Treatments -John Frieda - Go Blonder Lightening Spray
skylarkmelody 2/24/2012 12:50:00 AM
This product was more damaging to my hair than chemotherapy. When I had chemo in 2009 and 2010 about a quarter of my hair fell out from the root, and the rest became slightly less lustrous. Fortunately, six months after going into remission my hair was healthy, shiny, and growing in steadily. Unfortunately, I then made the poor decision to use this product when my suite mate gave me her extra bottle. I have naturally blonde hair, but it had been growing back in slightly darker in some areas after chemo. At first I thought this product was fabulous because it gave my hair a gorgeous golden hue. I began to notice that my hair was becoming thin and fragile again about three months after using this spray on a weekly basis. More hair than normal was falling out when I brushed it, and I'd wake up and see strands on my pillow. I normally don't blow-dry my hair during the week unless I'm going somewhere special, like I was on Valentine's Day. I was horrified when a ten-inch strand of hair broke off about two inches above the root line as I was getting ready that night. This hair is right at the front of my head. I already knew this product was the culprit, and my hair stylist confirmed it and said I was certainly not the only one who'd had the same upsetting experience. Another client had such severe damage she had to cut her long hair into a bob. I thought I'd been using this product prudently, but that's basically like only having poison once a week. It's still going to cause damage. I only used it sparingly and I baby my hair with organic, nourishing shampoos and conditioners. I don't use heating tools, and I only blow-dry my hair on the weekends. Considering that this product was responsible for more damage to my hair than eight cycles of chemotherapy, I'd have to give it the dubious distinction of being the single worst product I've ever used. Please avoid this product. I wonder if all the people who gave it glowing reviews wrote them during their first few weeks of using the product before it had the time to cause substantial damage.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Jason Natural Cosmetics - 25,000 IU Vitamin E Age Renewal Moisturizing Creme
skylarkmelody 10/2/2011 11:00:00 PM
I just used this because we are up at our lake house in the mountains at the moment and the high altitude has really parched my skin. It felt luxuriously creamy and I thought it would feel lovely and soothing, but instead it felt like sticking my face in acid. I was horrified to see my face immediately turning red and burning. An hour later my face still feels scorched and painful. It's actually hot to the touch. My dad was so alarmed when he saw me he wanted to call my mom because she's a doctor. I have never had acne or any other issues with my skin, and I hope this doesn't break me out. I've never encountered a problem like this one with any other product. I read a few reviews here of other people having similar reactions. I think it's fine for older people, but it doesn't seem suitable for teens and women with sensitive skin. My stepmom has used this up here without encountering any problems, but said it's too heavy for her at home where it's not as dry. I will never use this again. Please be careful using this product if you're young or have sensitive skin.
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Other -Trader Joe's - Antiplaque Toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis & Myrrh 
skylarkmelody 9/26/2011 3:45:00 PM
In 2009-2010 when I was in active treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma the chemotherapy changed the way a lot of things tasted, including the toothpaste I had been using. I began to dread brushing my teeth because the taste was so intolerable, then my dad picked up some of this toothpaste. Problem solved! It was actually pleasant to use, and it made my teeth feel clean and my breath fresh. My grandpa loves this toothpaste so much he has me bring some with me when I visit him in England. : )
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Scrubs -LUSH - Ocean Salt
skylarkmelody 9/26/2011 3:32:00 PM
My face had a luminous glow the first time I used Ocean Salt, so I used it again. And again. And again. I am still in my teens but my face felt dry and looked lackluster after four days of use. I was only using a pea-sized amount and being very gentle, but still it was so abrasive and salty it stripped my skin of the necessary moisture. I still think this is a good product, but it certainly shouldn't be used as a daily face wash / scrub if you have normal, sensitive or dry skin. I do not have any acne, fine lines or other issues, and my pores are tiny, so for me this product was just useful in brightening my skin temporarily. It might have been more beneficial if I had more issues. I now am using it just once a week to exfoliate. I still prefer the effects of swimming in the ocean or in my saline pool has on my face, but Ocean Salt is a good substitue during the school year. A tiny dab will do, and since I'm just using it once a week it should last me for several months. I would probably buy this again, but it's not a product I'm jumping up and down and doing backflips for.
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