Kigelia Africana the Miracle Fruit

One of the newer brands that we have gotten in the pharmacy is Kimovi, it's a danish brand with few but effective products in their line. And when I say new we have had it for about a year, but since we don't get new brands often, it stills feels pretty new.

The brand doesn't really live up to my "clean" standards, but the gel contains a very few ingredients compared to other products that are not natural and/or organic. And since starting the accutane treatment my skin has been breaking out in rashes and eczema weekly( even now that I'm done my skin is super sensitive). The Kimovi gel soothes the itchiness immediately and calms the skin thanks to the kigelia africana plant extract, which has anti inflammatory and antibacterial effects (that also gives it a not so nice brown color, as you can see in the above picture), it also lays a very thin protecting film over the skin. That's why it's soothes eczema and the anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties combined with the salt in some of Kimovi's products actually make it super good for people (like me) who has got acne. The salt doesn't only fight acne but psoriasis too, they have studies with remarkable results after just a couple of weeks.

You can go to their website and read more about their products here.
There is a whole page where people that has bought the products share their experiences.

It's the only thing I have found besides hormone creams my doctor prescribes that can calm my skin. I would have liked to use the more moisturizing cream from their line. But I like the gel for it's few ingredients. So for now I add on my Pai comfrey & calendula calming body cream for extra moisture and calming effect.

Accutane Part 2

Hi guys! I promised you an update on how its going with Accutane, you can see the post about me starting on Accutane here. And it's going surprisingly well.

Make-up free (and a little dry) face :)

Results & experienced side effects
After 3 months I can really see results in my skin, it's smooth, I haven't had a pimple in 8 weeks now and basically the only thing that indicates that I had acne is a little scarring. I actually had problems with acne on my scalp and on my earlobes and those are totally gone too. But, now I can officially say that I'm experiencing side effects, dry eyes, dry nose, dry skin, dry lips and  muscle pain which started 2 weeks ago. But still to be honest It's not that bad, I don't really notice the dryness in my eyes besides when I wake up, I have to blink a couple of times to see clearly and the dryness in my nose has only been a problem when I'm sick which I've been a lot because of all mucous membranes gets dry and they are a big part of your immune system, especially in your nose and throat.

Severe dry skin!
Dry skin is kind of a problem because I'm having more eczema breakouts than I've ever had, especially on my face and hands. And it's hard to keep down even with hormone creams. I try to moisturize the worst places as many times a day as possible, and the rest of my body at least once a day. Which seems to work somewhat. My lips have also been a little hard to keep moisturized, and the weather is also working against me (but eos saves me again and again, read more about that here!) The last time I was at the dermatologist she said I could stop mid March, and I so look forward to that!
And I'm just hoping for lasting effects.

My next update will probably be after I have stopped the treatment, so you guys can see how my skin looks, and if the results last (cross your fingers guys).

EOS lipbalm | Review

Hi guys, I'm sorry for the lack of posts in here, but the combination of wedding planning and a full time job + weekends saved for Mr. M and family and getting sick all the time! = Finding no time to blog, and it makes me sad :( But I'm trying to squeeze in time anytime possible!

My very used 2. eos lipbalm! :)

Did you guys notice how everybody loves the eos lip balms, they smell fantastic, they taste great, they are all natural...
Well I have actually never liked the eos lip balms, I never liked any of the scents or the fact that they taste sweet. Why do your lip balm need to taste like anything? You are not gonna eat it, are you? I don't eat my lip balms, want it to stay on my lips to moisturize.
But after starting my Accutane treatment (you can find the post here) and getting crazy dry lips (anyone who's been on Accutane knows what I'm talking about), I have gone through several different lip balms, different brands and different types. In my desperation to find something that could alleviate the dryness and help with healing all the cracks I did not think eos would be the one I would end up with relying on. Not one of the other lip balms I had tried had been as moisturizing, long lasting and generally good for my lips as the eos. It surprised me that the one lip balm I truly didn't like was the one that would save my lips! So now I'm on the eos lip balm craze too, carrying it around with me everywhere, even if I'm a little reluctant to be.

Not one single crack! :D

I have to recommend it to you guys since it has saved my lips, and it is truly a good moisturizing lip balm, it is 95% organic and 100% natural. Glides on so easily and the packaging makes it easy to handle (plus you don't have to stick your fingers in it!). What more can you ask for?
And if you are wondering which one I am using currently it is the light green one with Honeysuckle Honeydew.

By the way another good product for dry chapped lips is Lansinoh, which contains 100% pure lanolin, that is a natural wax that sheep and other wool-bearing animals. It's usually marketed as a product for breastfeeding mommies with cracked/sore nipples but it does wonders on dry lips, I always have one on hand in case I have a lip-mergency. And you can usually find this in your local drugstore ;)

Wish you all a lovely Sunday!

Accutane - My new "friend"

As you guys know, I'm all for the natural way, I don't like using medicine when nature can take care of it, itself. I truly believe that you can cure so many things by changing you lifestyle, by taking care of yourself and making wise choices. But, I've been struggling with acne for the past 5 years, and I just can't seem to figure out what's causing it/triggering it or making it go away, even though it did get better when I stopped drinking milk, you can read about that here. It just didn't go away completely, I decided to go to a dermatologist. I had tired antibiotics and cremes before, but they would not make the acne go away permanently, so she suggested that I try accutane. I have to say I was against it in the beginning, because whatever is teratogenic (disturbs growth/development of embryo/fetus) can not be healthy for your body in any way. I did decide to go with her suggestion because having cystic acne is really painful, both physically but also psychological. No matter how many times I tell myself that I don't care how I look, it still bothers me, and since I will get married this summer, I would like to have beautiful pictures, without uneven and scarred skin.

Before Accutane

Accutane
In Denmark Accutane can only be prescribed by a dermatologist, before starting the treatment though you have to get blood samples taken, to see if you are pregnant (if you are female of course!) and to see how your liver is working and fat levels in the blood. They do that every month to make sure there are no unwanted/dangerous side effects, and they make sure you are not pregnant because Accutane is teratogenic, which means it will harm the embryo/fetus. They say it takes 4-6 week before you see improvements, and the acne can even get worse in the beginning! Of course you experience the side effects almost imediatly, the most prominent side effect is dryness (which is actually how the drug works), dry skin, dry scalp, nose bleeds because of dryness in the nose and dry eyes. (anyone questioning why i was reluctant to start this treatment in the first place? Hmm?) Besides that treatments need to last for at least 4-6 months to see lasting results and some even have to repeat treatments to make their acne go away(Crossing my fingers that, that someone isn't me!).

4 weeks of Accutane

Completely bare face

Results &  experienced side effects
I have been on Accutane for 4 weeks now and I'm starting to see improvement. But I also have side effects, my skin is more dry, its nothing that a little cream can't handle though. But the eczema on my scalp has gone crazy, I have to use medication to keep it down, which I normally don't have to. Other than that I have had crazy dry lips, I cannot live without a lip balm (you can see what lip balm I use here), like if I leave the house without one I have to go back and get it (lip balm addiction LOL). Other than that I haven't had any side effects. Let see what next weeks blood samples will say and if my dermatologist will let me continue the treatment.


I will definitely keep you guys updated, you will not be spared one single little detail, especially because I want this to be a help for others to make decisions related to treating acne.

What are your experiences with Accutane?

Konjac Sponge Addiction | Review

I have discovered a new and very gentle way to clean my skin, it's called The Konjac Sponge. Before I was using the muslin cloths that comes with the Pai Gentle Cleanser, but since I've found this I rarely use the muslin cloth. The Konjac Sponge is a small half sphere and is made from a potato plant (Go figure, I use potato to clean my skin!) Not from a regular potato, but still in the potato family. When you buy it, it's in an airtight bag that keeps it moist and squishy, but after you open and use it, it will dry up between uses. I use it with the Pai gentle cleanser or just with water and run it over my skin in circular motion, and it's so soft and gentle that it won't harm even the most sensitive skin while still exfoliating ever so gently. I use it on the eye area too just give a soft exfoliation.

All dried up and hard, it feels like paper mache :)

I really love that it's 100% natural, it makes me feel like I'm doing something good for my skin! And the sponge I have is made for acne prone skin, so there's added charcoal which is a natural antioxidant that helps the skin get rid of impurities - which my skin most definitely needs! On days where i feel like i need a little extra exfoliation i still use the muslin cloth from Pai, but the Konjac Sponge is definitely my go to cleansing tool at the moment!

If you want more information about The Konjac Sponge you can go to their website here.

Pai Skincare | Review

Hi guys!
Remember my obsession with Pai Skincare? Well.... I bought some of them and here's my favorites :)

1. Camellia & Rose Hydrating Cleansers
This comes with a muslin cloth if you buy 100 or 200 ml and its the most gentle and refreshing cleanser i have ever used on my skin, it leaves the skin exfoliated, fresh and clean. And the good feeling clean without being dried out, i feel like most other cleansers leave the skin "too clean", which in the end makes the skin dry and flaky. But this one deep cleans without drying out thanks to all the lovely oils.
It's extremely good as make-up remover too, especially eye-make-up, it just melts away!

2. Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
This oil is a lifesaver for my acne scars and dry spots, it's so light but gives the skin so much, I fell a difference every time I use it. On hot summer days where creams are too heavy and make the skin feel like it's choking, I opt for this and a gentle toner and that's all i need. It adsorbs quickly into the skin and leaves it moisturized.

3. Bergamot Lip Balm
This 100 % organic lip balm is sooo good, it's smells heavenly and then it really lasts long, haven't even made a dent in it yet, using this once a day is enough to keep my lips hydrated, it melts into the lips, soothing. Very versatile too, I use it on dry spots on my hands sometimes when I've forgotten my hand cream (happens a lot!).

What I really love is how they are a 100% transparent about what's in their products, how much of it is organic and what's not. They don't try to hide nasty stuff behind pretty names, everything is in plain English for everybody to understand.

Buying these gorgeous products has been a really good investment. Of course they all live up to my hippie standards, all natural, certified organic and perfect for sensitive skin! I feel a difference in my skin and also in my mind, since I can use these products with a good conscience knowing they are clean and healthy. What more can you ask for?

I will definitely repurchase these products and can recommend all of them (also for acne-prone skin) :)

Loves | Sard Kopenhagen

As you all know by now, I'm kind of a health freak, I like my food, skincare, clothes, home etc. to be as clean as possible. The fewer additives in skincare the better, so when I came across Sard Kopenhagens products you can imagine my enthusiasm!

I first got introduced to Sard by a friend, she told me about these clean oils that had a wide range of uses. And from then on I've been collecting quite a few products from their line oil and other products.

Right now I have:

Sweet Almond oil

Apricot Kernel oil

Argan oil (with/without fragrance)

Lip Balm

Facial Mist

Argan oil - With fragrance

I use this as a body lotion after the shower, because I have very dry skin and argan oil is very moisturizing and helps cell renewal. It actually absorbs really fast even tho it's an oil, so you don't feel sticky and greasy. And the smell is amazing, it's fresh and light!

Argan oil

I use this in my face routine, sometimes by itself and other times as a serum under my daily moisturizer. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, it's got anti-aging properties and works as an antioxidant I'm in love with this, you can use it for everything, remove eye-make-up, daily moisturizer, serum and body lotion, this is my all time favorite.

Facial Mist

Facial mist is a really versatile product with a nice rose scent. It's both a toner and make-up remover, you can also use it to touch up your make-up through out the day. Even in the airplane with the dry air, you can use it to give moisture back to your skin.

Combined with any of their oils, it's an excellent eye-make-up remover and that's what i use it for mostly.

Even tho this product isn't as "clean" as i would like it to be, it's still one of my favorites.

Sweet Almond oil

The days where my skin needs a boost of moisture, I use almond oil on my body.

It's good as a massage oil as well, it you want you can add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.

Apricot Kernel oil

This is probably the lightest of the oils, in my opinion, using this with the facial mist makes for a very good everyday makeup remover, eyes and all.  

Lip Balm

This lip balm smells good enough to eat! And since it's mostly all natural ingredients, it's almost edible too ;)

I wouldn't eat it tho, since it should stay on your lips to do good, it contains sheabutter and melts right into your lips. 

You can get these products in department-stores, clinics, hotel spas, pharmacies and of course

 Sard Kopenhagen's Website

Moisturize, Moisturize!

I think we can all relate to dry skin in the cold winter months, I surely can't moisturize enough. The dry winter air just sucks out all the moisture in my skin, and unfortunately that triggers my eczema.

Working at a Pharmacy I know that there is a ton of products out there to nourish and care for your skin.

That's why I chose out these 3 creams that moisturize really well, with and without fragrance, 

Kimovi Creme
This cream  doesn't necessarily smell bad, but since there isn't any added fragrance you can smell the ingredients. But it has an amazing ingredient that is the extract of the Kigelia Africana, this extract is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, plus it helps skin heal faster. It moisturizes really well and is super good for dry flaky skin.
This is one of my favorite creams because it really clams and moisturizes my skin well - Perfect! And it's free of, fragrance, parabens and colorants.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP
Another really good cream that is super good for especially itchy and irritated skin, and eczema.
It breaks the bad cycle of scratching and breaking the skin, works by calming and soothing and helps the skin heal while moisturizing and nourishing. It's fragrance and paraben free which is a plus when you have irritated skin.

Eucerin AQUAporin Active Rich
AQUAporin Rich has a light fragrance, which is hyper-allergenic. That means that the part of the fragrance that could cause allergies has been "cut off", so its unlikely to cause allergies.
Even tho this is the "rich" formula the skin absorbs it very fast and the consistency is light and creamy. I love that you can just put on your clothes after putting it on without feeling greasy.

Why I don't drink Milk?

I mentioned in a earlier post that I don't drink milk, and some have probably been wondering why??

The first thing that most people think is that I'm lactose intolerant, but I'm not, not that I know of anyway.

The reason is that I break out so bad when I drink milk, I get acne!

So approximately 3 years ago I started getting acne, at the age of 20 years old, I never really had it before, I had a zit here and there but never anything special, never anything that had any significance for me. But then I hit 20 and started having cystic acne (The kind that is under the skin and REALLY hurts!), so I went to the doctor because I didn't know what else to do, it was really bad I had it basically in my whole face. The doctor immediately gave me antibiotics and when I started taking them it really helped, is was gone, only the scars was left. The cure was for 3 months and after that I stopped, the problem was it came back, full tilt. Like I was never on the antibiotic cure.

So when that didn't work I tired all kinds of creams, lotions, everything that you can try.

One day I was watching videos on Youtube, and I saw a video about this guy who said something about he found out his breakouts came from milk, so he stopped drinking it. Then I thought, I can try that, it won't hurt me so let's give it a go. I didn't drink milk for a month and I could see a significant change, I couldn't believe it, so I started drinking milk again and it came back. When I told the doctor he didn't believe me -  He didn't straight out tell me I was lying, but he didn't believe me - but I completely stopped after that.

Now my skin has gotten soooo much better, I don't have acne, but I still get pimples. I've thought about stopping with dairy all together, so I'm giving that a try now, let's see if it will get even better. I'll give you an update on that later.

So I have no guarantee for that this works, or that is the reason to acne, but you can always give it a try.

Have  a great Thursday