diggin' out my chemistry notes ...

i like to think i'm pretty hip to the functions of chemistry in the hair, skin and makeup products we recommend here at diva in a carry on. specifically WHY products work the way they claim to work (and in some cases, why they don't) has always been a fascination of mine. there's a reason i hold a bachelor of science in english instead of a bachelor of arts: science is much more interesting to me than learning how to conjugate french verbs. and writing about the science of beauty? even more fun.

i am, perhaps, far too easily entertained ... so i'm a product geek. sue me.

where's this leading? funny you should ask. i was contacted by the PR representative for skin MD natural lotion a few weeks ago about their skin shielding lotion, and would i like to sample it. through a "yes ... thank you very much!" and the expediency of the US postal service, i had my sample in-hand in a few days.

so then i started really digging into what made this lotion any different than any other lotion, and what were "shielding" properties, why were they so important. i'll save you the nerdy, techie chemistry-class of it all, but here's how it basically breaks down.

skin MD natural lotion is a humectant (meaning it helps draw moisture out of the air and into/onto the skin) that bonds with the top layers of skin to form a long-lasting "seal" which keeps moisture in, draws more moisture to it, and keeps a wide variety of irritants out of the skin. it dries quickly so it doesn't feel greasy like regular lotions can.

basically, using this shielding lotion regularly, you are "teaching" your skin to heal itself, allowing normally dry or chapped areas to replenish moisture without losing it through the upper layers of skin. this can be an amazingly effective dry skin therapy in arid climates ... or for those of us who travel frequently and suffer moisture-deprived skin during air travel. with natural ingredients like chamomile, yarrow, and aloe, skin MD natural lotion also boasts the added benefits of being soothing and calming to the skin while helping it heal. having no discernible odor, it won't clash with your perfume. perfect for elbows, knees and feet but wearable just about anywhere dry skin is a problem.

with the smallest bottle weighing in at 4 oz. ($25), skin MD natural lotion will have to be transferred to a smaller bottle if you'd like to carry it on the plane with you. considering the benefits of this remarkable product, however, it is well worth the tiny bit of extra effort getting it into a packable size.


[photo via skin MD natural]