Attaining enlightenment about how chemical preservatives; Parabens, Phthalates, and their ilk are likely to be carcinogenic (particularly linked to breast cancer), caused me to embark on a frenzied search for natural alternatives.
What are Parabens?
Parabens are added by multiple cosmetic companies into products, in a bid to extend shelf life by keeping bacteria and fungus out of many beauty essentials; such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and scrubs. I’d go as far to say that at least 85 percent of beauty products have them. If you don’t believe me, take a quick look at the ingredients list on your products and see if the following appear, ‘butylparaben’, ‘methylparaben’, and ‘propylparaben’. Why would we voluntarily be doing more harm than good to our body by slathering on products filled with these chemical preservatives?
That’s when I came across Meiskin. A natural skincare brand committed to producing and supplying the highest standard of natural skincare formulas, only the best natural ingredients are used. To keep things quirky, products come in pretty pastel shades of pink, blue, or green, with names like, ‘Kokonut Kreme’ and ‘Twenty Four 7’. The minimalist, no-frills packaging is a plus point for me, I love how my products look great sitting atop my dresser. Animal activists can rest assured no furry animals were harmed in the making of ANY Meiskin products, which are also free of toxic Parabens. The founders of Meiskin also cater to those who suffer from sensitive skin with the exclusive meiECO range, absolutely color and fragrance free.
Although I would’ve liked to buy every single one of their delicious looking products to try, I still have plenty of ‘dirty’ body lotions to use up… So after much deliberation, I decided to pick the Stretchmarks (their popular Stretchmark Treatment Formula which went viral), and After Physique, a post workout cream. Since I’ve been using them for close to two months and am loving the results, I thought I’d share the good news. Detailed reviews below!
Stretchmarks
We all know people of all shapes and sizes get stretchmarks, yes even the sterner sex aren’t immune. And while these unsightly ‘scars’ cannot be completely erased, their appearance can definitely be reduced. Nevertheless, don’t expect miracles, especially with older stretchmarks also known as the silver-white variety.
Meiskin’s Stretchmarks formula has a very thick, oily consistency that instantly melts into your skin on application. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long before everything is absorbed and you can put your clothes on! It smells a little like lemongrass on first impression, although some days I’m pretty sure I catch a whiff of fish oil (probably the Vitamin E, but could just be my sensitive nose during that time of the month), although it’s not entirely unpleasant. I find my stretchmarks to be considerably lightened and less obvious. The ridges that used to appear on the top layer of the skin have diminished, leaving the surface smooth and more supple. Seeing such results in such a short time definitely makes me a very satisfied customer, especially after trying out a couple of other products such as Bio-Oil and StriVectin to no avail. I highly recommend using Meiskin’s Stretchmarks in conjunction with the Frank Coffee Scrub (smells amazing and leaves your skin silky smooth, review here!), and regular glutes exercises for best results. Priced pretty reasonably at AUD69, I’m definitely buying another bottle once I’m done with mine.
Stretchmarks shouldn’t stop you from living your life, wearing shorts, a sleeveless top or a bikini. Nobody is going to judge you, because even models, the epitome of ideal, have them.
After Physique
Since taking the plunge and signing up for a gym membership last year, I’ve been re-introduced to the love-hate relationship I have with muscle aches. While they make you feel like the intense workout from last night was well worth it–there’s the pain of getting out of bed in the morning–literally. I’ve used traditional muscle ache relief remedies such as Wintergreen Oil or heated creams, but they always leave me smelling like a walking pillar of menthol. Additionally, some people might not like the burning sensation they get after applying Deep Heat rubs.
Which is why Meiskin’s After Physique is absolutely perfect for the purpose of relieving those aches, while moisturizing your skin, leaving you smelling like you’ve taken a bath in jellybeans. With a light-as-air almost whipped cream texture, it spreads so easily and is absorbed by my skin within seconds. Perfect for slathering it on in the locker room after your shower. While I’d say it’s not as effective as completely soothing the muscle aches as Wintergreen Oil, it definitely helped loosen up my muscles so I could get back to the gym quicker. This post workout cream costs AUD20 for a 125ml size (the one I’ve got), and AUD31 for a larger 250ml bottle.I hope this review has also served its educational purpose, and given you a reason to turn to natural products. There’s reason to be mindful, but no reason to have an all-consuming concern about Parabens. If it helps you rest easy, use a paraben-free body lotion (which coats a large area of skin), such as Meiskin’s formulas and you’ll be doing your body, and your skin a great favor. I can’t wait to finish using all of my other body lotions, so I can purchase more of Meiskin’s wonderful products!
Disclosure: Compensation was not provided by Meiskin. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Meiskin.
