A few months ago I had the opportunity to check out a new spa treatment center in my town. I don't usually go to spas. My inability to sit still, combined with a general unease whenever anyone is "serving" me, tends to make me break out in hives. Which of course defeats the whole purpose of going to the spa. But my daughter and I were waiting for the oil to be changed in our car, and had some time to kill.
We wandered inside and were greeted by four hungry aestheticians. The owner of the spa a slight blond with tattooed makeup, insisted on giving us a tour of the facility. Heels clicking across shining tile floors, she presented each treatment room, explaining increasingly esoteric procedures that sounded painful, and just a tad costly. She showed us the weight loss wrap room. (A sterile looking space containing only a table draped with metal foil sheets that looked like the photos of alien space craft wreckage from the Roswell crash site!)
"I did the wrap last week, and lost 6 pounds. You might want to try it," she said.
We exchanged silent looks of perfect understanding.
Mine expression said, "Did she just call me fat?".
My daughter's look said, "OMG, she totally did! Let's bail!"
I thanked the owner for her time, took the card and brochure she offered and made my way to the door. Just before we escaped she blocked the exit, impeding our escape.
"I just have to ask! You have the most beautiful skin! What do you use?" she gushed.
So I told her. "I use products exclusively from a company called Desert Essence."
She looked puzzled. "I've never heard of that brand. But I bet your skin looks so good because they use a lot of stuff that we do, like …"
Here she rattled off a bunch of big words I've never heard, and if I saw in print I wouldn't have the smallest chance of being able to pronounce.
"Nope," I told her. "I have very sensitive skin, I can't use any of that stuff. Desert Essence is a simple line. Very few ingredients. Just basic quality stuff. Personally I don't think we need all the fancy chemicals. Just some mild cleansers, natural oils and a little tea tree does me just fine. Anyway thanks for the tour!" Daughter and I then bolted out the door, our heels smoking.
I know this little anecdote sounds a lot like the late night intro to an hour long infomercial. If so, I'm sorry – but before you hit the mute button, please know that this is a first for me. See, when it comes to consumer products I am mercilessly judgmental. It's very rarethat I find anything worthy of my money, let alone my praise. Its even rarer that I think such praise is deserving of sharing, let alone blogging about. This line is worthy. Because if there exists a Holy Grail of beauty product lines for women with sensitive skin, Desert Essence is that line. Sulfate free, wheat free, 100% Vegan, and comprised of basic natural ingredients and a devotion to tea tree oil – this line has completely revitalized my delicate hair, scalp and skin.
When I say I have sensitive skin, I cannot overstate it. Literally being in the sun for more then a few minutes unprotected will cause me to break out in a rash. I'm allergic to the smallest doses of Benzoyl Peroxide, and to top it off I cannot use any beauty products with any wheat in them whatsoever. When it comes to shampoos – my dry scalp demands I that I not use Laurel or Laureth Sulfates (these are probably exacerbating if not causing your dandruff by the way) – yet my fine curly hair needs non oily moisture. That's a long list of requirements! Desert Essence has met them all.
If you have gluten or wheat allergies, as I do, I urge you to try this line. In the past I've been prone to random outbreaks of cystic acne. A few times a year I'd literally get a dime sized sub-dermal, painful cyst, on my otherwise blemish free face. It wasn't until last year that I finally found the cause. It had never occurred to me that using skin care products with wheat in them was the culprit. A random posting on a gluten free message board clued me into the possibility. Since using Desert Essence's wheat free products, my skin has been wonderful!
Here's a list of my most recommended Desert Essence products.
- Blemish Stick – With just the perfect amount of tea tree oil, I keep several of these liquid roll on "sticks" at all times. One in my purse, another in my nightstand, and one in the junk drawer in my kitchen. If I feel a blemish coming on I simply apply this several times a day and it either scares off the pimple or greatly discourages its "hang around time".
- Tea Tree Oil Pads – These awesome pads appear to use the same formula (or close) as the blemish stick. But they come in a handy, slightly textured facial cleansing pad. A green alternative to drugstore brands that are full of skin irritation salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. I use these to discourage break outs during certain times of the month and to take off foundation makeup when I'm in a hurry.
- Thoroughly Clean Face Wash – Perfectly named this cleanser is utter perfection for my skin. It cleans my face completely without drying. I use this product daily - if not twice a day and I just adore it.
- Daily Essential Facial Moisturizer – As of this writing, this awesome moisturizer is temporarily out of stock. Which should give you a hint as to how popular it is. A call to the company confirmed that it is expected to be back in stock in the next few weeks. In the meantime check out the other moisturizers in the line.
- Ginger Apple Shampoo - Sulfate and wheat free, this shampoo relies on sugar and coconut oils for its fragrant lather and cleansing properties. In my experience this particular blend also has unexpected detangling benefits as well! The fragrance is amazing and the absence of harsh sulfates and wheat proteins has healed my dry sensitive scalp.
- Ginger Apple conditioner - The perfect compliment to the shampoo this rich blend is moisturizing without being heavy.
I'm embarrassed to say that until writing this post I had neglected to visit Desert Essence's website. I first come across the brand at my local organic market, which carries a limited selection. I was astonished to find out how truly vast their product range is, and I cannot wait to try out as many items as possible. If this company made cars, I would buy them. If they had a school I would send my kid there. If they started a religion I would convert. Really, this stuff is that good.
But hey, go find out for yourself. If you like something and write a review on their site (from now until 11/15) you'll be entered to win $250.00 in products. What a beautiful offer!
