Mums Know Best? (Pure Potions Skin Salvation)

Member Name: skidd

Product:	Pure Potions Skin Salvation
Date:	14/09/07 (264 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: effective in easing dry itchy skin conditions

Disadvantages: none

This product was developed and is still produced in my home time, Brighton. Therefore, I must first declare that I do not know anybody concerned with the product, personally and have no financial interest in it whatsoever. I genuinely wanted to bring it to the attention of a wider audience because it has been of so much benefit to me in coping with my eczema experiences which are detailed in a separate review.

~~~History~~~

Purepotions Skin Salvation has a homely history in that it was developed by a Mum, Natalie Balmond, to help her daughter, Lulu. At the age of one Lulu developed chronic eczema so severe that she had to be bandaged from head to foot each night to protect her sore and bleeding skin. Despairing of conventional, mainly steroid treatments (which she knew could cause skinning of the skin and have other side effects), Natalie took advice from friends who had some experience of natural remedies. After many months of experimenting, she “brewed” up this concoction – a rich beeswax based salve using nourishing oils and traditional herbs - in her own kitchen. She discovered that, within a very short space of time of regularly applying this, Lulu’s skin improved dramatically.

At first she produced just two pots a week for her own use but, very quickly, interest grew and demand spread and, a few years ago, she started her own business, marketing it only locally at first. Since then the product has received favourable reviews in the national press and become much more widely available.

~~~The Ingredients~~~

These are listed as:-
Olea Europaena (Olive) Fruit Oil
Beeswax
Cartha Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Carthamus Sativa (Hemp) Sed Oil
Aqua (Water)
Alcohol ( from tinctures)
Calendula Recututa ( Matricaria) Flower Extract
Stellaria Media ( Chickweed) extract
Urtica ( Nettle ) Extract

Of these, the herbs have been selected as those traditionally used to reduce heat, ease itching, calm and heal. The beeswax seals moisture and nourishment into the skin whilst hemp oil is included because it contains essential fatty acids which eczema sufferers often lack.

~~~My First Experience~~~

I first saw reports of this in the local press (not as an advertising feature but a news story about a Lulu and her mother and the “miracle” salve). I later learned that this was being made available on a trial basis, locally, as it had attracted so much interest. Brighton is like a village in terms of how word spreads and, having mentioned my interest to a friend who knew a friend of a friend of a friend etc., I eventually received a small free sample pot through the network.

I was suffering from a nasty eczema attack on my chest at the time, which steroid creams had failed to clear. Using this sample, together with small applications of the steroid cream, my skin showed immediate signs of improvement becoming less “angry”, painful and itchy and cleared entirely in a week. I have stocked it in my medicine cupboard ever since and swear by it, but, in addition to using it for full blown eczema, I tend to apply it to any any odd patch of dry or flaky skin

~~~Attributes Appearance and Application~~~

The best attributes of this salve are that is safe for all ages, even babies, can be used as often as necessary anywhere on the body and has been of proven effectiveness for the relief of all dry, sore, itchy skin conditions including psoriasis. A long list of testimonials on the website http://www.purepotions.co.uk/ - 1X0 all ring very true in the light of my experience.

Coming, without frills, in a plain greyish-green jar, which can be recycled as glass, the actual ointment appears to be like a very dense version of the original Vaseline. It is unscented and, if any aroma can be detected at all, it is a slight waxy whiff which is not too unpleasant.

It can be applied liberally whenever needed but I find just sweeping my finger over the surface gives enough to cover one cheek (of my face!). It does go a long way!

It is not absorbed into the skin very quickly and, maybe for this reason, application overnight is advised. However I find it does not leave too much of a greasy glow. If I use it on my face, I can apply foundation over it with ease and no loss of covering power. It is also safe to be used with steroid and emollient creams if necessary.

~~~Safety and Warnings~~~

We often hear warnings about buying products claiming to be miracle cures etc. especially from unknown sources on the intranet. However, I firmly believe this is a safe and effective product. I can verify that it was produced by a mum for her child and mums do not willingly put their children at risk. It does not claim to be a cure but a salve which will “alleviate the symptoms of eczema and other sore skin conditions”.

The website also stresses the importance of finding the underlying cause of any skin condition and has added a forum where users can “share experiences and discoveries about any aspect of the condition with others, whether concerning dietary changes, detergents, allergies or suitable clothing”.

The accompanying literature contains a further warning that “this product can stain sheets and clothing when used over time”. However I have never experienced this problem.

~~~Availability & Price~~~

The first outlet where I found this product on sale was the Dolphin House Shop, a small outlet attached to the Dolphin Children’s Clinic in New Road, Brighton. This clinic offers a range of alternative therapies for children. The shop sells a range of natural products and is well worth a visit.

I still buy my supply there but now it is far more widely available from a variety of online, health-based web sites but it is cheaper if you buy direct from the manufacturer online. I tried an online purchase direct recently, for the purposes of this review, (http://www.purepotions.co.uk/ - 1X0 ) and it was delivered in two days.

It now comes in three sizes and the prices direct from Purepotions are:-
30ml £5.75
60ml £10.00
120ml £15.00 ( or discounted to £13.00 each if you buy three or more)

~~~Conclusion~~~

I can only speak from my own experience and that of others to whom I have recommended the product. Without one exception, we all found it to be beneficial in easing the symptoms of our varying skin conditions. It is a wholly natural product without any preservatives, perfumes or chemical additives and is inexpensive when compared to many other products. I hope it will be of benefit to others.

Other products by Purepotions (untried by the reviewer as yet!)
Skin Salvation Bath Oil
Lavendar Nappy Salve
Camomolie Baby Oil

Summary: This has to be worth a try to eczema sufferers!