Review: Saaf Super Hydrating Body Balm

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Luxury skincare that’s cruelty-free, vegetarian, vegan, organic, Halal, natural & chemical-free

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Couple the onset of winter and the firing up of central heating in homes all across the U.K, with the kids going back to school and bringing all their germs home, and what do you get? The flu. Yes, I’ve been struck down with the worst case possible and am feeling pretty sorry for myself.

Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, my skin gets blotchy and more sensitive than usual. Long baths do help me feel more human, but the trade off is extremely dry skin - particularly on my legs after shaving. Fortunately I was recently sent a tub of Saaf Super Hydrating Body Balm (£24.99) which has really helped soothe my parched skin. A totally natural and intensely hydrating balm, it delivers plenty of moisture to keep my skin soft and supple, with a gorgeous scent I can actually appreciate despite the heavily blocked nose.

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The origins of Saaf?

Saaf means “Pure” in Persian and was born in 2004 when Dr Mah, a qualified pharmacologist with a keen interest natural remedies, got frustrated with skincare companies that too readily described their products as organic and natural. As a mum, she recognised the need for a truly organic alternative for her families skin and set about creating one herself. As my own children, Dexter and Heidi, have incredibly sensitive (often eczema-prone) skin, I’m totally onboard with her ethos.

What’s so great about it?

It’s a balm in the truest sense of the word, which is fabulous as I love digging my nails into them. You are directed to apply a generous amount all over your body, paying close attention to rough areas such as knees and elbows. The balm rubs in well leaving a reassuring light sheen, and long-lasting scent. I’d go so far as to say my skin looks visibly healthier, after just 2 weeks of use.

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Ideal for those with dry, thirsty, flaky or itchy skin, and those wanting a spa-like post-bath experience, its certified organic with no unnecessary chemicals that might irritate sensitive skin types. With a base of super oils the formulation is primarily concerned with nourishing the skin deep down, rather than simply moisturising the top layer.

… The oils:

Safflower oil helps soothe irritations on even the most sensitive skin.

Sesame oil has proven moisturising properties. It penetrates the skin easily, nourishing and detoxifying the deepest tissue layers. This means greater healing, moisture delivery and longer-lasting nourishment.

Organic beeswax helps soften dry skin whilst shea butter improves elasticity. Its cell regeneration properties are an effective anti-aging ingredient that also helps to minimise the appearance of scarring.

… The essential oils:

The scent is totally unique but I’d liken it most to Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream. At first sniff my mother and I remarked it was more herby than many others of its kind, but there’s still the buttery scents of beeswax and shea, and a blend of Ylang ylang, patchouli, lavender and clove to create a pleasant fragrance. In short, it smells reassuringly simple, and post-bath applications last long into the evening.

The awards

Awards

Is it worth the price tag?

Yes. At £24.99 I’ve paid triple this for skin balms / moisturisers before now. The fact that it’s natural and organic and every ingredient sourced ethically and carefully chosen for its properties (not its scent, or to win praise from beauty editors and influencers), means it scores extra highly from me. Saaf’s Super Hydrating Body Balm offers 10+ hours of constant hydration per application, and calmer, softer and better conditioned skin - it’s exactly what this flu-ridden mum of two needed.

More information

To experience the range for yourself, go to www.saafskincare.com or check them out on Facebook & Twitter.

 

 

 

 


REVIEW: Salcura Bioskin Natural Skin Therapy for Adults with Skin Complaints

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This isn’t my first time featuring Salcura Bioskin. I reviewed Junior Bioskin (using an eczema-ravaged Heidi as my guinea pig) some time ago. As a result, I’m a HUGE fan of their Bioskin Junior Conditioning Shampoo which smells heavenly, is soft and gentle and leaves the kids hair beautifully fluffy for styling. Nothing compares to it and I purchased a second bottle a few months back (considering the first review was in Sept 2014, this goes some way to showing how long a bottle will last).

Well now I’ve been asked to put their adult range through its paces. Although my skin is perfectly healthy, this is only due to the sheer love and expense I put into it (…so desperate am I to be the mum my son’s mates are happy to say hi to in Tesco…), and I’m a firm believer that all skin-lovers need a variety of potions to treat problems as and when they occur. Salcura Bioskin therefore should fit nicely into my bulging skincare cabinet as a go-to product for flare-ups.

So who are Salcura Bioskin?

Bioskin is a revolutionary therapy system ideal for those prone to dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and urticaria. Using only naturally active ingredients, it offers a skin therapy regime that can truly transform your skin. The products are gentle on your skin whilst being incredibly effective, working with the skin to aid its own natural healing process.

Range free from: Artificial Fragrance / Paraffin / SLS / Lanolin / Steroids / Parabens

Bioskin

Salcura Bioskin Natural Skin Therapy have garnered some serious press attention, both from bloggers I respect such as Girl Up North, Beauty Best Friend & Life in a Breakdown but also in the national press. Developed in the 1990′s by German bio-scientist, Dr Martin Schiele, they were initially formulated in response to the skin problems of factory workers handling chemicals. It quickly became evident that Schiele’s unique combination of natural ingredients proved highly effective in soothing difficult-to-treat skin complaints, and thus the range was born.

They’ve recently undergone a relaunch (same formulas, same ingredients) and have become one unified therapy system. The range looks simpler and sleeker to really stamp its authority on the sensitive skincare market.

So what have I got my mitts on…

Bioskin DermaSpray £16.99 (100mls)

Main (active) Ingredient: Sea Buckthorn (rich in nourishing Omegas)

DermaSpray

The Bioskin DermaSpray Skin Nourishment Spray is one of the most popular products in the series with a bottle sold every 5 mins here in the UK. Developed specifically for adults with tricky to manage conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and dry, itchy skin, it combines a naturally effective, nutrient rich formulation with no harsh ingredients.

A fine liquid spray, it quickly sinks deep into the skin to nourish skin cells earlier on in their life cycle - making them healthier when they are at the surface and less likely to display any frustrating symptoms. It also contains almond oil to boost moisture levels leaving skin super-hydrated.

What do I think?

Unlike some of Bioskin’s other products, this smells really pleasant (to me, it’s a mix of menthol and chamomile) and is very subtle and unobtrusive if you are spraying throughout the day. It rubs in in seconds (although you don’t have to if you’re spraying directly into the hairline / scalp) and dries to a matt finish with zero greasiness. It’s also cooling and refreshing so would make an ideal sptriz for sufferers who conditions worsen in the heat.

I have a conveniently sized 100ml bottle which sits comfortably at the bottom of my handbag. To maintain healthy skin you’re directed to use this daily, so I’ll apply when I’m out and about or I’ll likely forget. My skin is left supremely soft and more healthy-looking so I’m really chuffed to have discovered it. During periods of extreme dryness and itchiness, you can apply more frequently (one of the many advantages to a natural product over steroid-based creams). Toss in the fact that a spray is more economical than a cream, and this will last you a good 3-6 months depending on how liberal you are with application. It also makes for an even coverage over the skin.

Bioskin Zeoderm £19.99 (150ml)

Main (active) Ingredient: Natural Volcanic Zeolite (rich in rejuvenating minerals)

Zeoderm

Bioskin Zeoderm Repair Moisturiser is also a natural alternative to steroid-based creams and highly effective in the treatment of severely dry skin. It’s 99% natural with Linseed to reduce redness and inflammation, Borage to help the skin retain moisture, and Zeolite for its ability to eliminate free radicals. It quickly relieves skin itching, and the patented ZeomaZ ingredient restores and rejuvenates the skin. Unlike steroid creams, there is no limit to the number of times it can be applied, and it can be used on the face.

What do I think?

As I’m lucky enough to have naturally healthy skin, I have used this less frequently than the DermaSpray. I have however used it as a handcream throughout my trial, which are often very dry. The smell, or lack thereof, is typical of unfragranced products - very bland yet strangely still there. Although this rubs in beautifully there is a slightly greasy residue left on your skin that takes a good half hour to sink in. Far from being a deterrent, I can imagine this being incredibly reassuring for people with mild to severe skin conditions.

I did notice a difference in my hands after a few days use. Visibly, they looked smoother and the patternation of cells far less prominent. My hands look younger and my cuticles are softer with zero cracks. I’ve since donated my bottle to Craig whose hands need more love and attention than my own - he too has noticed the difference so I’m heralding this as a bit of a miracle anti-aging cream for the body.

Bioskin Face Cleanser £12.99 (200mls)

Main (active) Ingredient: Sea Buckthorn (rich in nourishing Omegas)

Cleanser

Bioskin Face Cleanser is ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin, with nourishing Sea Buckthorn, vital for skin healing and skin repair, Jojoba Oil for nourishment, and Rosemary to help improve cell renewal. It’s low-foaming and suitable for all skin types.

What do I think?

I have to admit, I’m not a fan of cleansing washes - foaming or not. That said, this does smell really good. Although the active ingredient is the same as the DermaSpray - this is more citrusy and very revitalising of a morning. Although my skin was left really soft and it did prevent a particularly frightening-looking spot in its tracks, I still prefer wipe off cleansers that I can use them at my dressing table rather than in the bathroom. It did shift my eye make-up on its own though which scores additional brownie points.

To find out more, or to buy, head to SalcuraSkinCare.com

Instagram: @Salcura / Twitter: @Salcura / Pinterest: @SalcuraSkinCare / Facebook: @SalcuraNaturalSkinTherapy / G+: @SalcuraSkinCare


New Travel-Sized Goodies from Weleda

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I love Weleda. Their Baby Derma range worked a treat on Heidi’s eczema, and their organic and wholly natural skincare really resonates with me. They’re highly recommended by beauty & skincare editors, leading institutions in the organic, natural & homeopathic world, and they’re multiple award-winners too.

I could wax lyrical about their commitment to sustainable production methods etc, but what really hits you straight away with any Weleda product is the smell. It really is bottled heaven - raw ingredients that have been sensitively handled and allowed to truly flourish. Not only this, their skincare really does stand up to scrutiny in a market littered with false claims and confusing labeling. Every active ingredient has been carefully chosen and sourced to offer relief, nourishment and care for even the most sensitive of skin types.

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I’m overjoyed that they’ve now released all their bestsellers in handy travel sizes, and it was the ultimate treat to be sent a little rainbow-coloured travel pack containing miniatures of five creamy relaxing and invigorating body washes:

Citrus Creamy Body Wash - invigorating & refreshing

Lavender Creamy Body Wash - relaxing & soothing

Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash - regenerating & fruity

Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash - revitalising & zesty

Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash - harmonising & pampering

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A combination of water and detergent can rob skin of protective oils, upset the natural pH balance, and leave it dry, itchy and sensitive. However Weleda body washes are formulated to nourish the skin with organic oils, leaving skin soft and smooth. They are naturally fragranced with pure essential oils which work on the senses as well as preserving the product naturally so there’s no need for artificial additives or parabens.

You might wonder why you need an all natural body wash in the first place. Well “normal” shower gels contain tensides (foaming agents) that help remove dirt particles. These have adverse effects on the environment and can be harmful to aquatic life. Weleda’s body washes contain antioxidant sesame oil and a fantastic cleansing base derived from sugar and coconut, making them completely biodegradable. So after you use them, they will disperse through waterways without harming delicate marine life. Furthermore, they are suitable for vegans and packaged in recyclable and eco-friendly PE.

Not only this, there are dozens of dermatological benefits too. They won’t dry out or irritate your skin and any residue will be gratefully absorbed by your skin.

What do I think? Well, they lather beautifully, leave my skin feeling clean and hydrated, and the scent lingers long after I shower. After a hard day at the gym, or the stresses of dealing with two naughty children, the essential oils also help restore a much-needed sense of calm and wellbeing. I’m loving my set and still have plenty left for when we go on holiday next month - that’s if I can keep them away from Craig who’s been sneakily using the fruity ones!

This set is available for £9.95 from selected independent health stores or the online store at www.weleda.co.uk. It would make the ideal gift for someone who regularly travels, has sensitive skin, or simply deserves a bit of a treat. Of course travel sizes are also great if you want to test out one of Weleda’s award-winning facial, body care or baby ranges. I’d highly recommend The Mini Calendula Baby Starter Kit (£12.95) for children with sensitive skin, especially given it’s handily sized for change bags.

 

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