Skin MD Natural
Shielding Lotion
Get out from under that greasy mask of heavy moisturizers this winter!! We are all guilty of it. That first blast of frigid air hits us, and we immediately run to our medicine cabinets for the thick, heavy moisturizer and slather it on with ridiculous heft in order to keep the scaly winter skin at bay. Our foreheads glisten like glazed hams, and we have to drag our woolen socks up over sticky legs.
I have come across a nice alternative. Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion that actually binds with your outermost layer of skin, locking moisture in, and keeping environmental irritants out. It does all of this while allowing your skin to breathe and leaving it feeling clean and soft.
I wasn’t quite sure about this product which claims that it can be used on the face, hands and body. Usually such a multipurpose lotion is too heavy for the face, or not very effective on the rough elbows and heels. The white bottle also looks quite medicinal with its red cap and first aid cross on the label. This is not generally the type of packaging I am drawn to for my skin care. However, as I read about it, I became more and more excited to see how this would work with my skin.
Lately, I am making strides and taking steps toward being a green makeup artist. As a part of AKA Natural Beauty, my focus is on finding and using natural products that are good for the skin, body, and the environment. Thus, I was ecstatic to see that this shielding lotion boasts a slew of herbal and natural ingredients to protect, moisturize, and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits!
Some of the ingredients of Skin MD Natural include Aloe Vera extract, Vitamin E, Arnica, Comfrey, Chamomile, and Yarrow. It is 93% natural. I was definitely a little bummed to discover that it is not totally natural, but they do explain in detail on their website why they chose the ingredients they did, and exactly what they are. I can appreciate a company who is straight forward and honest about their products.
The first day I used it, I popped the cap open and squeezed a dime-sized dollop of the semi-transparent liquid into my palm. As I spread it onto my face, I realized I had taken way too much, so I applied it to my elbows and arms as well. The feeling was silky and not greasy at all. It leaves your skin feeling very clean and smooth. It was hard to get used to this sensation. I almost wanted to apply more so I could have that familiar layer of product coating my skin. I restrained myself and continued applying my makeup which went on very smoothly over the lotion.
I have been using this product for three weeks now, and I have to say that I am very happy with the results. My skin is not chapped and dry, as it normally would be after braving the biting New York City winter wind. It feels hydrated without being greasy, and in addition, the breakouts I was experiencing around my hairline and chin have disappeared. It even helped heal my cracked elbows. Because it creates an invisible shield to protect your skin from moisture loss, you can actually layer it over your night creams and eye creams to “seal” them in and extend their benefits as well. Overall, my skin is feeling soft and smooth without a hint of the winter effects (other than my pale complexion, of course).
Although I am trying to incorporate totally organic and natural products into my regime, I do like the results that this light liquid provides, as well as the majority of its ingredient list. You can read all about the ingredients, science, and recommendations from doctors on the website www.SkinMDNatural.com. It is also available in a formulation with SPF 15, which I am always a fan of.
Wishing you a beautiful New Year!!
Title photo by Ben Pigao www.13bdesign.com
