This is a review of Suti's cleansing balm CLEANSE on eczema prone skin.
I read about Suti online and it had some good reviews, so I wanted to try it. I emailed the company to see if they provided testers, and they sent a personal response recommending the 'trial pack', which includes their best sellers in trial size. This pack is very nicely packaged, in a small bag, with cards explaining the products included. For this review I will focus on the Cleanse balm.
Suti is an interesting brand: its run by a sister-in-law duo who centre their products around their experience in healing, aromatherapy and homepathy. This explains why when you open the balm it smells like you've stepped into a oily massage parlour extravaganza: its got a full combo of citrus and floral essential oils, as well as the fancy pants organic avocado and apricot kernel oils. The balm is full of small balls of shea butter that are meant to 'melt' on contact with skin. Overall, the smell and feel of the balm is luxurious and expensive.
You take a dollop, and rub it onto dry skin, massaging it right in. I could actually feel the little balls of shea melting under my fingers. Before a shower, you can put it on your skin and leave it like a face mask, so the shower steam helps it be more effective. I don't know if that actually works, but it is easier to get the stuff off in the shower than over a sink. Either way, you're meant to use a 'muslin cloth' (read: wet flannel) and rub it off in circular motions. The guide recommends taking 2 or 3 tries to make sure you get rid of all the cleanser - and it certainly doesn't come off easily. Also its transparent, so you can't really tell whether its gone or not, but I kind of poke my face a bit and see if it still feels tacky. I've never spent so long cleansing beforen and the process takes a bit of getting used to, and it added time to my previous routine (which was just splashing water in my face...), but I quite enjoyed it.
When I finished and dried my face I had an extremely alien and unusual sensation - unlike usual, my skin did not have that taught, dry feeling, desperate for my to immediately moisturise. Instead, it felt supple, springy and clean! When I put on my moisturiser, instead of having to do the entire job of moisturising my face, it feels like my skin is already halfway there. Initially I experienced a bit of breakout on my forehead and cheeks - I don't know whether that was my failure to effectively remove the cleanser or just the change in routine, but it seems to have settled down now. Also, from my point of view, I much, much prefer spots to eczema and redness.
Overall, I really enjoyed using this product, its clearly high quality and it does its job. It has really helped keep my face in good condition and I feel cleansing daily helps give my skin more shine. The trial pack is a good idea if you want to try it, to make sure you don't react to any of the ingredients.
Without using it everyday, the trial size lasted me about a month. Now I'm considering buying the full size, but its not a bargain: £28 for 500ml. Although I know this would last for a long time, its a big splurge for me at the moment. So I'm having a go with some other cleansing balms to see how I get on, but at the moment, nothing is proving itself to be better than Cleanse.
The trial pack is available from Suti's website for £6.50 (plus P&P)
The cleanser can also be bought from their website, but if you get it from Naturisimo you get free P&P and some free samples!
Showing posts with label eczema. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eczema. Show all posts
Monday, July 7, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Eczema for Beginners: What to wear
I'm going to start my blog with some advice for people who've just been diagnosed with eczema, or maybe you haven't had it in a while and you've forgotten how to deal with it.
One of the oft-cited pieces of advice to people with eczema is 'wear cotton :)'. When I moved to uni, I went to a new doctor for help with a sudden flare up. Her tip was to wear more cotton clothes. This is a bit of a no-brainer if, like me, you've had eczema your whole life. But sometimes the idea of wearing a top - to - toe totally organic cotton hyper-sensitive breathable body suit just isn't what you'd had in mind for the day ahead. Clothing can help to control eczema though, here's some TIPS!!!
Leg Eczema
A dear, beautiful mate of mine had a bit of eczema on her legs during winter. I was FLABBERGASTED to discover she was wearing tights to work! Tights are so bad for eczema that when I was 12 my GP wrote a sick note to my school that said despite the uniform regulations I had to wear trousers, not a skirt and tights. They make you sweaty and don't let the skin breathe and TRUST MEH when I say, if you stop wearing them you'll notice a difference.
For work I wear some soft, cotton trousers (or even soft polycotton/nylon is better than tights) and some funky socks. A cigarette trouser shape is flattering and breathable, my housemate recommends Matalan for workwear and their trousers are great and cheap. For winter, and for casual occasion, embrace corduroy. You won't regret it.
When I want to wear a skirt/dress, leggings are a reasonable compromise as they let the skin breathe more. They don't look as sassy, but if anyone is mean to you, gently remind them you have a Medical Condition.
If its summer, go tights-free and feel that beautiful fresh feeling of a summer breeze streaming up your skirt!! Refreshing! Alternatively I like those nice, patterned roomy trousers they have around these days.
I leave tights for Very Special Occasions or I try to wear those cotton rich ones.
Neck eczema
This is mainly a winter-based problem. Woolly jumpers and woolly scarves may look quirky or chic but after about ten minutes I end up ripping them off with as much enthusiasm as if they had spontaneously combusted. Paschmina scarves are soft and gentle, with not irritating fibres, or try and find a cotton knitted scarf or a woven one. It takes some searching but actually you can get some pretty nice scarves that aren't too itchy. Sequins are a pain in the ass though, and I find if you wear a scarf for too long you get hot and itchy.
I like woolly jumpers, I like to wear a nice crisp shirt underneath to protect my neck and arms! Not only do you get to look like STYLE ICON Sue Perkins, but it also prevents.....
Elbow Eczema
Soft flannel shirts are a good way to cover up and protect elbow eczema, I also like long sleeved jersey tops or roomy cotton cardigans that let the skin breath.
If you can't find cotton in the shops, try charity shops or vintage stores because old ladies love cotton and you can also get some wild fabric patterns.
Hand Eczema
Eczema on your hands is massively normal, because your hands are always out and about and getting into contact with hand wash and too-hot-hand-driers. When its nippy out (if you live in Manchester this means any time between September and June) then wear gloves. Nice gloves, if you want, or those cheap ones from Primark that cost £1.50 for two colours. Also wear gloves (different kind of gloves) when you do the washing up.
Eczema in your secret private areas
They are some itches you CAN'T scratch without removing yourself from social situations into the privacy of a toilet cubicle/bedroom/behind a bookshelf. If its possible for you, ditch the bra as OFTEN as possible. This is great because not only are you protecting your eczema you're also making a small contribution to female emancipation. If that concept is too daunting, try some non-padded, cotton bras or crop tops. You can wear a crop top without looking like a pre-teen. See: Urban Outfitters:
I appreciate that's not a particularly viable option if you don't have tiny breasts.
If you get itchy DOWN THERE may I make the unprecedented suggestion that, if you can't find cotton knickers, go for the SMALLEST knickers you can find. Extra breathing room! Yuhuuuu!
Going out on the town
I have a lovely dress,covered in daisies, that is made of jersey and has mid-length sleeves. Its cheeky, because its low cut, but it covers up my elbow and back eczema and is a fail-safe option that makes me feel very confident.
However, don't feel you have to hide your eczema. You spend the best part of your morning moisturising, choosing from your complicated array of ridiculously priced ointments and organic, home-grown solid shampoos only to spend the next 12 hours painfully resisting scratching your already scabby elbows, or knees, you can't use self-tan and you can't grow your nails because when they're too long they become violent weapons of self-destruction. You eczema is a part of you so don't hide it away! If you want to wear a backless crop top and hot pants then do it. If anybody cares they do not matter. Its just a bit of dry, red skin!
Love, Saz.
One of the oft-cited pieces of advice to people with eczema is 'wear cotton :)'. When I moved to uni, I went to a new doctor for help with a sudden flare up. Her tip was to wear more cotton clothes. This is a bit of a no-brainer if, like me, you've had eczema your whole life. But sometimes the idea of wearing a top - to - toe totally organic cotton hyper-sensitive breathable body suit just isn't what you'd had in mind for the day ahead. Clothing can help to control eczema though, here's some TIPS!!!
Leg Eczema
A dear, beautiful mate of mine had a bit of eczema on her legs during winter. I was FLABBERGASTED to discover she was wearing tights to work! Tights are so bad for eczema that when I was 12 my GP wrote a sick note to my school that said despite the uniform regulations I had to wear trousers, not a skirt and tights. They make you sweaty and don't let the skin breathe and TRUST MEH when I say, if you stop wearing them you'll notice a difference.
For work I wear some soft, cotton trousers (or even soft polycotton/nylon is better than tights) and some funky socks. A cigarette trouser shape is flattering and breathable, my housemate recommends Matalan for workwear and their trousers are great and cheap. For winter, and for casual occasion, embrace corduroy. You won't regret it.
When I want to wear a skirt/dress, leggings are a reasonable compromise as they let the skin breathe more. They don't look as sassy, but if anyone is mean to you, gently remind them you have a Medical Condition.
If its summer, go tights-free and feel that beautiful fresh feeling of a summer breeze streaming up your skirt!! Refreshing! Alternatively I like those nice, patterned roomy trousers they have around these days.
I leave tights for Very Special Occasions or I try to wear those cotton rich ones.
Neck eczema
 |
| Sue Perkins styles out a shirt and jumper and sniffs a cake like an absolute pro. |
This is mainly a winter-based problem. Woolly jumpers and woolly scarves may look quirky or chic but after about ten minutes I end up ripping them off with as much enthusiasm as if they had spontaneously combusted. Paschmina scarves are soft and gentle, with not irritating fibres, or try and find a cotton knitted scarf or a woven one. It takes some searching but actually you can get some pretty nice scarves that aren't too itchy. Sequins are a pain in the ass though, and I find if you wear a scarf for too long you get hot and itchy.
I like woolly jumpers, I like to wear a nice crisp shirt underneath to protect my neck and arms! Not only do you get to look like STYLE ICON Sue Perkins, but it also prevents.....
Elbow Eczema
Soft flannel shirts are a good way to cover up and protect elbow eczema, I also like long sleeved jersey tops or roomy cotton cardigans that let the skin breath.
If you can't find cotton in the shops, try charity shops or vintage stores because old ladies love cotton and you can also get some wild fabric patterns.
Hand Eczema
Eczema on your hands is massively normal, because your hands are always out and about and getting into contact with hand wash and too-hot-hand-driers. When its nippy out (if you live in Manchester this means any time between September and June) then wear gloves. Nice gloves, if you want, or those cheap ones from Primark that cost £1.50 for two colours. Also wear gloves (different kind of gloves) when you do the washing up.
Eczema in your secret private areas
They are some itches you CAN'T scratch without removing yourself from social situations into the privacy of a toilet cubicle/bedroom/behind a bookshelf. If its possible for you, ditch the bra as OFTEN as possible. This is great because not only are you protecting your eczema you're also making a small contribution to female emancipation. If that concept is too daunting, try some non-padded, cotton bras or crop tops. You can wear a crop top without looking like a pre-teen. See: Urban Outfitters:
 |
| Urban Outfitters silk bra, £20 |
If you get itchy DOWN THERE may I make the unprecedented suggestion that, if you can't find cotton knickers, go for the SMALLEST knickers you can find. Extra breathing room! Yuhuuuu!
Going out on the town
I have a lovely dress,covered in daisies, that is made of jersey and has mid-length sleeves. Its cheeky, because its low cut, but it covers up my elbow and back eczema and is a fail-safe option that makes me feel very confident.
However, don't feel you have to hide your eczema. You spend the best part of your morning moisturising, choosing from your complicated array of ridiculously priced ointments and organic, home-grown solid shampoos only to spend the next 12 hours painfully resisting scratching your already scabby elbows, or knees, you can't use self-tan and you can't grow your nails because when they're too long they become violent weapons of self-destruction. You eczema is a part of you so don't hide it away! If you want to wear a backless crop top and hot pants then do it. If anybody cares they do not matter. Its just a bit of dry, red skin!
Love, Saz.
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