Skin MD Review & Giveaway!

At the end of January, Cat Doss emailed me and offered to send me a 4 oz bottle of her company's Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion to review. I used the lotion religiously last week so I could give the most honest and informative review possible.



The concept behind Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is that, unlike regular lotions that just moisturize the top of your skin, Skin MD penetrates into deeper skin layers and helps it to naturally moisturize and heal. Chronic use of topical lotions can "fool" your skin into thinking it's moisturized so it no longer releases its own natural oils. In essence, your skin can become dependent on the lotions for hydration. However, Skin MD works to restore the skin's natural abilities to moisturize while protecting it from toxins and irritants that can cause further dryness.

The company claims that Skin MD is

Made in the US using high quality natural ingredients, making it over 90% all natural. All ingredients are considered to be of food grade and are also on the FDA's most safe list. It is free of harmful fragrances, parabens, and colorants making it hypoallergenic. We don't participate in animal testing nor does the lotion contain any animal products. Our lotion is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

Wow! It sounds like a perfect lotion, right?! I had to try it!

I'm always baking and washing my hands so they're perpetually dry. I began applying the shielding lotion to my hands every 2 hours or so for the first day (that's what the bottle advises until the skin's moisture level improves). Gradually, I began to use it less and less. I'm still using it a few times a day, but my hands don't feel nearly as dry as they used to. In fact, I seem to be blessed with unusually dry cuticles, and the lotion has made them look 100% better! I've always been embarrassed by the state of my cuticles so I am thrilled with this lotion for that fact alone!

I also have dry facial skin - my nose is almost always peeling. I was hesitant to put Skin MD on my nose at first because I have very sensitive skin. I started with a small dab of lotion on my nose before bed one night. When I woke up, there was no irritation so I continued to lotion my nose morning and night. I am happy to announce today that my nose is not peeling at all! Yay!

Want more information about the product itself? This is probably unlike any other lotion you've used. It's not thick and greasy. It's thin and milk-colored. Just a dime-sized dollop is enough to fully moisturize both hands. I was really impressed with how quickly it evaporated and left absolutely no greasy residue! And it really is fragrance free! Adam has bad allergies so I'm always careful what products and scents I use. I can use this lotion with confidence that it won't make him sneeze! And, this lotion won't clash with other body sprays or fragrances I already purchase (don't you just hate when they clash??).

Ok, so let's recap. Reasons I love this lotion:

• My face and hands seem to be gradually getting softer and more moisturized.
• It does not cause irritation.
• It really is fragrance-free!
• There's no greasy residue.
• It absorbs quickly.
• A little goes a long way.
• Some bottles have 15 SPF (not the one I reviewed though).
  

Reasons I might not use this for every dry-skin situation:

• The price - the website says it's available at my local Publix for about $20. That's reasonable, but a teeny bit high...
  
• It's not a quick-fix. If I happen to become a hand model tomorrow, this lotion will not get my hands camera-ready in time. And, if a friend asks if you have lotion and you loan some to her, she will probably not be impressed. I did not see miraculous results after the first use alone. However, if I'm consistent about using this lotion, my skin will be healthier and younger-looking in the long run.

For even more information, check out the Skin MD Natural website. They have more customer reviews, doctor reviews, product information, an ingredients list, etc. You can even request a free sample!

But what's even better is Cat has offered to give one 4 oz bottle of Skin MD Natural to one of you lucky ducks! To enter the giveaway, leave a comment here and tell me what your favorite dessert is. I know it has nothing to do with lotion, but I bake so I want to know!

Extra entries:
1 entry - Be a Cake Walk follower.
1 entry - Subscribe to Cake Walk's RSS feed.
1 entry - Add the Cake Walk button to your blog.
3 entries - Make a post about this giveaway on your own blog/twitter account/facebook/etc.

Leave one comment per entry please. As always, make sure you either include your email address with your comment or post it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. The giveaway (open to US and Canada residents only) will end Friday, February 19th at midnight eastern time. Good luck!