My Daily Skincare Routine

My daily skincare routine is one that has been found after a lot of trial and error. I'm a person with very sensitive skin. I'm allergic to quite a few products and from a young age I suffered from outbreaks of eczema and psoriasis. Even when I began to grow out of the eczema, I was left with patches around my nose, this always led to people asking if I had a cold. I seemed to get away with not having spots (a saving grace in my teenage years), but that wasn't to last as when I came off the pill after the husband had a vasectomy, I was left prone to horrible outbreaks on my chin. 

I said at the beginning that my skin is very sensitive and it has left me with a lot of confidence issues, especially when my lovely children point out just how many spots I have on my face on any given day. The problem is is that being sensitive makes it quite difficult to find products that won't lead to adverse reactions like dry or itchy skin and although I don't have the clearest of skin I thought sharing what I use/what I do might help others who have similar issues.

Grahams Skincare Review

The colder weather always seems to make the eczema on my children worse, I think it is a mix of the sudden change in temperatures and having the heating on more often. I was recently asked to review a set of products from Grahams Skincare.

Grahams Skincare is new to the UK but it is actually Australia's best selling natural skincare range, with a wide variety of creams, oils, soap and body washes that treat both eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions right from your head down to your toes.

I was sent three products to try, the Eczema cream which is best suited for the kids, the Calendulis Plus cream and the Body Wash.

What I immediately loved was the packaging. The bright yellow really draws you in, it doesn't look like other treatments you receive from the doctors, a bit more fun, I think it would make kids more willing to have the cream put on them.

The products use ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and manuka honey. The creams are easy to use and non greasy and they have the added bonus that as well as being moisturising, they contain ingredients that make them anti-inflammatory too.

I have to admit I wasn't overly keen on the smell of the Calendulis plus cream but it did stop my skin from flaking so I think I would be willing to put up with the scent.

The eczema cream did stop my kids skin from being as dry as it was however it didn't actually make a great change to my children's skin conditions overall, I think maybe because they need something a bit stronger at the moment because their eczema is quite severe.

We all loved the body wash, the smell of the manuka honey really came through and it left your skin smelling wonderful too. I was impressed at how soft our skin felt after washing.

Overall I really liked the products however the price does put me off, the eczema cream is £21.99 for 75g, the bodywash is £16.50 for 250ml and the calendulis plus cream is £16.95 for 50g. All quite expensive compared to other skincare products that I have used in the past but if they work then I think you would be willing to pay the price.

xxxx

Disclaimer : These products were sent to me free of charge for reviewing purposes however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lotil Cream and Lip Balm Review

I am always on the look out for new skincare products and with the Winter months approaching, my skin and lips are often left feeling dry.

Lotil is a brand I have never heard of before but they have been around for over 100 years, providing a range of skincare products that not only help with the symptoms of dry, chapped skin, they also help create a barrier against germs and bacteria.

I was sent their original hand cream in a 50ml tube and their twist up lip balm to test and review.

The cream itself is a rich hydrating moisturiser and Lotil recommend using it on all dry skin, it has been known as the miracle worker. Containing powerful emolients, it rapidly rehydrates the skin, freeing it from that chapped feeling. It is non greasy and rubs in easily, I found that I only needed a small amount each time I used it. 

I liked that it can be used all over, from hands and feet to the face and body and it isn't just for people with things like eczema, it can be used on a day to day basis to protect your body from daily wear and tear. The best part about Lotil is that it also has antibacterial qualities guarding against infection, so can also be used on bites, rashes and small burns and wounds. 

The cream comes in four different sizes, a 30ml tube, a great size to just pop on your handbag, a 50ml tube, ideal size to take on holiday with you, a 114ml jar and a 500ml extra large container, so you never have to worry about running out.

The lip balm has all the same qualties of the cream, which makes it very effective at preventing and stopping cracked, dry, chapped lips. With added SPF30 protection, it is perfect for all year round use. Again a lovely size to just pop in your pocket or inside your handbag. 

I have now been testing these products for 3 weeks. I really like them both, especially the lip balm. As soon as Autumn arrives, I start getting dry, cracked lips and I am pleased to say that the Lotil lip balm has really helped, it hasn't stopped the dryness completely but my lips are a lot softer and less sore than they normally are. The cream has come in handy when I have been out and about. Pushing a pushchair around constantly means that my hands are forever exposed to the elements and the cream has really helped in making my hands feel less battered from the cold and windy weather.

The Lotil range can be bought from places like boots with the lip balm costing £1.18 and the cream starting from £3.08, the prices are extremely reasonable compared to a lot of other brands, definitely worth giving a try in my opinion.

xxxx

Disclaimer : These items were sent to me free of charge for reviewing purposes however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Moo Goo Skincare Review

A while back a wrote a post about the eczema on Layla's face and the fact that myself and Freya also suffer from eczema to different degrees.

I have tried so many different products over the years and none of them seem to have any lasting affects.

Whilst searching on the internet I came across a company called Moo Goo, based in Australia, they provide natural skincare products for both adults and infants to help things such as eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections.

Their first ever cream was based on udder creams used in dairy farms. The idea of the udder cream is that it protects and soothes the skin on cows udders, it became great for soothing properties with humans too but it was very greasy. Moo Goo made a non greasy human version of the udder cream and they have been expanding their range ever since to include many products to help the skin and scalp.

I was very kindly sent a few of their products to try on myself and my daughters. The box that the products came in made me smile and I couldn't believe just how many samples they sent.

The smell as I opened the box was lovely, nothing to strong, bit like marshmallows, absolutely scrummy. It came complete with a really helpful booklet that explains all about different types of skin conditions and what products they recommend to help ease the symptoms, as well as telling you about each of their products in a little more depth. We have now been using these products for just over a month so I wanted to write a little bit about each one and tell you our findings.

Eczema and Psoriasis Cream

This is actually an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal cream but it is also suitable for children with certain skin problems.

I used this on the creases of my 5 year olds elbows and knees and I was really impressed just how quickly it worked.

After only a day of using it there was a significant difference, the redness of the eczema had decreased, so it didn't look half as angry. 

Easy to apply and rubs in with ease, non greasy, Freya was applying it on herself morning and night with no problems.

It hasn't got rid of the eczema completely but Freya was more than pleased because it stopped the persistant itching, which was more annoying to her than the actual sight of it.

Skin Soothing Cream with MSM

This has been my favourite product out of all of the ones we were sent.

A all over moisturiser that really helps to soothe irritable skin. I used this in conjunction with the Eczema and Psoriasis balm on Freya.

I also used this on my own eczema which is situated around my nose.

Containing sweet almond oil and raw coconut oil, not only does it smell divine, it leaves the skin feeling nice and soft.

With the ingredients being all natural, it means you can use the cream as much or as little as you need to.

I have been using this on a daily basis, again it hasn't got rid of the eczema but it has certainly done its job because I no longer have lots of dry flaky skin around my nose, you can still see the eczema but the skin is a lot smoother and no longer sore to touch.

Milky Wash

This is a glucose based cleanser that can be used on both the face and body.

Recommended for those with easily irritated and dry skin.

It was originally invented face wipes and baby wipes. 

Unlike a lot of petroleum based cleansers, this is a very gentle product, suitable for the youngest of children, meaning it works for the whole family.

We have been using it as bubble bath every night. 

The smell is very fresh and it cleans all those mucky little faces and hands with ease.

Milk Shampoo and Cream Conditioner

Suitable for anyone but especially great for those with itchy, flakey or sensitive scalps.

The shampoo avoids scalp irritation and allows the scalp to fix itself. Simple to apply, you only need to use a small amount and it lathers up well.

I was extremely impressed because it managed to clear up the cradle cap on my three year olds scalp and I have been trying since she was born to get rid of it.

The conditioner has ingredients like milk protein and aloe vera in it, really moisturising and nourishing the hair.

The scents were amazing, the shampoo and conditioner really smelt like milk and cream and it not only left your hair smelling nice but your hands too!!

Nappy Balm

Now anyone with a baby has had to deal with nappy rash at some point. Normally caused by a reaction to either urea or by yeast.

Layla is currently teething and her bum has been left really sore because of it.

Moo Goos Nappy Balm is an anti-yeast barrier cream which is made from edible ingredients, so you don't have to worry if your little one some how manages to get it near their mouths, we all know they will chew on anything within arm's reach!!

The balm itself is again non greasy, you only need a tiny amount as it spreads quite far and I'm pleased to say that just like the other products I have tried, it works. 

I have been applying it at every nappy change and since it got rid of the nappy rash, it has kept it at bay, no more red bottoms in sight.

I can't begin to express just how impressed I have been with Moo Goo, a lot of my family suffers with eczema and psoriasis and I will definitely be recommending these products to all of them. 

I have only reviewed a small part of their range, there are many other creams, as well as lip balms, eye serums and deodrant. There is literally something for everyone, even a cream for people with nut allergies. No nasty chemicals and only tested on humans, Moo Goo gets a massive thumbs up from me.

Disclaimer : I was sent these products free of charge for reviewing purposes however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My little devils smell like angels

Ever had trouble convincing your children to have a wash and brush their teeth?? There always seems to be one in my household thats is determined that they want to stay dirty!!

Halos n Horns kindly sent me a selection of their products to test out.  I received a hair & body wash, a toothpaste and a shampoo & conditioner.

The slogan on their bottles says "for little devils", I know my darling children can be devils, so sounded perfect for them!!!

One of the first things I noticed when I opened the package was the smell, best word to describe it is yummy, well this is what the kids said when they smelt what we had be given.

Bright packaging immediately catches your eye, I can see this standing out on the shelf of any shop.

Our testing began at bath time with the zingy orange hair and body wash. We popped it on a wet sponge and it lathered up really well, the pasta stains on their faces were no challenge for this soap, they were clean in no time.

Next we moved on to the mango melon shampoo and conditioner. I have to admit when I first squirted some onto my hand I was a bit dubious at it felt quite sticky but once on the hair it was easy to massage in and I think because of the texture, it didn't drip which meant nothing went in their eyes!! It rinsed off easily and left their hair feeling very soft when it had been dried.

The thing I liked the most about both of these products was they are both hypoallergenic and dermapaedic, all of my children suffer with eczema so this was a real plus for me.

Then came the final test, the brushing of the teeth. Now my second eldest was most pleased because as she will tell you, she hates minty toothpaste, so the toothy fruity toothpaste went down a treat. No complaining about how long I made them brush their teeth, I couldn't believe how easy it made things. I got a mixed response on what they thought the actual flavour was. Elise said tropical, Freya said strawberry and Gracie said jelly. All I know is that they thought it was delicious.

If I am honest, I wish I had found this company sooner. Everything is aimed at being kid friendly, from the ingredients, right to the delicious smells and the funky packaging. It made bath time fun instead of feeling like another chore. I have to admit I have even tried these products on myself (I can be a little devil too) and I love them. With prices starting at £2.75 they are in no way expensive and who could put a price on their kids happiness anyway!?

Why not take a look at the rest of their range and let me know which one you would try.

xxxx

And relax

Now we cracked getting Layla to go back to sleep when she was waking up in the night. Next was trying to get her nice and settled before bedtime.

I was given something to try from Cussons Mum and me. If you don't know this company let me explain a little about them. Their slogan says designed by mums, developed by experts. They have created three different ranges : bump, new mum and baby. These are designed to help mummy's right from pregnancy til way after the birth. And the added bonus is that the baby range is paediatrician approved.

I was sent their baby sleep tight massage oil to try.

It comes in a nicely sized 100ml bottle, perfect to have at home, in your changing bag or even in your hand bag.

The packaging is simple yet effective. Plus purple is my favourite colour so this does sway me a little :)

I was happy to see that it is hypoallergenic, as all of my children have suffered with eczema so finding things I can use on them can sometimes prove difficult.

The oil is made with grape seed oil and peach so the smell is mild but really lovely.

It also contains a unique blend of jasmine and aloe vera which is there to help soothe your baby's skin.

All of this should hopefully encourage a good night's sleep for your little one.

I started using the oil last Wednesday, so I have been using it for about a week now. I have to say it hasn't dramatically changed anything but Layla loves been massaged, so it has introduced a nice element into her routine.

You warm it in your hands before starting and what I love about it is that it isn't greasy or sticky. It left Laylas' skin feeling nice and soft.

After finishing I wash my hands and my hands were left feeling soft too, no more need for moisturiser!!!

Priced at £4.99 I think it is great value for money as you only need to use a tiny amount, the bottle will last for a long time.

I would definitely recommend to others and I am now looking into buying the bath wash and baby lotion from this range too.