The Beauty of Eczema | Skincare Review

Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis, is a condition characterized by red, itchy, flaky skin and like many ailments, the symptoms and degree of severity varies based on a number of factors. 

I don’t suffer from eczema, but my sister does so I know how uncomfortable the flare-ups can be. The Beauty of Eczema is a vegan brand that promotes mental health awareness and skin positivity based on a holistic approach. Their products are cruelty-free and 97.9% naturally derived from Mango Butter, rich Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Almond Oil and Oat Lipids.

The formulas are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. They do not cause irritation or allergic reactions from harsh sulphates, dyes, chemicals or fragrance. 

I wanted to try this collection because my skin is quite sensitive during the summer. I am prone to red, itchy heat rashes, sunburn and unexplained allergic reactions. Since I began using this collection, my skin has been less irritated and more hydrated. 

Before I review each item, let’s recap. 

 These products are great for: 

*Sensitive skin 

*Normal to dry skin 

*Extremely dry itchy skin 

*Inflammation and redness 

*Alleviating the symptoms of eczema and other forms of dermatitis 

Let’s start in the shower – where our day begins and ends. The Skin Wash ($23.99) is formulated for the face and body so go ahead and lather up from head-to-toe! The antioxidants and gentle cleansers remove dirt, oil, sweat, makeup residue and impurities without stripping away essential moisture or leaving skin tight and dry. It actually makes my body feel smooth and supple (especially when paired with the Moisturizing Cream) and I don’t have to worry about breakouts.

If you have time for a warm, relaxing bath, the new Bathing Oil ($37.99) and Bath Salts ($25.99) will help melt the stress away and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The Bath Salt has an earthy oat scent – very natural and inviting. It contains a wonderful blend of mineral-rich salt: pink Himalayan blush, Dead Sea and Epsom + a few skin softening oils.

The Bathing Oil is infused with Castor Oil, protein-rich Oak Kernel and Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids to keep skin supple, balanced, moisturized and healthy. When you emerge from the tub, your skin will feel incredible!

Finish your self-care routine by applying a generous amount of the Moisturizing Cream ($31.99), formulated to protect skin’s natural moisture barrier. The healing blend of oat lipids, lush butters and Omega oils soothe, strengthen and replenish without greasiness.

This UK brand is exclusively available at Shoppers Drug Mart and shoppersdrugmart.ca. You can also check out the collection at thebeautyofeczema.com. 

If you know anyone suffering from eczema, dryness or skin sensitivity, please pass along this information.

Clean Beauty Must-Haves from Shoppers Drug Mart

Recently I’ve been writing a lot about clean beauty. Shopping responsibly is not just another trend. It’s about reducing waste and eliminating some of the harmful substances that enter our lakes, oceans and landfills. 

To help you find amazing brands that are mindful of our planet, Shoppers Drug Mart has initiated the “thoughtful choices” campaign. Today I will be featuring a few sustainable products available in-store and online.

First up we have a summer essential that I will be packing for vacation next week – Garnier’s Green Labs Brightening Serum Cream ($19.99) with broad spectrum SPF 30. The vegan formula is free of mineral oil, parabens, BPA, aluminum, phthalate and dye while the bottle is 100% recyclable. 

Infused with Vitamin C and pineapple, you get the brightening power of a serum with the lasting moisture of a supple cream. According to the description - your skin will look smooth, even and radiant after one week of daily use. I love the fruit scent and non-greasy finish.

I’m a big fan of Live Clean’s hand soap and conditioners so I knew I’d like their vegan Rebalancing Shampoo ($7.99) with organic botanicals and vitamins. The formula is 98% plant derived and free of petrolatum, parabens, SLS, silicone, phthalate, phosphate and dye. The rich lather thoroughly removes build-up at the scalp to balance oily roots and moisturize dry ends.

Covergirl’s Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara ($10.99) is also formulated without parabens, sulfates and mineral oil. The waterproof vegan pigment is smudge proof and the spindly brush grabs each hair to lift, elongate and volumize.

I reviewed Zero Skincare when the brand launched at Shoppers earlier this season (you can read my full review by clicking HERE). The products are 100% natural, plant-based and cruelty-free. 

The night Cream ($34.99) is rich, deeply nourishing and infused with antioxidants, green tea, shea butter and rejuvenating oils that leave skin soft, supple and renewed.

I have a love-hate relationship with natural deodorants. I appreciate the concept but haven’t found one that really works (if you know what I mean). 

Native is one of the better brands I’ve tested. The Coconut and Vanilla scent smells fantastic and actually moisturizes my skin while keeping me fresh. $18.99 might be a bit pricey for odor protection but the cruelty-free formula does not contain parabens or aluminum.

Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Gel Cleanser ($16.99) contains Hyaluronic Acid to reset and refresh your skin. The packaging does not specify whether this product is for face, body or both but based on the instructions, I’m guessing face. If I’m not wearing makeup this formula is sufficient but for a deeper clean I prefer something that foams and lathers.

Every year 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes are produced and most of them end up in landfills or oceans. To help reduce that number Colgate has introduced the Whitening Starter Kit ($20.99). It comes with a reusable aluminum handle and one replacement brush head. The spiral bristles and whitening cups polish away stains and when used with whitening toothpaste, your smile will look amazing.

Last but not least we have the Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream ($29.00). The formula contains an energizing morning cocktail of fruit extracts, coconut water and a botanical based anti-pollution complex that boosts radiance, protects against environmental assaults, plumps, rebalances, smooths and revives.

For more information, visit shoppersdrugmart.ca. All of the green beauty products are marked with the “healthy choices” label.