PRODUCT REVIEW // BLEMISH AND LA ROCHE POSAY

My skin has always been prone to breakouts. But I’ve managed to keep it under control, by eating healthily, exercising and good skincare. When I got pregnant, and consequently had to stop using blemish products as they say the contents of among others salicylic acid can harm the foetus, I feared that my skin would go bonkers using more simple products. But with the help of my Clairsonic, my skin was clearer than it had ever been. Fast forward and my little boy is now almost 14 month sold, and for the past few months my skin problems returned and I couldn’t for the life of me work out why. But then it dawned on, I had been breastfeeding my boy, and stopping this some months ago naturally meant a change of the hormone levels in my body. So yet again, I had to have a full blemish regimen in place. Here are the products that have helped my skin return to almost normal state again;

 

Avene Soapless Cleanance Gel*

 

This cleansing gel is as the name suggests, soapless so it gently cleanses the skin without drying it out, something many acne and blemish cleansers often do. I don’t use this to remove makeup, but rather use it after removing the makeup, but use it as the second cleanser, where it cleanses my skin deep down every pore. The cleanser also doesn’t irritate the skin, all and it helps to regulate the sebum production for so my skin feels less greasy, and breaks out less as well as any existing breakouts seems to fade faster too. And because my skin is less greasy, my makeup consequently also stays looking nicer for longer.

RRP: $29.95 (200ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Avene Cleanance Lotion*

 

This is a light moisturising lotion intended for oily and blemish prone skin, and while it is light, it still provides the skin with necessary moisture, just without clogging it up as it is non-comedogenic. It is rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water and is soothing on the skin and it has sebum absorbent microcapsules, that helps regulate the sebum production of the skin, tighten the pores and purify the skin as it is also containing acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid. I don’t quite have oily skin, but still from time to time find my combination skin getting so greasy that I find my makeup sliding off my face, but when I use this, my skin stays matte all day, and my makeup stays put.

RRP: $25.95 (40ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

My Eco Sponge*

 

Using a facial scrub is often a good idea when you have blemish prone skin, as it can help prevent the pores becoming blocked and consequently break out. But at the same time, if your breakouts are really bad, a scrub can sometimes make matters worse as you can damage the skin and spread the bacteria. And that’s where the Eco Sponge is so perfect.  The sponge is made from 100% natural konjac, which is both sustainable and biodegradable, as well as it contains absolutely no added colourings or additives. The sponge is so gentle, that it is suitable even for those with extremely sensitive skin, or if you have skin irritations, or been sunburnt, so it is absolutely brilliant for blemish prone skin too for gently cleansing and removing impurities from the skin, and gently buffing away dead skin cells for a skin that is cleaner and more glowing.

RRP: $9.50 – Available from My Eco Sponge

 


La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+*


 

 

I have previously declared my love for the Effaclar Duo, and this newly updated version is now a complete care with reinforced anti-imperfection efficacy, as it contains an anti-marks active ingredient, Procerad, which means that it helps to prevent those red marks or dark spots that often tend to loiter about after the spot has cleared. But that’s not all, it also helps accelerate the skin returning to normal again. This amazing gel works on both preventing breakouts, but also to clear ‘normal’ pimples and blackheads, and not to mention those angry blemishes and those hiding under the surface of the skin, and all while soothing the skin and regulating the sebum production – and of course without burning or drying the skin out. The gel absorbs quickly into the skin giving the skin a nice matte finish and it works perfectly under makeup too. And as it is so gentle, it can be used both morning and night. 

RRP: $27.99 (40ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies 
 

MediK8 Beta Gel Blemish Gel*

 

This blemish gel is by far the most expensive one I have ever used. Normally I hate forking out $30-40 on the branded treatment gel I usually use, but twice as much, ouch! So is it really worth it? It contains a mixture of all natural blemish fighting ingredients including dioic acid to reduce sebum output and therefore helps to reduce acne bacteria, salicylic acid to help clear blocked pores and prevents congested skin, azelaic acid, which has deeply penetrating anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties as well as niacinamide to exfoliate and balance oil production.

The clear gel has a nice cooling effect and once absorbed into the skin, you can apply makeup on top as per usual. And unlike other blemish gels that I’ve previously tried (and believe me, that’s more than I can even count), it doesn’t dry out the skin, so when you’ve got one of those nasty pimples so big it has its own postcode, you can keep applying the gel up to six times during the day. And you can almost instantly feel how the zit shrinks in size – faster than with any other treatment I have EVER tried, and I love that it helps to balance the skin rather than dry it out.  And yes it is expensive, but its efficiency makes so worth it.

RRP: $80 (15ml) – Available from Advanced Cosmeceuticals and Select Stockists

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, my current go-to products when my skin is playing up.

 

Do you suffer from breakout? Which products do you reach for?

 

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MUST-HAVE BABY SKINCARE PRODUCTS

My little baby boy is growing so fast, and turned one last month, so officially no longer a baby, but rather a toddler now weighing over 10kgs, which my poor old back can sure feel when I pick him up and carry him around. . And he is growing and developing so fast, learning new things every day, and his vocabulary is also slowing expanding, and he is now calling one of our dogs, Jazz, for ‘azzzz’, which luckily she understands so she comes when he is calling.


My own skin is feeling the effects of the cold winter – it was a chilling 6 degrees when I went grocery shopping this morning, - and naturally his skin would be feeling it too, although he is rugged up like an eskimo each time we leave the house. So I do my best to use a good selection of skincare products for him, and here are some of the products that we’ve been using lately.

For my first birthday, I got a Jeep....

 

Milk Baby Shampoozle + Conditioner*

 

 

I really love the fact that this shampoo is made in Australia from 95% naturally derived ingredients. The Shampoozle + Conditioner promises to ‘make your washing your bub’s hair the highlight of the evening. No matter what floats your bub’s boat’ in the hair styling department, this naturally derived shampoo + conditioner will leave your bub’s hair silky smooth, tangle free and smelling beautiful. And while he and still only has a little very short and fine blonde hair, and hence doesn’t need a conditioner to detangle his hair, it does leave it super soft and so shiny. And while I would prefer it to be fragrance free, on the other hand, I do love the beautiful gentle vanilla scent, that almost makes me want to eat him when he is out for the bath.

The shampoo is very concentrated so we only need the tiniest drop to wash his hair, so the large 375ml will last for absolutely every, which also makes it very affordable.

RRP: 12.95 (375ml) – Available from Milk, Coles and Woolworths

 

Milk Baby Snotty Grotto Room Spray*

 

 

There is nothing worse than a small baby with a cold. They don’t know how to blow their noses, so it just seems to build up, making it difficult for them to breathe, and consequently everyone’s night sleep is disturbed. Unfortunately our little boy got a bit of a reaction to his 12 months immunisation, and as well as a rash on his body, he also got a head cold. But lucky we had a Snotty Grotty Room Spray at hand as just a few sprays into his room, helped clear his nasal passages making him more relaxed and sleep so much better. The Snotty Grotty spray works  thanks to among others menthol, chamomile oil, tea tree leaf oil, eucalyptus oil, ylang ylang, camphor oil, and orange flower oil, which combined it a beautiful with predominantly a menthol scent with a touch of citrus – strong enough to clearly make a difference, yet gentle enough to be used in a baby’s room! This is definitely a must have item during winter when everyone is prone to colds.

RRP: $12.75 (75ml) – Available from Milk, Coles and Woolworths

 

GAIA Natural Baby Skin Soothing Lotion*

 

 

 

I have previously declared my love for the GAIA Baby products as I love that they are natural and organic and contain certified organic ingredients. The products are formulated especially for delicate baby skin, and are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and irritations, making them eczema friendly.

The products are also free from all the chemical nasties such as artificial fragrances, soap, sulphates, petrochemicals, mineral oils, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol or phthalates, and it contains among others wheat germ oil to keep the skin smooth, chamomile, calendula and lavender  to calm and soothe the skin, and zinc, castor oil and beeswax to provide a protective barrier on the skin.

And it is a true multi-tasking product, suitable for use at nappy changes to keep the baby’s bottom soft and smooth, but it can also can also provide relief and soothe skin irritations, including dribble rash, which apart from using it on Oliver’s bum, is what we’ve mainly been using it for. He had the last lot of teeth come through during the Easter Break, and since then there has been constant dribbling, to the point that his poor little chin is red raw with the worst rash, yet still no new teeth have cut through. We even got a Cortisone prescription at the doctor to try to help, but as that is a steroid hormone, I’d like to minimise using it and much prefer to use the more natural Gaia Skin Soothing Lotion, knowing that it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties.
At the end of the day, after a long day of dribbling, his chin is usually at its worst, as in spite of frequent bib and jumper changes, I just cannot keep up keeping him dry, and it is obviously irritating him so much that he is rubbing the area himself – but as soon as a little Skin Soothing Lotion has been applied, he leaves it alone, so it is clearly helping. I also like that it comes in a handy to use tube, so it is perfect for the nappy bag too.

RRP: $9.99 - Available from Coles, Priceline and select pharmacies

My Eco Sponge Konjac Baby Body Sponge*

Oliver absolutely loves bath time, there is simply nothing better than splashing in the water and playing with his favourite bath squirts, while we wash him. And to make this task easier, we’ve been using the Konjac Baby Sponge from My Eco Sponge. The sponge is made from nothing but 100% natural konjac, which is both sustainable and biodegradable, as well as it contains absolutely no added colourings or additives. The sponge is so gentle, that it is suitable even for those with extremely sensitive skin, or if you have skin irritations, or been sunburnt, so it couldn’t be better to use for washing a baby’s sensitive skin. 

It claims to hold ten times their weight in liquid – and of course I had to test this – so I soaked the sponge, and then tested how much water it held – a massive 40ml, which is a lot for such a small sponge – but it makes it so easy to use when you rinse your little one’s hair, no cup needed, as the sponge simply holds sufficient water. Absolutely brilliant.

RRP: $12.30 – Available from My Eco Sponge
 

So there you have it, these are the products that we are so far enjoying using.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What about you, have you tried any of these products? And can you recommend others worth trying?

 

PRODUCT REVIEW; NATIVE BOX - MAY 2014

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *May edition of the Native Box;
 

 

What They Say:
We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)

 

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)

3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)

12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

 

What I Say:

In case you are not aware, Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and they genuinely believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet. If you’ve missed my review of the November  2013 Native Box, as well as my review on the Autumn 2014 Native Mum and Bub box.  

As per pervious boxes, this month’s Native Box arrived in a recyclable postage box, and these are the goodies that were included;

Orgran Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancake Mix – Full Size

 

I love pancakes – and it has been ages since I had some buckwheat ones, so this packet is perfect to reintroduce me to it. It is gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, nut free, egg free etc, although I do not have any allergies to any of those, but I also like that it doesn’t contain any added cane sugar.
Available from Orgran

 

 

Sukin Hand & Nail Cream – Full Size, 50ml

 

I love Sukin products, but have not yet tried their hand cream, so I love the inclusion of this one. It contains among others rosehip oil, avocado and jojoba oils to hydrate even dry hands, and I love that it is free from parabens. The box also included a 20% discount off your first online order from Sukin online, which is a great addition too.
Available from Sukin

 

My Eco Sponge – Full Size, one sponge

This Eco Sponge is a natural sponge made from the root of the Konjac, which is a natural versatile and fibrous structure that is perfect for massaging the skin, stimulating blood circulation and encouraging  new cellular growth. This sponge is gentle enough too, and perfect for use on the face, without or without soap. I love the sound of this, and cannot wait to try it out.

Available from My Eco Sponge

 

Vitarium Sugar Free Drinking Chocolate – Two Sachets

This drinking chocolate is sugar free, and instead sweetened with Natvia. I am the first to admit that I love a good hot chocolate – especially when out little boy has woken me several times during the night, I find that I need something sweet for the energy mid-afternoon, so I love that this contains less than 10 calories per serve. I cannot wait to try these out! I have high hopes for this one.
Available from Vitarium
 

Adorn - $15 Gift Voucher

 

Finally, the box also contained a card with a $15 voucher to use on the Adorn Cosmetics website – I love the Adorn Cosmetics, so I will definitely make sure to check out their product range online.

Available from Adorn Cosmetics

 

Australian Bush Flower Essence – Sample Sachets; Body Moisturiser, Face Moisturiser, and Cream Cleanser, 3ml each

I have never heard of this brand before, but I love hearing the brand is Australian and the products made in Australia, and that the products are certified organic, and contain organic botanicals, plant butters, and Australian Bush Flower Essences. I can only imagine that these product will smell fantastic, so I cannot wait to try these products.

Available from Australian Bush Flowers

 

Alter Eco Foods – Mini Dark Velvet Organic Chocolate – Sample, 20g

I LOVE dark chocolate, my absolute favourite, so I love the sound of this organic dark chocolate with 47% cocoa… and I so wanted to devour it the moment this box arrived, but I had to control myself and wait until I had photographed the photos….and then checked that the photos had turned out ok… and then I could wait no more. And yummy. That was so nice. Just what I needed this afternoon, after yet another nights of broken sleep with a teething baby.
Available from Alter Eco.
 

Finally, the box also included a pen with the Native Box logo, and made using what appears to be recycled paper. I’ve been meaning to put a pen in my car for quite some time, so now I’ve got the perfect solution!

 

So there you have it, this was the contents in this months box.

As I’ve mentioned in previous Native Box Reviews, I am again unsure of the RRP of the different products as unfortunately the info sheet doesn’t specify this, so it is difficult to say how the box performs in terms of value for money. However, I think that the box contains a great selection and variety of products, all of which I am very happy with and will look forward to using. I look forward to hubby cooking me pancakes this weekend, and in return I guess I can let him taste one of the chocolate drinks…if I must, LOL! And I am addicted to hand creams, and have tubes of it everywhere, so a new one is also very welcome. And then there’s the sponge, - I do normally clean my face with an electronic brush, but on the days I don’t, I think this will be a great alternative, and I can imagine that it will be perfect to leave in the shower. So overall, I am very happy with this months contents!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?