The cold fall and winter months force us to fold away our shorts and bring out our fleece lined leggings. But for those of us who love the outdoors, we know that’s not an option. Neither the heat nor the cold can slow us down from getting our outdoor fix!

So how do you keep your muscles warm while wearing those sexy shorts? Embrocation warm up cream is the secret to staying warm in the cold months.

What is embrocation warm up cream?
Embrocation warm up cream is a non-greasy muscle warming balm or salve that protects and seals the skin from harsh elements including cold and wet weather. It is meant to keep you going when the temps begin to drop by gently breathing fire into your muscles. It is generally used when the temperature is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

How does it work?
Various blends will produce a light, medium or high amount of heat on the skin. So, choose carefully! Embrocation cream heats up when it is triggered by movement and activity. It works by increasing the amount of blood flow to the muscles while providing a warming feeling. It also helps speed up muscle recovery when blood flow is increased to the muscles, toxins are flushed out, and the speed of muscle recovery is greatly increased.

How is it used?
This cream has to be used with a level of caution. Before applying the cream, clean your skin of any other topical lotions. If you stopped shaving in the cold months in an attempt to stay warm shave those grizzly bear legs first. The last thing you’ll want is the thick cream sticking to every hair on our legs; it’s already difficult to clean the cream from shaved legs!

How is it applied?
Apply a small amount of embrocation cream and gently massage it into the skin. Take your time and rub the cream into your skin in circular motions. This cream is mostly used on the legs, but can also be used on other areas of the body such as arms, neck and shoulders.

How is it removed?
To remove, first use a rough washcloth or paper towel to wipe off as much of the cream as possible, unless you enjoy the feeling of your skin on fire. Remember, hot water will cause the balm to heat up even more, so be sure to use cool water when in the shower. And yes, for this reason, a post-exercise hot bath is out of the question. For easier removal, gently scrub a loofah on the skin.

Now that you know the ins and outs of embrocation cream, give your muscles a warm embrocation massage, head outdoors, and be invincible!

By Dr. Nirali Patel