psoriasis

23 July 2022

Winners announced in 2022 Free From Skincare Awards

Last month I had the pleasure judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. This has now been a yearly invite since 2013. You might not realised but my day job isn't connected to blogging so I thoroughly look forward to a day off work for talking about skincare. This year I judged in the categories Face Care (Rinse Off), Body Care (Leave On), Men’s Grooming and Toners & Waters.

Aside from all the amazing brands I encountered it's interesting to have discussions about ingredients, labelling and allergies. You may know that I experience both cosmetic and food allergies. One of the hot topics coming out of the judging sessions is concerns about food allergens in cosmetics and how to promote good labelling practice, better understanding and transparency.

The British spa skincare brand SenSpa has been crowned overall champion and Best Free From Skincare Product 2022 for their Relaxing Talc Free Body Powder. Free from artificial fragrances, colours, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, SenSpa’s winning product beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants LUMI (from Estonia), MERME Berlin (Germany) and White Moon Skincare (Jersey).

The Best Free From Brand Award went to North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, which won two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Odylique picked up Gold in the Best Labelling category. You'll know they are my favourite brand so I fully support the win. Odylique provide 'plain English' alternatives alongside INCI ingredients with 'free from' labelling which includes food allergens. Consumers are given lots of helpful information which is a step above other brands and can be vitally important to those who are managing allergies and skin conditions.

Gold winners in the categories I was involved in (with exception of SenSpa) were all new to me. They included Merme Berlin Facial Powder Cleanser with Purple Carrot, White Moon Skincare Pink Clay Detox Mask, Lumi Men Aftershave Toner and Ani Skincare Hydrating Facial Toner.

If you would like to view a full list of winners and medallists then you'll need to visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk/winners-2022

Sarah x

3 April 2022

Free From Skincare Awards 2022 are now open for entries
(Press Release)

Did you know that the eleventh Free From Skincare Awards opened to entries on 21st March?

Over the years I've been a judge on these awards and I've seen many brands expand and improve under the guidance and feedback they receive from participating. Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Holos’s This is More Get Better Butter (2021)

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)

* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)

* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)

* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)

* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016)

* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)

* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)

* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)

* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

What's it all about? The Free From Skincare Awards celebrate the best cosmetic products ‘free from’ some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers wish to or need to avoid. This year there will be sixteen product categories, including a special awards for Best Brand, for Free From Achievement and a new award for Best Labelling.

Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola says “A Best Labelling Award is long overdue. We’ll be looking for brands and products which demonstrate excellence in labelling — be it in communicating ingredients, instructions for use, suitability, and any allergen guidance or ‘free from’ statements, if used. Those with sensitive skin or who avoid certain ingredients rely on clarity in labelling, and we’ll be rewarding the very best.”

Who can participate? These awards are open to brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Entries close 3rd May. The Finalists are revealed in June, and the Winners are announced in July. For information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter see freefromskincareawards.co.uk

1 February 2021

2021 Free From Skincare Awards to open 1st February
(unpaid/press release)

Positivity is what we need for 2021 so let's celebrate the tenth annual Free From Skincare Awards will open to entries on 1st February. I support these awards because a "free from" lifestyle has been part of me since childhood. I need to avoid pesky allergens some of which are present in skincare. I assume many people probably don't look beyond the matter of food allergies and often forget that skincare can be problematic for some people. You may also fall under the "free from" umbrella for lifestyle choices e.g Veganism or Religion.

I recommend following The Free From Awards on social media as that's where you will locate general news, entrant introductions and eventually winner announcements (in June). The Awards pride themselves on their fairness, rigour and transparency, and have been running a #KnowYourAwards campaign on Instagram throughout January to answer in-depth questions about the Awards, offering ‘behind the scenes’ insights into testing protocols, judging, decision-making and much more.

"No brand should be in the dark about our procedures and processes, nor the principles underpinning them. There are many awards out there, and we feel it’s important that skincare brands, especially in these tough times, have full understanding of what ours actually stand for — and what the many benefits of participation will be - Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola"

There are sixteen product categories this year which includes two new categories for deodorants and toners, waters and spritzes.
 
Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)
* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)
* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)
* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)
* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016) 
* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)
* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)
* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)
* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

Brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe are eligible to participate in the Free From Skincare Awards. The key dates you need to note are 

* Entries close 21st March
* Finalists revealed in May
* Winners announced in June

And for information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter, visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

29 September 2020

lyonsleaf unfragrance beauty balm
(Gifted/Lyonsleaf Affiliate Link)

I introduced the green community to Lyonsleaf back in 2013 when I stumbled across their website. I believe I was the first blogger to write about them and I introduced my readership to this fantastic natural skincare brand. Over the years I've watched them grown in popularity, expanded their product range, re-branded and win multiple awards. I had to put my love of Lyonsleaf on hold due to my diagnosis of a linalool allergy but I'm pleased to say they have slowly introduced fragrance free products. I have previously reviewed Lyonsleaf Unscented Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil if it's of interest to you.

Lyonsleaf products are cruelty free and handmade in the UK. They formulate with home grown herbs harvested by workers earning a living wage. The packaging is mostly plastic free and can be recycled. Lyonsleaf are committed to an ongoing program of reducing carbon emissions, environmental impact and waste. 

Lets focus our attention to Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm which is the unscented version of their best selling Beauty Balm. This multi purpose skincare balm contains babassu oil, shea butter, macadamia nut, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, calendula flower extract and vitamin E. The bonus with a water free formulation is it does not require the addition of preservatives and emulsifiers. Beauty Balm is designed to protect, nourish and rebalance skin making it ideal for all but especially suitable for people prone to acne, perioral dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Beauty Balm is one of a handful of Lyonsleaf products which are suitable for vegans.

Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm is a rich and luxurious balm which suits the oil cleansing method, this is a very popular way to cleanse skin. Beauty balm feels heavy in texture but easily melts with the warmth of your skin. After massaging into your skin simply wipe away using a damp wash cloth. For an additional spa like treatment at home, try holding a warm cloth to your face for a few seconds before removing the product. Beauty Balm doesn't leave a greasy residue behind but there is a noticeable difference and your skin feels extremely hydrated. It's a sensation which you will either enjoy or dislike but if you ever cleanse and feel parched of moisture this is the cleansing balm I would recommend to you. Speaking as someone with dry skin, Beauty Balm can be applied as a rich facial or body cream so it's perfect for those biting Winter winds which often leave skin feeling parched and uncomfortable.

Lyonsleaf products are available to purchase through their website. If you missed last months reviews for this retailer then click this link - Nature's Kitchen Summer Skin Box, Poa Poa Soap Dish, Skinlove Shower Gel 

Sarah x

19 June 2020

The Free From Skincare Awards 2020 Shortlist is Announced
Wow can you believe this is the ninth year in which I share with you the Free From Skincare Awards shortlist. I'm a long time supporter of these awards because I seek skincare which is free from certain ingredients because of multiple allergies and eczema. Of course this year the testing stage of the awards has taken place in lockdown which brings some challenges to the team but they have successfully pulled through and we now have an amazing shortlist of over 200 products from 120 brands. I'm always surprise that with my extensive knowledge of brands there are name on the list that are new to me. It's wonderful to see how much the marketplace for natural skincare has grown over the years.

The Free From Skincare Awards were founded in 2012 by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson – an expert in free from and director of the Free From Food Awards – and Alex Gazzola – a writer specialising in allergies and free from – to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ many of the allergens, ingredients, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, health issues, as well as ethical, personal and environmental concerns. This year’s Awards are sponsored by Lyonsleaf, previous winners of twenty medals, including five gold, during the history of the Awards.

Awards director Alex Gazzola says “The soap bars in particular were put through their paces. It was especially challenging for our testers, some of whom were NHS workers, to adapt and manage their skincare routines, especially those with caring and home-schooling responsibilities. The pampering products, such as face masks, bath jellies and even a night cream for feet, were particularly valued, both for their skin benefits, and for their therapeutic ones.”

The soap category is the one where majority of the entrants are new to to me. Everyone is deserving of their place but you'll spot that Lily & Rabbit and The Kentish Soap Company were successful in getting three products each onto the shortlist.

Overall the leading brands with six shortlisted products each are Tropic – overall Champions back in 2014 for their Smoothing Cleanser – and first-time participant Codex Beauty. I'd also like to congratulate familiar brands who have recently featured on my blog - Balmonds, Skin Genius, Naturekissd, Odylique, LouLou Belle Skincare, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lucy Bee, Pamoja, Solo Skin London and Nature's Kitchen.

The Shortlist can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site - freefromskincareawards.co.uk - shortlist 2020 and Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced online at the end of July or early August.

Sarah x

1 April 2020

Introduction to Naturally Tribal Skincare
(this article is not sponsored)

During this difficult time I am offering to blog about small businesses that are still trying to trade. This idea was triggered when I was looking for Birthday gifts. April is a month of celebrations in my family and we are all spread out across the country so I can't hand deliver parcels to doorsteps. I would like to surprise loved ones with gifts for as long as I possibly can. I appreciate that non-essential shopping has been controversial however indie brands are self employed and trying to maintain an income under difficult circumstances. If I can support them in some small way through my website then I'd like to help.

7 February 2020

2020 Free From Skincare Awards opens 3rd February
(photo from 2019 FFSA judging panel)

Time has flown by and here I am announcing that the ninth annual Free From Skincare Awards are NOW open for entrants. I think I say this every year but I love these awards as they celebrate the best cosmetic products which happen to also be free from some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers now wish to or need to avoid. *jumps up and down, waves hands* People like me are their intended target audience. My long list of allergies (to include Linalool and Methylisothiazolinone) and throw in living with Atopic eczema, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Urticaria are what lead me to explore the world of natural and organic skincare. I had a period in my life where I felt I was reacting to every mainstream brand and sometimes prescription creams.

15 October 2019

15 natural skincare brands with fragrance free products
(I have linked my reviews which include PR gifts & affiliate links are marked *)

For me the term "fragrance free" isn't just about artificial ingredients it also includes essential oils. I am someone with a sensitivity to linalool which is one of 26 fragrance allergens which needs to be declare on labels (when applicable to the formulations and present at a specific percentage). I thought I would offer readers a little recap list and recommendations for fragrance free products I've tested. I hope that some of you will find it a useful resource. As a heads up there is a mix of vegan and vegetarian friendly recommendations.

1. A'kin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser - one of the first brands I discovered on the start of my 'green' journey and to this day remain a reliable source of fragrance free products. The range includes hair, body and face products.

2. Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser - a firm favourite of mine for many years for it's simplicity because this is coconut oil with no added ingredients. Balm Balm also have some balms and a body oil which are fragrance free

3. Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - worth checking out if you experience skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. A number of products are fragrance free and suitable for Vegans

4. Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - just one favourite from the amazing Superfoods series, totally free from essential oils but magically scented with the natural formulations, luxurious and beautiful.

5. Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum & Cranberry Lip & Eye Butter - I think (don't quote me) that majority of the Ere Perez skincare line is free from essential oils. The SOS Marmalade balm is a dreamy product and a total lifesaver when it comes to my eczema.

6. Ermana Soothe Mama Body Oil - the Soothe range is formulated without fragrance and includes balm, body oil (my personal favourite) body wash and lotion.

7. Ethically Organic Radiance Glow Face Soufflé - there are a couple of fragrance free options in the range,  this is a super rich formulation with simplistic ingredients of shea butter, baobab and jojoba. 

8. Green People Scent Free - probably one of the few brands that offer customers an extensive range of fragrance free products to include hair, face and body care including sun cream. Over the years I've reviewed a number of products from this line (moisturiser & hand cream review).

9. Handmade Naturals Unscented Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser - like A'kin this was one of the earliest brands I discovered and I've purchased from them many times over the years. Several of their products come in a fragrance free version. Alongside this cream cleanser the Face Cleansing Oil with Organic Coconut, Monoi de Tahiti, Japanese Camellia & Rice Bran is one of my all time favourite cleansing oils.

10. Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil (Unscented) - I found Lyonsleaf in 2013 and was one of the first to blog about them, they have done so well over the years and I love to see the growth in popularity. This facial oil contains a lovely blend of ingredients and feels rich and luxurious on my dry skin. This is not the only fragrance free product available there is the Calendula & Marshmallow Balm, Zinc & Calendula Cream and the newly launched unfragranced Beauty Balm.

11. Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil & Balm - an ethos to use six ingredients or less and whilst that sounds simple enough it makes for an interesting formulation. Both products are fabulous and offer the consumer fragrance without essential oil allergens.

12. Myroo - offering fragrance free versions of their products, also free from top 14 food allergens, it's a personal favourite which I will have recommend to many of you. It's difficult to pick one favourite but I'd probably say the Superfood Balm and the new Super Boost Drops(UPDATE 2022 - MYROO IS NO LONGER TRADING)

13. Nature's Wish Cleanse Unscented Facial Cleansing Oil - It’s a good product which removes makeup and daily grime without disrupting the delicate balance of my skin. This is a good all rounder. Nature's Wish also have an unscented facial oil which I am yet to try.

14. Odylique Aloe Vera Bodywash - I've been using this body wash on and off over a number of years, this gives creamy foam and feels good on my delicate skin, I'm pleased that it now available in 500ml bottle. My other favourites which are also free from essential oil allergens are the Superfruit Concentrate, Gentle Herb Shampoo, Ultra Rich Balm, Repair Lotion.

15. Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty Oil - a simple but effective blend of my favourite ingredients - rosehip, pumpkin, apricot oil - I wish Skin & Tonic would branch out more with their essential oil free blends as they do have a lovely ethos when it comes to ingredients. Also worth noting that Skin & Tonic Makeup Remover and Naked Lip Balm are also free from essential oils.

You can shop these products online direct from the brands or at the following online retailers.

Sarah x

26 September 2019

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
(Gifted)

You might already be familiar with Balmonds under their former branding of Purepotions. I've been a fan of their products for some time now having previously reviewed their hand cream which quickly became one of my top recommendations. It's a hero product for me especially during the winter months when I'm prone to eczema breakouts. I wanted to explore more of the product range and I was looking for a new body cream so Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream seems like a suitable choice.

As a brand, Balmonds is marketed towards customers with dry and sensitive skin which may also be prone to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The Daily Moisturising Cream is fragrance free which is great for people like me with a sensitivity to fragrance allergens. Many natural ointments marketed towards eczema contain beeswax so it's nice of Balmonds to offer a vegan friendly alternative. Overall the formulation is well considered and contains fantastic soothing and hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, hemp seed, chickweed, chamomile and calendula.

The Daily Moisturising Cream is multi-purpose so you can use it on any areas of the body but it's especially good for targeting dry patches and keeping skin hydrated. I've mainly been using this cream on my legs as they are going through a stubborn phrase and I'm battling dryness. This moisturiser is super hydrating but I like how it doesn't feel heavy or greasy and it disappears fairly quickly. I've also trialled this cream on my face and I was super happy with the results. I can see The Daily Moisturising Cream coming in handy for the winter weather when I usually switch from my lighter summer products. I really think this could be a good all-rounder for the entire family. Only the other day I was also considering how handy this would to take on holiday as you could cut down on products. It would be easy to ditch hand, face and body cream bottles for this one cream.

I think it's fair to say Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream could easily become a permanent part of my skincare routine and I would happily buy myself another tube when this one runs out.  Have you tried Balmonds? Which product would you recommend?

If you missed my last review then follow this link Giovanni 2Chic Conditioners

Sarah x

2 April 2019

Review Derma Sukin Daily Gentle Wash
(I purchased this item)

"Natural formulations with a dermatological approach. Derma Sukin products are dermatologist recommended as non-irritating and non-sensitising. They are soap and fragrance free to provide gentle and effective care for sensitive, and condition prone skin types." (Sukin)

Sukin is a brand I've featured a number of times over the years, not only are they affordable but I've enjoyed how the products perform. The Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser is one I've repeatedly purchased for my husband. The Derma range sparked my interest and I found the range available through online retailers. Derma Sukin targets problematic and condition-prone skin and the range includes Face & Body Wash (Hydrating, Gentle or Oil Balancing), Intensive Hydrating Cream and Gentle Face & Body Lotion.

"Soothes the skin whilst cleansing. Derma Sukin Daily Gentle Wash is free from sulphates and parabens, and is formulated with Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Cucumber to effectively cleanse and soothe the face and body, without stripping the skin of its natural oils." (Sukin)

Derma Sukin Daily Gentle Wash is a runny consistency which hasn't been to my liking for a body wash however I've opted to use as a facial wash. It's ideal for those occasional days when I'm feeling super lazy and cleanse in the shower. Alternatively it can be used on dry skin and removed with a damp cloth. I've tried both methods and both options work for me. I normally shy way from facial wash but I haven't found this cleanser to be overly drying and it appears to maintain a good balance. The pump bottle packaging is useful but I suggest cupping your hand near the spout because on a couple occasions I manage to squirt product across the bathroom. The only minor downside for me is I find the scent to be "medicinal" and I was hoping for a fresh aroma of cucumber.

I've a handful of favourite cleansers which to be honest Derma Sukin Daily Gentle Wash wouldn't replace however that doesn't stop me recommending. I think the range is filling a gap for those with fragrance sensitivity/allergy or skin conditions like eczema. I would suggest it's worthy of consideration if you are struggling to find suitable skincare.

Sarah x

27 November 2017

Review Organii Intensive Organic Soothing Cream & Face and Body Oil
If you’re not familiar with Organii they are an affordable organic vegan brand with top to toe products suitable for all the family. They recently launched Organii Intensive Organic Soothing Cream and Organii Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil, both are intended for very dry and sensitive skin and may be suitable for those prone to eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.

I've an interesting fact for you if you are a natural skincare nerd like me. If you know Gentle Green Soothing Cream then I can tell you that they have partnered with Organii so it's the same formulation just under a different name. I was already familiar with the popularity of Gentle Green through judging on the Free From Skincare Awards, in 2013 they won Gold in the Problem Skin category. Sadly, I’m not going to be able to review the Intensive Organic Soothing Cream as it does list linalool in the ingredients so I’ve pass it on to a friend who has psoriasis. I’m intrigued to see how they get on with it and initially they have been positive about the product. 

The Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil is free from essential oils which means I don't have to concern myself with those allergens. The blend of ingredients is sunflower, rosehip, nettle leaf, chickweed and ribwort plantain leaf, the latter is one I’m not familiar with. Rosehip is an ingredient that I find works well for my skin and one that I always look for in skincare. This Organii oil has a rich orange colour and easily sinks into my dry skin. It's a good all rounder which you can use across the whole body. I think affordability of products when it comes to eczema is very important as it can be a demanding skin condition so my only criticism with this body oil would be the price point. 

As I mentioned at the start, Organii is worth considering for the entire family and so I am more than happy to recommend them to readers. Have you used any Organii products? Do you have a favourite?

Sarah x

Disclaimer: PR samples

8 March 2017

Review Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Baobab Rejuvenating Face Oil
(Gifted PR sample)

UPDATE - THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, ALTERNATIVE BRANDS THAT SELL BAOBAB OIL INCLUDE FUSHI & ALUCIA ORGANICS

Random skin flare ups are an annoyance for anyone who experiences eczema. Why is it that a cream that worked six months ago makes little difference the second time around, is it just me? It drives me crazy at times. When my dermatitis flared again I was rummaging around in my skincare collection desperate for anything which might work. I ended up using Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Baobab Rejuvenating Face Oil.

At some point I'd received this Baobab oil and didn't think much of it when applied to my face but after reading the label again I noted what I had previously missed - "suitable for skin prone to eczema and psoriasis". I applied to the areas of my body affected by eczema/dermatitis (chest & shoulders) and finally I had relief from the dreaded itch. I have been applying to my skin after getting out of the shower (damp skin aids absorption of oils) and I am so relieved. With time I've seen great improvements and my skin is feeling calm once again. I've no idea if it's simply down to luck but Boabab is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 so maybe that has something to do with it. 

As Ooh! are marketing this as a face oil the 30ml bottle is not an ideal size for the body but I'm not using it all over so it goes a long way. A couple of drops for my chest and same again for shoulders. If you wanted to experiment then a 15ml size is also available. That would be sufficient to patch test and see what you think.

If you enjoy oils then the Ooh! Oils of Heaven line also includes Rosehip, Moringa, Cacay, Marula and Argan.

Sarah x

27 October 2016

Have you ever fancied trying the oil cleansing method but simply don't know where to start? Well, Lyonsleaf have put together a "starter kit".

The Oil Cleansing Complete Kit* contains everything you need - Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm (award winning cleansing balm and moisturiser in one), 5 x Face Flannels, 5 x muslin face cloths, Full instructions and information, a handy cotton drawstring bag and all for £22.50 (Beauty Balm is normally £12.95 so it's a saving of £3.44)

Beauty Balm is a product I highly recommend and if you'd like to read my thoughts then I've linked my review. It was written in 2013 but my opinions have not changed and I've used this product on and off over the years. It's become a bit of a cult product within the Green Beauty community.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *affiliate link

26 August 2015

Review MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm for Babies Adults Prone to Eczema Psoriasis
(gifted PR sample)

UPDATE 2020: this product is now known as MooGoo Sensitive Skin Balm

MooGoo is an Australian brand who specialise in products for those of us with problem skin (e.g eczema, psoriasis). I have known MooGoo for some time now and was more than happy to accept a product for review.

MooGoo Irritable balm is marketed for babies and adults prone to eczema, dermatitis & psoriasis so it’s an ideal product to have in the home because you can use on every member of the family. Just a word of advice, some of MooGoo’s products contain ingredients derived from milk. There are full ingredients lists on the website so you can check before purchasing. Keeping this in mind I opted to trial the Irritable Skin Balm which is free from milk, paraffin and fragrance. 

Despite the name, Irritable Skin Balm is a light lotion which sinks into my skin quickly without leaving behind the sensation of a heavy sticky residue. It is ideal for the summer months and for those who like to get dressed quickly. My eczema is very mild at the moment (across my neck and shoulders) but whilst it’s not overly visible I still have the dreaded itch. I have to be honest and say that the Irritable Balm does not make my eczema disappear but I am suitably impressed with how quickly this cream soothes my skin. I reckon it would be a good one to keep in the fridge for those times when my eczema radiates too much heat.

I know this is a short and sweet review but I really like MooGoo Irritable Balm and I am more than happy to recommend.

Have you tried any products from the MooGoo Range?

Sarah x

24 March 2015

Mount Purious Starflower Oil Body Moisturiser
You may have noticed that in recent months I have turned my focus to vegan products. I mentioned Mount Purious Raw Skincare in a blog post and was approached to review the Starflower Oil Body Moisturiser. The oil is extracted from the seed of the Starflower plant (Borago Officinalis). Starflower oil is rich in the fatty acid GLA (Gammalinoleic Acid) and has twice the level of Evening Primrose. You may already be familiar with its medicinal properties because supplements are often recommended for Women’s Health but it can also be used for skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis.

Using the Starflower oil from top to toe has not necessarily 'cured' me of my eczema/dermatitis but what it has done is provided a new level of comfort. I have found it to be hugely beneficial at calming the dreaded itch, of course that may be down to my skin being overly dry but my skin appears to absorb quickly and the effects last longer than other oils I have tried.

As Mount Purious Skincare is certified organic and free from additives you are buying oil in its purest form. I do not have to worry about perfumes or filler ingredients and where my skin is concerned this is a huge bonus to me. So far, this product has been the only one which gives me temporary relief from the irritation of Seborrheic dermatitis which is recurrent around my eyes and mouth. I am hopeful that with continued use I might be able to win the battle which has been ongoing for over two years.

As you can tell it’s very hard for me to be critical of this product. You all know I love skincare which is simple and Mount Purious ticks the boxes. The range extends beyond Starflower oil to include Argan, Camellia, Evening Primrose, Hemp, Jojoba, Rosehip, Tamanu and Rosewater toner. I highly recommend you have a browse of the website and let me know if you decided to buy a product.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *PR sample, no affiliated links

1 December 2013

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm, Body Butter & Healing Blend Cream
(Gifted/Lyonsleaf affiliate link)

You may remember a while back I introduced you to Lyonsleaf. The range is 100% natural plus packed full of ingredients I love and my skin adores. I have been testing three of their products - Body Butter, Healing Blend Calendula Cream and Beauty Balm. Lets start with the Body Butter. It contains shea butter, coconut, avocado, almond and vitamin E which are known for repairing and conditioning the skin. I am a body butter addict so it will not be a surprise to hear I enjoy using this product. Body butters help keep my skin in good condition as I can experience flaky skin during colder weather, especially on my legs and face.

Next we have the Calendula Cream. It is similar to the body butter in that it contains shea butter but there are some other interesting ingredients like juniper, lavender and frankincense. I do feel like this product was made for me. I like to use calendula for treating my eczema and I have a recurrent patch on my chest. I can apply this and I find it soothing. It also helps keep my skin hydrates so it does not crack or flake.

Lastly, the Beauty Balm is rich and you only need to dab on the smallest amount but it does a brilliant job of keeping my skin looking fresh and soft. I am comfortable using this both day and night. I do not find it greasy but as someone prone to eczema, I have to moisturise in order to compensate for what my skin struggles to do naturally. I was reading the website and learnt that you can use this for cleansing. Not something I would have thought of doing but I gave it a whirl and I like it. The cream melts into an oil so it is easy to work across the face and then remove with a damp cloth. I love how this is a multipurpose product.
Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm, Body Butter & Healing Blend Cream
The fragrances of all three products are enjoyable, somewhat herbal and nutty but not offensive to my nose. The jars are a generous size and a little goes a long way so don’t expect to see these in an empties post any time soon. I think the price of each product is good. Anyone who battles with flaky dry skin during the winter months should definitely try Lyonsleaf and full ingredients are listed on the site.

Sarah x

26 March 2013

Mimi's Miracle Natural Skincare
I went to the Vitality Show on Saturday. I'm not going to talk much about it because it tends to be a popular blogging topic. I think this was the fourth year I have visited but I did feel it was not as good as previous years.

You all know I like Niki's Organic Balms. She was at the show so I popped by for a chat. Niki pointed me in the direction of Mimi's Miracle and I decided I'd like to share this discovery with you. As you know I love to support small natural brands and Mimi's ticks all the boxes for me. The story behind the products is a familiar one. Mimi and her family suffer from eczema, allergies and psoriasis. After a recommended brand product flared up Mimi's skin her mother created the products as she saw a need for natural ointments for her family. Products are 100% natural and free from SLS, SLES, alcohol, parabens, lanolin, perfume and petrochemicals. They also do not contain nut derived ingredients as the family have first hand experience of this allergy. 

The range includes body butters, scrubs for face, body and feet, soaps and facial oils. Prices are fantastic value for money everything is under £8. I ended up buying the foot balm and I can not wait to start pampering my feet as the cold weather has left them in a terrible condition. Most of the creams are shea butter based and you all know I love my shea butter!

If you would like to learn more about Mimi's Miracle or buy products, please visit Mimi's website and Facebook page.

Sarah x

18 December 2012

natural skincare for skin prone to eczema
(Disclaimer - contains *affiliate link/contents is not intended to replace medical advice, for reference only)

My parents will tell you I was born with eczema as it didn't take long before my skin was covered. My most vivid memory was around the age of 9 or 10 when I was covered in severe eczema and scratching until I bleed. Then I developed skin infections to the point I was banned from sports and swimming. The turning point for me was diagnosis of allergies. As an adult I have small eczema patches but nowhere near the extent I had as a child. Currently my triggers are cold weather, stress and sensitivity to ingredients and of course allergies.

Winter Skincare articles are popping up all over the web and whilst it's important for everyone to look their skin, eczema management can often be hard work at this time of year. I decided to gather a list of brands that offer products which may be suitable for anyone prone to eczema or other skin conditions. I personally prefer using products formulated with plant based ingredients and chose to avoid traditional emollients than can be loaded with perfumes, lanolin, urea and paraffin. When choosing a cream, balm or ointment, I carefully consider products containing calendula, chamomile, chickweed and oats as these are known for their soothing properties.

Eczema is a fickle beast and we are all affected differently, it's what makes it so troublesome to treat. It usually takes a bit of trial and error to find the correct product. I'm hopeful that this list gives you a good starting point for finding suitable creams.

Conscious Skincare (opt for fragrance free)
Ere Perez SOS Marmalade (paw paw - papaya is the soothing ingredient)
Fiini Naturally Oat & Honey Balm
Fushi (a range of oils and shea butter)
Green People (opt for Scent free range)
If you are interested in finding out how I manage my skin and eczema, then I have jotted down my personal tips here - 7 Tips for managing Eczema - speaking from personal experience

Sarah x

5 September 2012

Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser
(affiliate link marked * & picture has been updated in 2020 due to change in packaging)

Coconut oil is a very trendy ingredient and everyone has gone crazy for it in their skincare. Coconut is nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. You can use in baking or apply directly to skin and hair. I think it's an ideal ingredient for everyone but ideal for people prone to dry skin. Coconut has antimicrobial properties which may be important to skin health and it's anti-inflammatory may benefit those prone to psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema.

If you are looking for a simple and effective cleanser then let me recommend *Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser. This quickly became a favourite cleansing product because it doesn't have an overly complicated INCI list and no essential oil allergens. The cleansing oil method is one I greatly enjoy. I experience dry skin and need to combat the loss of moisture. Oils remove dirt and makeup without leaving skin feeling as if its been stripped of hydration. It's a pleasure to massage this light cleansing oil over my skin. Once I feel dirt has been lifted I remove residue oil with a damp cloth. Overall, I'm very happy with how my skin looks and feels after cleansing.

I had a couple of queries about this Balm Balm cleanser as people seem concerned that this is liquid and not a solid balm. Information to explain this is available on the website. Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser is - "Made from Fractionated Coconut Oil which is mechanically extracted from Virgin Coconut Butter without the use of chemicals, resulting in an incredibly light oil which is easily removed with water"

Balm Balm has a wide range of skincare products for face and body. For anyone sensitive to fragrance allergens there are scent free options available in some products. They also offer a range of single note perfumes. 

Sarah x

3 September 2012

Five Natural and Organic Cleansers for Skin Prone to Eczema
If your skin is prone to eczema flare ups you'll know how tricky it can be to manage your skincare routine. The key for me is making sure my skin doesn't break out in the first place and I do this by taking great interest in the ingredients in my skincare. At a minimum I choose to avoid foaming agents (SLS/SLES) and fragrance as these are definitely my triggers.

Here are five cleanser which are free from fragrance and SLS and come with my personal recommendation.

Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - although not specifically tailored to skin prone to eczema, it's an amazing cleansing balm which I found effective and did not trigger irritation. This balm is formulated with essential oils but does contain nutrient rich superfoods Avocado and Baobab, Plum Kernel, Green Coffee, Hemp and Spirulina.

Green People Scent Free Cleanser & Makeup Remover - a creamy cleanser which is formulated with Organic Shea butter, Squalane from Olive, Jojoba esters & Calendula, it leaves skin feeling soft and retains the moisture balance so you shouldn't feel dry or tight after cleansing.

Handmade Naturals Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser - this is a gentle and nourishing cream cleanser, no essential oils but a faint scent of marzipan from the plum kernel oil.

Lyonsleaf Unfragranced Beauty Balm - Lyonsleaf has a collection of fragrance free products including this balm cleanser, it contains raw shea butter, macadamia nut oil, jojoba, vitamin E and calendula (home grown on the Lyonleaf farm). This is rich and hydrating which may help combat dryness.

Skincare with Compassion Pure & Gentle Milk Cleanser - formulated to help soften and protect skin from dryness, ingredients include Rosehip, Sweet Almond and Kukui

Sarah x

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