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3 empties later.  I have enjoyed using La Mer Moisturizing cream over the last few years.









First impressions - Straight after applying it, it  melted right into my skin and my skin felt immediately moisturised and hydrated. Not only did it feel moisturised it looked moisturised with an obvious non-greasy radiant glow.  



Pros


  • Consistency : Thick and creamy but still absorbs into the skin very well which was perfect for the winter months.
  • Contains seaweed (algae extract) which has anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties.
  • Moisturising - Great for dry skin and works really well as a barrier cream.
  • Clean and luxurious packaging.
  • Non- irritating on my skin.
  • Soothing on a hot day.
  • A little goes a long way (30ml jar lasted about 6 months, using it when my skin felt dry, twice a day).
  • Good moisturising longevity - applied twice a day.

Cons


  • Price range from £65 - £1550.
  • Comes in a pot which is not hygienic, although it does come with a spatula.






                                                                   M x

La Mer Moisturizing cream review

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Acne Vulgaris ( Vulgaris means common)
What causes acne?
image source :Science photo library
Chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicles and oil glands).

Most common causative organism : Propionibacterium acnes 

Usually affects face, chest and back.



Diagnosis 
  • History  
  • Examination =  Comedones must be present for diagnosis otherwise consider a differential diagnosis.]

Treatment 

Advise + Education + Reassurance 

1st line = Topical treatment – Topical retinoid alone or + benzoyl peroxide (Retinoids contradicted in pregnany + breast feeding)

  or 

 Topical antibiotic (eg. clindamycin 1%) + topical benzoyl peroxide / or benzoyl peroxide + topical erythromycin ( safe in pregnancy)

2nd line = Inadequent response to topical prep = consider oral antibiotics eg . tetracyclines, such as lymecycline or doxycycline (for a maximum of 3 months).


  •  If the person does not respond to two different courses of antibiotics, or if they are starting to scar, refer to a dermatologist for consideration of treatment with isotretinoin.
  • Combined oral contraceptives (if not contraindicated) in combination with topical agents can be considered as an alternative to systemic antibiotics in women.

references 
https://cks.nice.org.uk/acne-vulgaris#!scenarioRecommendation
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-vulgaris/

Acne Vulgaris (1A)

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These are my top 5 traditional African beauty products.



1. The Pumice Stone

This stone can be found in most African households. It is an exfoliating "stone" that is often used on the body to exfoliate and on the feet to remove hard calloused skin. The best thing about growing up in Africa is that this stone is free, you can potentially find your perfect exfoliating pumice stone in your back yard.


2. African black soap

African black soap is often made from plant extracts. It is a gentle cleansing soap that is used on the whole body including the face and the hair. African black soap has so many benefits which include treating acne, eczema, reducing dark spots and evening out the skin.

3. Shea butter

Shea butter is made from the nut of the African shea-karite tree. It comes in different grades from raw unrefined shea butter to processed shea butter. It is often used a body and face a moisturiser. It can be used to soothe and treat dry skin as well as even out uneven skin tone. Most natural girls use it on their afro hair as a leave in conditioner. 

4.Malura oil

Malura oil comes from the African Amarula tree. It has a high content of oleic acid and palmitic acid fatty acids that are essential in promoting healthy skin by maintaining the skin's barrier and reducing water loss from the skin. Malura oil has a high vitamin C content, 4 times more vitamin c than oranges so it also works as a powerful antioxidant.

5.Boabab oil

This one is special to me because my grandma used to have a huge Boabab tree in her back yard, back in Zimbabwe. Boabab oil is high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E  so it protects the skin and reduces signs of ageing. It also contains fatty acids which reinforce the barrier of the skin so it can be used as a powerful moisturiser.


Whats your favourite traditional beauty remedy ?comment below.


Top 5 traditional African beauty products

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