Discover the ultimate self-care escape at the Saxon Spa with their new Subtle Energies range. In this blog post, I share my rejuvenating experience with the Advanced Holistic Biotech Facial, a luxurious treatment using all-natural, healing products for radiant, youthful skin. Explore the exclusive range of facials and body treatments inspired by Ayurvedic principles, designed to nourish both body and soul. Perfect for anyone looking to indulge in holistic wellness and cutting-edge skincare.
Category: Healthcare
Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon Review – Tips For A Better Nights Sleep
I used to pride myself on getting a full nights sleep. 10 pm on the dot was my bed time and not a minute over. That was “BC” before children, and way before working hours saw me doing admin way past the midnight hours. Safe to say over the past 4 years, between 2 kids, broken sleep and vampire working hours, my skin was taken a beating.
I think Dermalogica noticed, because I was invited to the launch of the incredible “Sound Sleep Cocoon” and I’m pretty sure the sleep therapist was talking directly to me. How on earth could they tell? Turns out I’m not the only one.
When it comes to skin care, sleep is a crucial component for the skin’s recovery. Just missing a few nights of good sleep results in a decline in health and leads to dull skin prone to dehydration. A huge number of individuals around the world suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. Hence the development of Sound Sleep Cocoon.
This gel-cream transforms your skin through the midnight hours, optimizing skin-recovery. Formulated to work at night, Sound Sleep Cocoon works with your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Better quality sleep means your skin can effectively regenerate and restore itself from the harmful pollutants of the day.
Infused with motion-activated essential fragrances of French lavender, sandalwood and patchouli, this trio works together with tamarind seed extract, helping to send you into a deep, restful sleep while caressing your skin in a cocoon of soft and hydrating nourishment.
Can we just pause for a moment to look at the glorious list of ingredients?
-Persian Silk Tree Extract reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality.
-Whu-Zhu-Yu Extract provides visibly radiant skin by morning and promotes a more refined skin texture.
-Kakadu Plum Extract, rich in antioxidant Vitamin C, is clinically shown to improve and brighten skin tone.
-Tamarind Seed Extract cushions the skin, creating a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin.
-Encapsulated essential oil with motion-activated technology encapsulated, motion-activated French Lavender oil, along with calming Sandalwood and Patchouli, soothe the senses with aromatherapy to help promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin.
Even the packaging has been thought over with the finest detail. The top of the bottle shows the phases of the lunar cycle. It has a twist to unlock function, perfect for keeping in your overnight bag if travelling. Apply 1-2 pumps (I use 1 pump). Massage into your skin and then cup your hands over your nose and take 3 DEEP BREATHS….
Because Dermalogica always goes one step above and beyond they have also created an app that you can download. It plays sleep sounds, taking you into a place of relaxation and meditation, the which lasts 20 minutes to help you fall asleep. Between this and the addictive smell of the lavender you should be immediately transported to a place of serenity. You can have a listen here.
Sound Sleep Cocoon currently retails at R1295 for a 50ml, which I know is a pretty pricey product, but one bottle of this miracle worker should last you 3 months. Its absolutely worth it.
I leave you with Dermalogica’s 6 tips for a better nights sleep:
- Turn off electronics and dim the lights 30 minutes before bedtime
- Make your room as dark as possible and slightly cool
- Avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine before bed
- Breathe deeply – it helps calm and relax your body
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
- In the morning, seek out bright light to help regulate your body clock.
{GIVEAWAY} Tips to Encourage Healthy Hygiene In Our Kids – Win A Dettol Hamper
Winter has officially arrived and with it comes a sleuth of Viruses and Germs.
Having two boys in playschool it’s safe to say trips to the doctors’ office are a pretty common occurrence in our household. My husband is the OCD hygiene policeman in our house. He is constantly telling us to clean up, wash hands etc. I’m not sure if it’s his OCD kicking in or more a germ phobia but safe to say its due to him that we wash our hands all the time. He is absolutely correct though, educating our kids from a young age about hygiene is half the battle won.
Creating Healthy Habits
Recently, I’ve made one small change to our hygiene routines and I’ve seen a world of difference. Immediately after fetching the boys from school I give them a dollop of Dettol Instant Hand Sanitizer In the car and then immediately when we enter the house, the first thing they must do Is wash their hands. This year (touch wood), we are yet to suffer from any major tummy bugs or viruses.
Luckily at my son’s school, they have already taught them to combat the spread of germs, they need to sneeze or cough into their bent elbow. I made the mistake once of sneezing into my hands and my 4-year-old was very quick to correct me and tell me how it should be done.
Together with Dettol here are some ways to teach our children the importance of hygiene. You know that hygiene is important, but how can you make your child understand to prioritize it? Energetic kids have no time and patience for hand-washing, nose-blowing, and tooth-brushing! By making learning fun, it’s more likely to become a good habit.
Tips for promoting healthy hygiene in kids:
- Sing a song while washing hands. They say the correct amount of time to wash your hands is to sing happy birthday twice over (or 20 seconds for children that can count). Use a proper disinfecting hand wash, lather (Without leaving the tap on), getting in between all the fingers, and sing! It’s actually not as long as I initially thought and the kids love it, they keep asking whose birthday it is today.
- Play games and make it fun! To add to the hand washing, we played a simple paint game to highlight the spread of germs, and just how much washing you have to do to get them off! Paint your hands and pretend to sneeze into your hands. From there go about your regular day. I placed disposable items around to ensure easy clean up. We pretended to “have lunch”, drink some juice, played ball etc. Then step back and look at all the paint everywhere! Aadam has a little melt down when he saw just how many “germs” had spread. He started to cry and said he wanted to wash them all off! Straight to the basin we went where he immediately washed his hands, and then earned a star on his rewards chart.
- Feather activity – We all know the struggle in trying to teach kids how to blow their noses. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get your 3-year-old to “push air out” through their nostrils, Yusuf ends up sniffing his back in! Try the Feather activity – Get two feathers. Cover your mouth with your hand, and then blow the feather across the table using only your nose. Show your child how to do it, and then have a race! Whoever can get their feather to the other side of the table first, wins. Once your child is used to blowing air out her nose, introduce tissues. Don’t forget to wash your hands after!
- Reward good hygiene – Dettol have made it easy to make learning fun by creating a hygiene hero toolkit for kids. You can download yours from here, and it includes a hygiene chart, a fun game, activity book and a rewards chart. Making learning fun is the best way to remember the importance of hygiene. Download yours and you’ll suddenly see an increased awareness of hygiene in your kids. Of course, they are waiting for a prize once all the stars have been filled in.
- Make it Special – Keep it engaging for your children. For example; I know when I buy liquid soaps for Aadam’s favourite colour is purple, and Yusuf’s green. I buy soaps in their favourite colour and I quickly see how they run to make sure they get their favourite colour. Another great way to make it special is to buy matching wash cloths or a special stool.
I think it’s important to remember we don’t want to create any OCD disorders in our kids, we also don’t want them to be “afraid” to do things as they will get dirty. Nothing we do could ever avoid all the germs our kids are exposed to. I’m a firm believer in a child SHOULD be exposed to dirt and a few germs to build up strong effective immune systems. My boys love playing in mud and getting dirty, they love animals and pretending to clean the kitchen. A sign of a good day for me is when they come home super dirty! Thanks to Dettol we are equipped to make clean up a breeze. The boys take their handy hand sanitizers to school. Accessorised with a handy silicon strap this waterless hand sanitizer goes everywhere with us. From the car, to the bike park and even attached to the boy’s school bag, it’s always available when they need it. The convenient wet wipes are also in mummy’s bag of tricks, ready to be pulled out when we need it. Dettol has also recently launched another convenient way to protect your family. The Dettol “Soft on Skin” Disinfectant Liquid with Aloe Vera. Launched at the end of March this contains Aloe Vera which is so soft on skin, its perfect for bath time! A pop a little into their bath at night, or especially after an active day to ensure that we are protected. Ease of mind helps me sleep peacefully at night!
Just by practicing simple hygiene habits and encouraging them in our children we can help raise strong, confident, healthy children. Thankfully Dettol makes this so much easier for us by providing us with products that have the incredible disinfectant properties that Dettol is known for.
GIVEAWAY:
I’ll be giving away one incredible Dettol Hamper to a lucky “In these Stilettos” reader. Taking care of all your hygiene needs this winter.
To enter all you need to do is tell me how “you are a Dettol mom”, how do you encourage healthy hygiene in your children?
Comment below and If you want an extra entry comment on the “In These Stilettos” Dettol Giveaway posts across Facebook and Instagram. Make sure you have Subscribed to the blog!
My Top Winter Skin Essentials For The Family
I think over the last week we can officially say we have welcomed the winter season. In case the weather outside didn’t give you a clue, your skin certainly would have! Cold, drier weather brings out its own set of challenges and suddenly we have to up our game in the hydration department. I’ve put together a few of the winter essentials that we have recently been using as a family.
Body Care
I’ve mentioned it numerous times before but all the men in my family suffer from eczema. Add in the Highveld winters as a factor and it doubles the problem. I have really found the product that works best on their body is Aveeno. As a family we use the entire range. Hubster uses the Dermexa range which helps to relieve the effects of psoriasis, I use the daily moisturizing lotion and the boys the baby range of course. Up until trying the Aveeno Baby range I had not found an effective moisturizer for them, I found that lotions sat on the top of their skin and after a day their body still felt dry, this has been a game changer. I only ever buy this now.
Face Care
I’ve been trying out Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Range just to give my skin that extra moisture surge.
I love the fact that it has hyaluronic acid in it. This delivers a hydration reservoir to your skin, acting as a sponge for dry skin, hydrating it continuously throughout the day. No tight or dehydrated feeling at all.
City Shield Hydrating Lotion SPF 25 (RSP R139.95) – It’s a myth that in winter we don’t have to think about SPF, The sun is actually even closer to the earth in the winter months, despite what your heating bill says. Even though it packs a hydration punch, it doesn’t have that “heavy”, sticky feeling at all. I went for a facial recently and the therapist commented that the small bumps on my face could be directly related to pollutants.I love the fact that this lotion helps defend the skin against pollution. Its packed with antioxidants which protect the skin from pollution damage.
Smoothing Exfoliator Gel (RSP R99.95): We still need to exfoliate our skin in winter. To stop the skin from becoming itchy, we need to exfoliate regularly. It’ll trigger a natural repair process to help build collagen. I have quite a sensitive skin and I’ve been using this once a week with no problems. It also contains that hyaluronic acid, proven to increase skin’s hydration level and lock it in.
Eye-Awakening Eye-Cream (RSP R139.95): I have to admit I have never really been a fan of eye cream. I have always found them a bit pointless and just figure its an “extra step” to add onto my daily beauty routine. Ive never really seen a “difference”. This one made me swallow my words. The absorption is fantastic is literally gets sucked in by your skin and doesn’t leave the greasy residue at all. I haven’t really noticed a difference with “dark circles” but i actually don’t think any eye cream would combat them.
For my boys I have use Eucerin’s Aquaphor (RSP:R99). It’s quite a thick skin balm but nothing works better on their dry, chapped cheeks. I have noticed a gap in the market when it comes to children’s facial products, and typically would just use a little coconut oil. The harsh winter air plays havoc with their baby soft cheeks and a little dab of this at bedtime has them all kissable again in the morning.
Hands On
Hands can really take a knock in winter. Skin around your nails in particular takes a beating from stripping soap. I loving Clinique’s Deep Comfort Hand and Nail Cream. I hate “oily” hand creams, the kind that leave a residue so slick that you can’t even open a door. This hand cream absorbs and leaves a decadent, deeply moisturized feeling on your hands. Healthy hands mean healthy nails.
Treat your Feet
Milk Solutions Milk & Honey Hydrating Heel Balm (RSP R158)
Every single person I know suffers from dry heels in winter. I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Beauty Warriors in Johannesburg last month. In our goodie bags was a tub of this life saver. This is deeply nourishing and honestly penetrates the skin. Just one application of this overnight will see a difference in your tootsies. It’s not a cream, it’s a thick, wax like balm to lock moisture in, while the milk and honey promise to heal and hydrate the skin. Maybe now by the time summer comes I wont be ashamed to wear open shoes.
Lip Talk
I’m not a regular user of lip balms, these days most of the lippies and glosses have a moisturizing aspect. In winter at night, I have to use a protectant. My go to’s are normally Labello or good old Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Labello does has a slightly better taste on your lips.
There you have it. That’s what we use daily in the winter months as a family. Another life saver that should get a mention is Bio-Oil. Generally I dab a bit on after the shower. What products do you consider to be your winter essentials?
Natural Cold and Flu Remedy With Letibalm – the balm for nose and lips
I think its safe to say that Winter is on our doorstep. In terms of fashion, I am definitely a winter baby. I adore the boots, scarfs and coats and feel much more comfortable dressing up in Winter’s cozy layers then wearing flip flops and shorts. One thing I can’t deal with however is the havoc it causes on my skin. Over the last week I have noticed the change in the boys skin, their cheeks are dry, red and starting to get a bit chapped and they have also had a rough time with runny noses becoming dry and sensitive from all the blowing and wiping. Its time to pull out the humidifier and stock up on tissues.
Thankfully Letibalm can help keep your lips, nose and the skin between your nose and lips soft and protected. It’s the only balm on shelves that has been specially designed to care for lips, nose and the skin in between, so you don’t have to reach for multiple products to do the job of soothing and softening, and they have one specifically for children as well! For moms, It also acts as a fabulous primer for lipstick, with all the matte trend lipsticks around it serves as the perfect lubricant to help glide the lipstick over with ease. We all know the matte look is not so great with peeling lips!
Letibalm gently moisturizes dry skin, helps to repair painful cracks and calms irritation. It also creates a protective layer on the skin to prevent further chapping. Thanks to natural decongestants menthol and camphor, Letibalm also helps to ease breathing. (I can hear every mum breathing a collective sigh of relief here).
The kind folks from Letibalm sent me the most incredible Honey/Lemon Winter Remedy to help fight of colds and flu naturally. I’ve been using this combination for years but was quite shocked at how long it can be stored.
You’ll need:
1 cup of honey
2 lemons sliced
A chunk of freshly sliced ginger
Layer the lemon slices, ginger and honey in a sealable container/jar. A layer of lemon slices, a chunk of ginger and a big spoon of honey, repeating until you get to the top. Seal and place in the fridge for at least 12 hours for the flavours to infuse together. Stir before use as natural separation may occur and then add a big heaped teaspoon to your hot tea/water. If sealed this can last up to 2 months in the fridge. Keeping hydrated is half the battle won in winter and using this natural combination helps relieve any uncomfortable cold and flu symptoms.
Letibalm is available at a recommended retail price of R69.90 from Dis-Chem, selected Checkers stores and independent pharmacies. It comes in 3 variants:
- Letibalm fluid (10ml tube) – RRP R69.90
- Letibalm (10ml jar) – RRP R69.90
- Letibalm Paediatric (10ml jar) – for children 0 to 8 years – RRP R69.90
Here are some top tips to caring for your nose and lips this winter:
- Keep the skin well-moisturised.
- Use super soft soft tissues or toilet paper with aloe vera or calendula.
- Gently pat or blot the nose rather than wipe.
- Apply Letibalm nose and lip repair balm to protect, moisturize and help heal the skin.
- Wash with lukewarm water, avoiding harsh soaps or exfoliators.
- Use a saline spray to keep nasal passages moist.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air (this really makes a huge difference with this kids skin).
- Drink plenty of water, or herbal teas.
For product information visit http://www.ivohealth.co.za/
Do you have any other natural remedies that you turn to in Winter? What are your go to items to stock up on at the start of the season?
Review: Eucerin’s DermoPURIFYER Range – has it really made a difference?
The DermoPurifyer range has had a bit of a makeover and three new products have joined the range – Micellar Water, The Skin Renewal Treatment and the Mattifying fluid. All the formulas are enriched with exfoliating acids, in sleek modern packaging.
I never expected this result. I will be completely and utterly honest, I have never noticed such a dramatic difference from using a single product before. I received the Eucerin DermoPurifyer range a little over a week ago, and was fully prepared to write a review after about a month, but here I am 9 days later, that is how great a difference I have seen. This past year I have battled with my skin, whether its age, city living or lack of sleep my face has taken a beating and I started getting small little pimples all around my jaw line. I don’t have “oily” skin as per say, just your typical T-Zone, so I have battled with “normal” acne skincare products as I find they dry out my skin too much, causing it to be tight and uncomfortable.
I certainly have my hero products in the range, and there are a few that I’m not one hundred percent in love with, keep on reading to find out my thoughts.
EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER MICELLAR WATER
I have only recently started using Micellar water in my skincare routine, in fact I never really knew when to use it. My routine this time around has been at night to use Micellar water before I cleanse to remove all excess make up and oil, and then I go in with the toner after I cleanse. This one is quite gentle in comparison to others I have used. It’s also loaded with humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that attract water into your skin, keeping it well hydrated. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft, but I did find it didn’t remove make up as effectively as others (Tracers of mascara still remained).
EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL CLEANSING GEL
I’m obsessed with the pump action of this product. It makes it so incredibly easy to use and the bottle just looks so refined. Its lightweight, not too think and not too foamy. It uses gentle surfactants that strip away only excess oil, not all the oil. Despite the fact its out there fighting wars with the acne causing pollutants on your skin, its gentle enough that I don’t feel my skin has been stripped of its protective barrier.
EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL SCRUB
Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Scrub has a small amount of lactic acid in it, the beads and pore-refining micro-particles gently exfoliate the skin, unclogging the pores and refining skin texture at the same time.
I have used this twice I think, typically exfoliating once a week. It definitely left my skin smoother and brighter, with the little pulp particles lifting all dead skin. After exfoliating I used my L’Oreal Pure Skin Clay face mask. It would be nice if Eucerin had a mask in this range as well.
EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL TONER
This is possibly my least favorite in the range. I prefer more natural toners and steer away with anything from alcohol it in. I find it dries out my skin and leaves it tight and normally use a toner that is as close to good old rose water as possible. I found this toner to have too much alcohol in it, and could smell it before i even applied it to my skin. That being said, this didnt strip or dry out my skin as much as other alcohol based toners do. My go to before trying to range was the Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Clarifying Toner which i may go back to .
EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL SKIN RENEWAL TREATMENT
This is my hero product. Literally. I know its probably a combination of everything, but I’m giving a large portion of the credit to this bad boy here. The DermoPurifyer Oil Control Skin Renewal Treatment is one of the newest additions to the range.
It has a blend of 10% Hydroxy Complex which is made up of highly effective peeling agents − Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Polyhydroxy Acid , they treat breakouts and prevents them from coming back. This triple action combination removes and exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of your skin so your pores won’t get clogged up again. It boots collagen production to firm up your skin, while the Salicylic Acid gets deep inside the pores and unclogs them from within. I literally noticed a difference with all those pesky white heads around my browline within one week.
It’s a lightweight texture and sinks in quickly into the skin. I’ve been using it at night, straight after cleansing and toning. It doesn’t feel too strong on my skin at all. After application I do get a slightly tingly feeling on the areas where I had breakouts, but this lasts about 20 seconds and is gone. My skin is quite sensitive, It hasn’t been red, or dry once!
All these products have lightweight textures that absorb quickly into the skin. None of them have dried out my skin. My pores are visibly smaller, my skin smoother and the affected areas of my face have reduced and are less inflamed. I haven’t tried any of the moisturizers in the range, I’ve been using the Eucerin Sun Fluid Anti-Age SPF 50 together with my normal retinol day cream.
I would absolutely recommend taking the time to use this range if you have been battling any sort. I feel so much better about my skin and cant wait to see how it continues to improve!
Before
After , see all the little bumps around my eyes and jaw line have almost all dissapered.
The truth behind pregnancy
Ok potential and expectant mama’s to be, I am about to lay down some harsh truths regarding pregnancy. About the things people have told you and the things people will NEVER told you. Whilst “some” parts of your pregnancy are beautiful and you feel great, and MILF- ish. There is a whole lot more that I feel people don’t mention. Continue reading “The truth behind pregnancy”
Congrats you’re pregnant! Have you booked your dentist appointment?
So hey, congratulations! You’re pregnant? YAY, Ok, so here’s something they NEVER warn you about… your teeth !
In between all the hospital tours, doctors check-ups, name searching and nursery set up, a trip to the dentist is certainly not high up on the list. But, did you know, that pregnancy can lead to dental problems? Most pregnant women are affected by some sort of dental problems including gum disease, sensitivity and tooth decay. Continue reading “Congrats you’re pregnant! Have you booked your dentist appointment?”