Keeping Eczema at Bay with Exederm

Both of my children have been "blessed" with my husband's sensitive skin. And since they were babies they've dealt with eczema. And while I thought my son had it bad, my daughter came along and had it even worse!

By carefully changing our routine, making sure we knew exactly what was in the products we put on our daughter, and making sure that her skin was always moisturized we've been able to get the eczema under control.

The worst of it

With winter coming, the worst time for dry skin, I worry that my daughter will have the flare ups she had last year. See the photos above to see how raw her skin became with the dryness of eczema

In an effort to be proactive I have searched high and low for a product we can use year round to make sure my daughter's skin stays clear and healthy. It's so painful to watch her scratch at her legs when it starts to get bad. And in my search I've found a system that works; Exederm, Ultra Sensitive Skincare.

We received three Exederm products:

• Hydrating Baby Lotion - Exederm body lotion cream is a non-irritating, lightweight, non-greasy and easy to spread lotion that deeply moisturizes without clogging pores. Use frequently to keep your skin soft, smooth and eczema free.


• Non-Irritating Baby Shampoo - Exederm shampoo is an ultra sensitive low-foam shampoo that gently cleanses hair and scalp without irritation or itch.


• Flare Control Cream - Exederm hydrocortisone cream is the only paraben-free hydrocortisone cream available in US. It is also the first and only hydrocortisone product to receive the National Eczema Association's coveted Seal of Acceptance with a perfect 5 out of 5 score.

When used together, these products can help keep eczema flare ups at bay and leave my daughter's skin shiny and smooth. And when you have a child with eczema, you know that shiny and smooth are a much wanted result!

Did you know there's a National Eczema Association? Neither did I!

The National Eczema Association helps to improve the lives of individuals living with eczema through research, support and education. They test out products used for eczema and rate them with their seal of approval if they meet their level of standards. I was happy to see that Exederm products were listed on their product directory.

By using the products above I've been able to create a routine to help make sure my daughter's skin stays hydrated at all times. The importance of moisturizing the skin is a very large factor in treating eczema and also helps keep those with eczema comfortable and itch-free. 

After bathing our daughter with the Exederm shampoo, we make sure to moisturize her skin as soon as she gets out of the bath. By doing so we can lock in the moisture from the shower and not let her skin dry out from the bath.

I apply the Exederm flare control cream to her trouble areas, her thighs, and then use the Exederm baby lotion on the rest of her body. From head to toe she is covered in lotion. And she loves it! We make sure to let her be a part of this process and allow her to apply lotion to the parts of the body we've already moisturized.

Since using Exederm we have not seen bad flare ups like the photo above. Her skin has for the most part stayed healthy and free from excessive redness and tenderness.

And as my pediatrician recommends, her skin shines!

Do you or your child suffer from eczema? 

Check out the full selection of Exederm products on the Exederm website. Then you can purchase from any of the following retailers:

• Amazon.com
• Walgreens.com
• buybuy Baby
• Drugstore.com
• Target.com

Plus many more! You can also purchase directly from the Exederm website with a special discount of 20% off 3 products or more, free shipping on all orders over $50, and a "no quibble" money-back guarantee! How's that for service?

The Noise Girls have yet again put together an amazing giveaway event just for your family! The For the Family giveaway event starts on September 1st so please remember to hurry back and enter for your chance to win.

And Exederm has joined in on the fun to offer one lucky reader a set of the Exederm products featured in this review in the giveaway. Head on over and like Exederm on Facebook to stay up to date on new products and promotions!

Disclaimer: I received a set of Exederm products for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Lady Soma {The Solution to Gorgeous Skin}

I've never been one to worry about skincare. I've been lucky enough to have pretty normal skin. Neither oily or dry. Breakouts only when it's 'that time of the month'. And a nice glow from all of the water I drink. But I've started to think about the future of my skin and a few ways I can make sure I keep my skin looking nice even as I get older. Recently I received a facial kit from a company called Lady Soma, an organic skincare company that provides the best ingredients your skin needs.

Lady Soma offers a comprehensive line designed to provide a woman with everything she needs. Not only do they have some amazing skincare, they also carry a line of cleansing and detox supplements to help you from the inside out.

As soon as I received my package I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Give myself a facial! I quickly busted open the Antioxidant Berry Masque and oohed and ahhed at the fluffy, good smelling goodness inside. I could actually smell the berries wafting up from inside and it was refreshing.

Here I am right before trying the mask:

I went into the bathroom, washed my face, and applied an even layer of the masque to my face. It was super creamy and moisturizing. I could feel it sinking into my skin as I applied it and my face welcomed it's cooling, relaxing magic. While I waited for the mask to do it's job I shot a few pictures of me with the mask on. How awesome is this?

Once I washed off the mask I applied the renewal serum to my skin. My skin quickly soaked it in and I could tell that it was moisturized. My skin just glowed! And that's not because I scrubbed it or added blush. You can see the brightness below in my after picture.

What a difference from the before picture, right?

Since receiving my mask I've been using this regime regularly. And I love how my face feels. I think my skin soaks in my moisturizer even better since using the products. Maybe because the dead skin isn't there anymore? I don't know!

If you're looking to try out a great skincare product I highly suggest their Antioxidant Berry Masque followed up with the serum. It's luxury all the way. And you cannot beat their high standards and excellent ingredients list. Nothing but pure, organic goodness! Another great bonus is the fact that their made in the USA. Something my husband is passionate about... buying American.

Want to purchase some of your own? 

Head on over to their website and take a look at the products they have to offer. Then head over to their Facebook page and like them or follow on Twitter to keep up with the latest happenings of Lady Soma.

What would you love to try from Lady Soma?

Disclaimer: I received Lady Soma products for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

éclos Anti-Aging Skin Care #EclosBeauty

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of éclos Skin Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

éclos Skin Care is a new plant-based line of skin care that features Apple Stem Cells extracted from a rare Swiss apple. These cells have shown tremendous ability to stimulate skin stem cells, encouraging aging skin to behave like younger skin. Plant extracts, vitamins and anti-oxidants combine with the Apple Stem Cell technology to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and tired skin.

Similar products were once only available from specialty brands at department stores with a high price tag to match. éclos is the first brand to bring this active ingredient to mainstream stores at a fraction of the cost - making beautiful and younger skin available to women everywhere.

In my kit I found one of each of the following:

• Facial Cleanser Skin Prep
• Cellular Activator Face Serum
• Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream
• Restorative Eye Cream
• Instant Radiance Facial Scrub
• Skin Renewal Clay Mask
• éclos Terry Cloth Head Band

Here's a picture of me before using the products, makeup and all:

Once I put on my super cool head band, I started with the facial cleanser and loved how squeaky clean it made my skin feel. Not to mention it smelled amazing. I could definitely use this cleanser every day. It was gentle enough on my sensitive skin yet very affective in removing the dirt and makeup from my face.

Then I grabbed the facial scrub to really deep clean my face after cleansing it. Now normally I don't use a scrub since I have sensitive skin but since I hadn't scrubbed my face in a while this was perfect. And while I wouldn't use the facial scrub daily, I could definitely see myself wanting to use this weekly.

After my face was fresh and clean I tried out the clay mask. I am not someone who normally uses masks and creams on my skin. I am a simple girl who does the basics to keep her skin moisturized and clean. The most I do each morning is wash with a cleanser, slab on some moisturizer with SPF and head out the door. So indulging in a clay mask was quite nice.

I spread a very thin layer of the mask on and waited about 5-10 minutes to let it harden before wiping it away with a washcloth and warm water. I could definitely feel the difference in my skin. But it was in desperate need of some moisture after the cleansing it just received.

Once my face was cleansed I reached for the face serum and regenerative cream. While each of these products can be used separately, they work best when used together.  So I smoothed on some face serum and then topped it with the regenerative cream. Once those two products were applied I tried out the eye cream.

I haven't really seen a need for eye cream, regenerative cream, etc. As I mentioned before, moisturizer is about the only thing I'm focused on right now. But after seeing the affects of aging and looking at pictures of me 10 years from now I know I need to start thinking about my skin and the products I'm using on it.


Here's what my skin looked like after using the products:

So obviously not a huge difference but it's only been a week and I'm sure others will start to know a difference as I continue to use the products over the next few weeks.

One of the main reasons I loved using éclos are what's in the products.

What's in éclos products: 

• Ginkgo Biloba, Turmeric & Green Tea's anti-inflammatory properties help slow the signs of aging
• Chamomile & Cucumber soothe, revitalize & hydrate skin
• Horse Chestnut & Willow Bark help to firm skin & enhance cell turnover
• Gotu Kola improves skin firmness and elasticity by boosting collagen

 What's NOT in éclos products:

•  Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Fragrances
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petro-Chemicals

The products éclos offers are not only top-of the-line but they're proven effective! The research has show that when women use éclos products over a 2 week period, 100% saw a reduction in wrinkle appearance.

After using éclos for the past week I am loving my skin. I can actually feel a difference and love the glow I'm giving off (and no, I haven't been drinking!). I also have seen a difference in how tight my skin feels. I didn't think I had any sagging skin yet but obviously I was just in denial/

Interested in purchasing éclos products?  

Here are a few major retailers carrying the éclos products line:

Ulta Beauty

Rite Aid

Walgreens.com

GNC

- Eclos Giveaway Winner -

Congrats Jen!

Giveaway runs until May 26th at 11:59pm. Must be 18+, US Only. Winner must respond within 48 hours or else another winner might be chosen. éclos kit will be shipped to winner directly from the Simmworks Family Blog. Only one entry per person. This kit valued at $19.99.

Disclaimer: I received an éclos kit (retail value of $19.99) for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Firefly Wellness Review and Giveaway {Massage Therapist and Esthetician in San Diego}

Every mom needs to find a moment or two to herself. Over the years have come to realize how important it really is to take time for myself and indulge in some pampering every once in a while. And in the crazy hectic world I live in, taking an hour or two every few weeks just for me helps keep me sane. I am a better mother, wife, friend because of it.

So when I first heard of Karen of Firefly Wellness through Joann's Sign4Baby facebook page I knew I had to check her services out. Karen not only provides massage therapy but is a licensed esthetician as well.  She has been working as a massage therapist and esthetician in San Diego for 11 years. And her office is conveniently located in North Park, right up the freeway from us!

Background about Firefly Wellness
She started out in the corporate world as a computer programmer. She would hold training seminars and programed for a large software company. After a while she began to realize that she didn't love what she was doing and decided to "jump ship". She went to school to become a licensed massage therapist and esthetician and started working in a spa. After a few years the spa closed shop and Karen made the jump from working in a spa to working in her own private office.

She continued to work at other locations offering chair massages at events and going to clients homes for in-home services. But when she gave birth to her son 4 1/2 years ago she decided to move her business all to her private office and now provides services in a beautiful and tranquil cottage in North Park. When you walk into her courtyard you first find a cozy seating area usually occupied by a friendly and cuddly black cat. Then you are taken into the room and are immediately put at ease by the calm and tranquil energies that surround the area.

Why You'll Love Firefly
Karen takes her time in talking with you about your main concerns, what you want to focus on and what she can do to help you out. If you are receiving a facial or microdermabrasion treatment she will ask about your skin and what your goals are. She can customize the treatment she uses to your needs. And her massage therapy techniques aren't any different, every massage is customized to the need of the client. Karen's life experiences and education have helped her become an amazing massage therapist and esthetician.

I've experienced both her prenatal massage and mini facial. Both were amazing experiences. With my first pregnancy a good friend told me how important massage was for my pregnant body. So I made sure to indulge twice during my second trimester and once during my third. When I became pregnant with Molly I knew I wanted to do the same (if not more often). So I decided to try Firefly. And I was so glad that I did. I left her office relaxed and refreshed. My sore back and aching shoulders felt much better and it wasn't as difficult to pick up my son. Caring for a toddler really takes a toll on a pregnant woman's body!

And the mini facial I received was the perfect end to my week. I went with a more relaxing facial then an extraction-based facial and when I left I definitely felt relaxed. I almost wish I upgraded to a full hour facial like Laura did. I was cleansed, massaged and masked. My skin and lips were glowing afterwards. And not only does my skin feel amazing, I was given great suggestions for products to use on my face to continue the glow. And I've already booked a pumpkin peel with Firefly Wellness for later on this month.

Services Offered
Facials

Each facial is customized for the client depending on their skin type and current skin condition. Facials may include any combination of the following: cleansing, exfoliating,extractions, massage, mask and hand/arm massage. Facials can also be combined with microdermabrasion

Firefly Signature Facial - $80.00
Mini Facial - $50.00
  - De-stress and Relaxation - $50.00
  - Deep clean/extractions - $50.00
Back Facial - $80.00

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion improves skin texture while diminishing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and the appearance of scarring, resulting in smoother, lighter, and brighter skin. There is minimal discomfort and no recovery time is required.

Microdermabrasion - $80.00
Body Microdermabrasion $65.00/area
  - back, chest, arms, hands

Facial & Microdermabrasion - $140.00

Massage
Each massage is customized for the client based on their current needs.
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Circulatory Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Neuromuscular Therapy

30 Minute Session - $50.00
60 Minute Session - $80.00
90 Minute Session - $110.00

Firefly Wellness also offers skin rejuvination treatments as well as waxing. Basically Firefly Wellness is a one stop shop for all of your pampering needs! And packages are offered with discounted pricing. There are two different payment options for packages; either pay as you go or pay up front for a $10 discount. Gift certificates are also available for purchase.

Special Offer
Firefly Wellness is currently offering a BOGO 1/2 off special on a Pumpkin Peel. Come in before October 15 for a Pumpkin Peel and schedule another one before the end of the year to get the BOGO deal.

The regular price for a Pumpkin Peel is $80, so with this deal you can get two for $120. (Must be paid in full at first appointment.) There is a limited number of openings for this deal, so call now to reserve your time!

There are also options to add the Pumpkin Peel on to a full facial, and it can be a great compliment to microdermabrasion as well.

To reserve your time and schedule your Pumpkin Peels, call 619.249.4323, or email Karen@FireflySanDiego.com.

Win a Treatment! 

Firefly Wellness has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader a 30 minute massage, facial or microdermabrasion treatment - winner's choice! Want to know how to win? It's simple. Just follow the instructions below and enter your responses in the Rafflecopter prompts.

(can't see the form to fill out above? just leave a comment with your name & email and you'll be entered)