Skin Free Review and Giveaway worth $30

A few weeks ago I was introduced to the SkinFree skin care product line. I had not heard of the company before and was surprised to learn that their products have received a Toxicity Rating of "0" from the Environmental Working Group. If you are into green living and eco-friendly products for your family, then you know that this is a big deal. Shopping for safe, chemical-free products can be confusing, to say the least. Many so called "green" products are full of chemicals, preservatives, fragrances and other irritants. Labels and logos can be very misleading.

Because I have sensitive skin and eczema, I have trouble finding products that don't irritate my skin or cause breakouts and dryness. My kids have also had bouts of eczema, so I try to be careful about the products I buy for them as well. That's why I was excited to learn that SkinFree products were specifically formulated by a pharmacist to be used by people with extremely sensitive skin, allergies, or diseases which effect the skin. All SkinFree products contain all natural ingredients, NO harmful chemicals or preservatives, no fragrance, no petroleum, no colorants and no steroids. They are also not tested on animals, which is important to me.

I tried the SkinFree Extra Moisturizing Soap & Shampoo Bar, the Green Clay mask for Blemish Prone Skin, and the Lite Moisture Cream for Daily Use.

Now I have never been a fan of bar soap. I don't buy it and won't use it. Maybe it's the horrid flashbacks of Dial in my teeth as a sassy-mouthed child, or the slimy goo it leaves on a counter by the sink, or just the waxy residue it leaves on the skin. Whatever the reasons, I'm just not buying it. So I did not ask to sample the SkinFree soap. When it arrived in my box, however, I felt obligated to use it. The literature I received did say it was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so that made me feel a little better about trying it on my face. If you've never had eczema, let me tell you that the dry, cracked skin can be painful, itchy, irritating and down right ugly! Anyway, I actually like the soap. Really. It cleans my skin without drying and leaves no residue. I have been using it in the shower for a couple of weeks and I have been pleasantly surprised by this bar. Plus, there's no goop. I'm not sure how they did that, but the bar doesn't seem to melt and ooze like other wet soaps.

I also tried the green mask. This one takes me back to my adolescence when I wore Queen Helene's Mint Julep mask religiously every night. My friends had a grand old time making fun at sleep overs, but I wore it anyway. I was convinced it kept breakouts at bay and I did not waiver in my loyalty to the product for many years. I did finally give it up as it became more difficult to find in stores...does anyone know what I'm talking about? Do they still make that stuff?

Well I must say, SkinFree's mask made from French green clay with healing organic niaouli essential oil is far superior to Queen Helene's. I used it once a week and my skin felt clean and refreshed. My pores were smaller and it didn't dry my face out. I also used it as a spot treatment for blemishes and it helped clear them up and reduce the redness. I give it two big thumbs up. Though oddly my kids seemed very disturbed by my green face. They were seriously yelling at me to take it off. I'm thinking, wait a minute here, you're dad can jump out of helicopters, but I can't wear a green face for a few minutes without this terrible haranguing?! Jeesh! You'd think I'd pierced my lip or something.

The Lite Moisture Cream was simply grand. It contains a light blend of soothing, anti-inflammatory organic extra virgin olive oil and hypoallergenic macadamia nut oil. It feels light and clean on. Not oily at all. It blends in quickly and moisturizes well without a greasy feel. I love this stuff and use it morning and night. It's great under make-up for smoothing skin and keeping it hydrated but not oily. Good stuff!

Overall I had a wonderful experience with these products and I absolutely recommend them to my family and all of my bloggy friends. The SkinFree line includes many more products than I have listed here and is available in select CVS pharmacy stores, in Walgreen stores and through these websites:

www.skinfree.net (currently offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more)
www.cvs.com
www.walgreens.com
www.drugstore.com

WIN IT - $30 in products from SkinFree!
To enter: Leave a comment telling me which Skin Free product you'd like to try. Must include a valid email address (US and Canada only - sorry). Contest ends at midnight EST on 7.31.09.

Extra entries:
Comment on this post and let me know you did. One entry per comment - unlimited entries :D
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