Skin MD Natural Ultimate Dry Skin Solution ($25.00, SkinMDNatural.com) is a shielding lotion, meaning that it claims to “keep irritants out and moisture in.” The secret is a moisturizing factor, consisting of several different dimethicones, that the company claims is at least 6 times as moisturizing as glycerin. But how effective is Skin MD Natural Ultimate Dry Skin Solution by ingredients and after two weeks of use? Read on…
A high concentration of aloe vera
Aloe vera has been a popular folk remedy since the 1930’s, during which time the ingredient was used primarily as a soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Indeed, aloe vera’s efficacy as an anti-inflammatory ingredient was verified in this study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. However, according to a 1999 review of ten aloe vera-related studies, aloe vera’s efficacy otherwise was concluded to be “unclear.” The review says that aloe vera “might be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis,” and “whether it promotes wound healing is unclear.” (Refuting the latter claim is a separate study, which found rather convincingly that aloe vera does promote wound healing.) Further, the review goes on to announce “topical application of aloe vera is not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries.” As such, aloe vera is proven effective as a soothing, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory agent, but its efficacy in treating psoriasis seems to be unclear at this time.
A mixture of silicones
Skin MD Natural Ultimate Dry Skin Solution contains a fairly high concentration of two silicone compounds, cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone. According to the company, cyclopentasiloxane is “colorless, odorless, transparent, [and] nongreasy,” and “has a low viscosity and surface tension and a relatively high vapor pressure, which allows the majority of the silicone portion to evaporate from the surface to which it is applied.” It provides some moisturization. On the other hand, dimethicone is a well-established moisturizing ingredient. According to the company, dimethicone “forms a protective layer which helps prevent transdermal water loss.” Together, the mix of silicones is meant to attract and retain moisture to the skin.
A number of flower extracts
The product contains a number of flower extracts. Although the purposes of each is backed by at least one research study, the flower extracts do not have the substantiative research backing of, say, retinol, niacinamide, or vitamin C. At any rate, each has research substantiating their claims.
Arnica Montana Flower Extract “is an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever…minimizes the effect of tissue trauma and aids in the healing process.” Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract (Comfrey) “abounds in the healing agents mucilage and allantoin.” Achillea Millefolium Extract (Yarrow) “is styptic (stops bleeding), astringent (makes tissue contract), antiseptic (inhibits bacterial growth), vulnerary (helps tissue heal), anti-inflammatory, and possibly anesthetic.” And, lastly, Chamomilla Recutita Extract (Chamomile) is “anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, antispasmodic and promotes wound healing.”
After trying the product…
The product has a light, pleasant floral smell and drinks into the skin quickly. Its consistency reminded me of the moisturizer Theraplex. After trying the product for two weeks, my skin feels soft and well-moisturized, though not more than after using Theraplex or Olay Quench Body Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin ($18.64 for two, Amazon.com). For an “all-natural” moisturizer, however, Skin MD Natural Ultimate Dry Skin Solution is the best I have reviewed thus far.
Overall opinions…
If I was looking for an “all-natural” moisturizer, Skin MD Natural Ultimate Dry Skin Solution has a light texture and is very hydrating. Unfortunately, in my opinion, if “all-natural” is not a requirement, then I consider the lotion (4 oz.) to be rather expensive ($25) for only soothing and moisturizing ingredients. For instance, my favorite body moisturizer, Olay Quench Body Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin ($18.64 for two, Amazon.com) contains hydrating ingredients and niacinamide, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing), and increases elasticity. And Aveeno Moisture Lotion with Active Soy ($8.31, Amazon.com) contains dimethicone and soy extract, which has been found to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented spots, to stimulate skin’s collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and to even decrease the number of hair follicles on the skin. And if a novel dry skin moisturizer is what you’re looking for, I prefer Theraplex ($16, Theraplex.com).
In other words, as much as I like Skin MD Natural Ultimate Dry Skin Solution as a hydrating all-natural moisturizer, I think that there are more effective, cheaper alternatives if “all-natural” is not a requirement.
Product rating: 7/10 (New technology: 3/3. High concentration of effective ingredients: 3/3. Value for the money: 1/3. Sunscreen: 0/3.)