or synthetic colors with Herbacin Hand Cream in original, unscented and intensive moisture formulas, and Wellness Hand Cream in wild rose and lavender.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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