Press Sample (Affiliated Links)
As luck would have it, when OSEA contacted me to review their Blemish Balm I was in the midst of a rather nasty monthly hormone induced breakout (complete with the quintessential chocolate craving), therefore I said yes very quickly! Not only was I excited to try what promised to eradicate my ugly blemishes, but I was further excited because I love supporting local Los Angeles companies.
According to OSEA,
All products are certified vegan skincare and biodegradable. OSEA was the first company, in 2002, to sign The Compact for Global Production of Safe Health and Beauty Products to phase out the use of toxic chemicals in all beauty products.
OSEA Blemish Balm is a delightfully lightweight moisturizer that not only nourishes the skin, but also makes quick work in its elimination of blemishes. While it sinks into the skin quickly it targets breakouts with pinpoint precision, and somehow miraculously erases all evidence that they existed. When I received it, I applied it in the morning and then at night and when I woke up the following morning the redness and blemishes were nearly completely gone. Of course your particular mileage may vary, and I can't speak to whether or not someone with serious acne would have the same overnight results, but this combination of natural ingredients really resonated with my skin, and eliminated my pimples at an unprecedented speed. My skin is left soft, supple, and smooth after use. Furthermore there is an overall clarity and refinement that I experience, and my skin looks fantastic when I use Blemish Balm. It is important to note that Blemish Balm can also be used as a spot treatment for small breakouts as they appear if this isn't needed all over the face.
Since I do not have acneic skin, I will not need to use Blemish Balm on a daily basis, but it will most definitely be the product that I reach for time and time again when I feel a breakout coming on, and perhaps even as a preemptive strike when I sense an unusually high chocolate craving taking hold.
The scent is what is best described as a combination of the Cypress, Juniper and Rosemary essential oils. These essential oils have antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and likewise reduce the chances of recurring breakouts. Skin is left balanced, hydrated, and refreshed. Equally satisfying is the knowledge that all of this is achieved with safe and healthy ingredients. In fact, the EWG Database gave OSEA's Blemish Balm a very high mark as well (3)-- so you can use this wonderful product without worrying about the effects of unhealthy and unsafe ingredients.
OSEA suggests that their Blemish Balm is an,
Ultra-light antiseptic moisturizer for all ages and skin types. Blemishes disappear with OSEA’s proprietary base of three seaweeds combined with a unique blend of Cypress, Juniper, and Rosemary essential oils. This natural alternative to harsh retinols and synthetic chemicals hydrates instead of drying, reduces inflammation and prevents breakouts. Has a firming effect on the skin, so it’s effective for adult acne.
USAGE: "Twice daily gently massage into face and neck area in upward, circular motions to heal blemishes and prevent future breakouts."
TIPS & TRICKS: "Great for adult acne. Excellent spot treatment for breakouts, and great base for foundation."
100% NATURAL DERIVED INGREDIENTS: Aqua, *Gigartina Skottsbergii Extract, *Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, *Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, *Vinis Vinefera (Grape) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut derived), Glycerin, Propanediol (corn derived), Cetearyl Olivate, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, *Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Saccharomyces/Maganese Ferment, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, *Juniferus Cummunis (Juniper) Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil, Stearic Acid, *Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Citric Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japanica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract *CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENT.
$42.00 for 2 oz. from OSEA, and eskinstore.com. (Affiliate Link)
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
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how do you feel like osea's blemish balm compares to mario badescu's acne care?
ReplyDeleteYou always have such great questions, Chia-Yi!! :-) While I think the Mario Badescu Acne care line and OSEA's Blemish Balm are both highly effective I find them too different to compare apples to apples. Since Blemish Balm is a moisturizer it is something that can be used all over the face, and it hydrates and nourishes the skin in addition to targeting breakouts. While it can be used as a spot treatment it is a moisturizer, and it is from an organic line-- so the ingredients are quite different between OSEA and Mario Badescu. The three MB acne products (Drying Lotion, Drying Cream and Buffering Lotion) are each made to target specific types of breakouts- with each formulated to address a particular concern like cystic pimples, whiteheads etc. I think that it really boils down to what you are specifically looking to achieve. I really like each line has to offer. I hope that this makes sense. If you have a pile of MB acne care in your stash and it is working well for you, then I would finish it up and then maybe try OSEA next. :D
Deletethanks! without comparison thoughts, it's hard to keep the collection hoard and wish list under control. i'm actually looking for my boyfriend. he's got weird skin that's very prone to cystic acne but doesn't respond well to anything salicylic acid based. he does respond well to benzoyl peroxide but i'm trying to wean him off that!
DeleteMy pleasure, it's just the truth! I completely agree with you! If he's prone to cystic acne, and it seems to take up residence all over rather than in just a few spots, then something like the OSEA approach delivery system in the form of a moisturizer might be a good one for him. If his skin has specific sensitivities you guys should carefully review their ingredients to make sure that there aren't any triggers in their list. Has he gone to a dermatologist to have his skin looked at? Also does he have any food sensitivities or known allergies that slipping by undetected? It could be something like that as well. If it were me I would probably see my doctor to rule certain things out because it is entirely possible the the fix is easier than one might imagine. Just a thought. :-)
Deleteit's gotten mostly under control since he's known me; i'm just always on the lookout for something better! those were good suggestions that i certainly would have implemented if the problem were more severe.
DeleteWhat a good girlfriend you are-- keeping his skin in good shape! Continually looking out for something better is such a great idea-- particularly with acne prone skin. Have you tried switching his cleanser? Maybe something mild targeting acne prone skin, and if you combine that with a topical spot treatment product or something like this then you might be able to completely turn things around for his skin. :-)
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