21st Century FormulationsFinding hand lotion that works is probably not high on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It actually seems frivolous in light of the images of suffering and destruction we’ve recently seen from Haiti and Chile. While I recognize that earthquakes aren’t caused by global warming, lately I find myself balancing my own petty concerns against scientists’ gloomy predictions of climate refugees becoming a real problem if this issue isn’t addressed. In the meantime, I reassure myself with the thought that I still have to function in my day-to-day world; if finding a hand lotion that actually does what it claims to do is a more immediate and manageable goal, I will not castigate myself for that quest.
Living in the Chicago area, we’ve experienced particularly brutal winters the last few years and dry hands seems to be another symptom of this endless winter we’ve had this year, along with snow days and subfreezing temperatures. So when I came across Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion, I was curious to see if it could live up to its claims. I tend to be skeptical about such claims, but I was curious to try this lotion.
According to the brochure, the Shielding Lotion not only keeps your skin moisturized, but cures the problem of dry skin because its unique formula restores moisture while also enabling your skin to replenish its own moisture. Although the pamphlet included a number of testimonials from happy customers who saw immediate results from using the product on various body parts, I decided to test it primarily as a hand lotion. At $13.00 for a 4 oz. bottle, would I see an improvement over other less expensive hand lotions?
Comparatively, the lotion has a light and non-greasy quality—just a few squirts are all one needs for an application. The Shielding Lotion feels good on your skin and leaves it temporarily moisturized, but as with other lotions, the moisturized feeling didn’t last very long. I did try the product once on my face, but immediately broke out the following day. I have extremely oily and sensitive skin, so I do not consider that a reflection on the product itself as much as its blending with my own unique skin type. I continue to use the lotion, but would probably not shell out the requisite dough for another bottle.
Review by Gita Tewari
