Ever feel a bit overwhelmed by your facial skincare choices? Do you ever wonder why a face cream for sensitive skin has 394 ingredients? Ever find yourself so confused in the skincare aisle of Target that you start crying, run out of the store, and forget to buy diapers? Ok, maybe the last one was just me, but I know Iโm not the only one facing frustrations when it comes to a good skin care routine. Especially if you have trouble finding something that works for uncooperative skin. My skin used to be pretty wash-and-wear. Even though I had mild rosacea, I could usually get away with the usual suspects for my needs. But then I started having babies, and while carrying/birthing the first one (a boy) made my skin clear and glowing, my second one (a girl) made my skin red and angry. My skinโs mantle had been compromised, and I just couldnโt get it to calm down. Then one day my mom gave me a bottle of the Swell Skin Oil of Sea Buckthorn to try. It was discovered by her friend in the wellness section of the grocery store, and they both were singing its praises. I decided to give it a try, keeping my expectations low.
Swell Skin was created by Kelli Klus, an alternative medicine practitioner from North East Ohio (where Iโm from!). You can read about the details at swellskin.net. Ms. Klus was also recently featured on Project Runway: Fashion Startup, and secured partnerships with two of the three investors/hosts to grow her business. I was quite excited about that because both the treatment bar and the oil have been on backorder for weeks! Not to mention, I LOVE supporting small/local businesses…and women…and natural/organic products.
The Swell Skin regimen consists of two products. The first is a bar of soap, aka treatment bar (2.25 oz.) which retails for $16, and a bottle of Oil of Sea Buckthorn (.05 fl oz.) for $17.
The instructions are pretty standardย but can be tweaked for specific concerns. For example, I find that if I let the lather from the treatment bar sit on my face for about 30 seconds, my skin feels much more hydrated than if I quickly smear it all over and rinse. After rinsing I apply two or three drops of the Oil of Sea Buckthorn. The oil itself has a distinct orange color and a rather pungent smell, but nothing I would call offensive or off-putting. The result is a fresh feeling, hydrated face. Not too oily, not too dry. I definitely notice a difference in my skin. I am way less reactive to my makeup, less red, and a few stubborn clogged pores dislodged after a few days use of the products. I feel my skin’s mantle has been repaired and is now protected. There is also a surprise bonus benefit, which I discovered by experimentation/accident. The oil is AMAZING for psoriasis. I have pretty bad patches of psoriasis on my scalp this winter. After spending a fortune on prescriptions over the years and trying horrifyingly toxic shampoos, I found myself using a few drops of the Swell Skin Oil of Sea Buckthorn on some stubborn psoriasis patches near my hairline because I just couldn’t stand the smell of my current “remedy”. The next morning I noticed the patch was less flaky and not as irritated. I now rub a few drops on my scalp psoriasis after I wash my hair and it definitely looks and feels much better. Happy face, Happy scalp!
I am very glad I gave Swell Skin a try, and I look forward to what the company does next (the website hinted at new products being considered).
Swell Skin is available direct at swellskin.net, and if you’re in my neck of the woods, Heinen’s grocery carries the line (I suggest calling ahead, shipments sell out quickly and I was even on a waiting list for my last treatment bar!).
GUEST BLOGGER: Sarah Sterling
Disclaimer: I purchased these products on my own for review.
