Woke up yesterday to a bad episode of my face being red, splotchy and inflamed as it has been on/off for months. Thinking it was notorious DC allergies, I've been trying everything to alleviate the burning sensation: aloe straight from the plant, hydrocortisone, even oral steroids. Nothing really helped except petroleum jelly, which didn't cure the problem, but at least provided a break from the pain.
Because of how bad it looked, I was going to un-RSVP for the Yelp event at Take Care. But given it was the day-of, I couldn't and the last thing any Yelper wants to do is not show up for an event! Then it occurred to me...Take Care...natural skincare shop...what better place to be during a skin emergency?! As they say, everything happens exactly as its supposed to. So off I went sans makeup in all my red, puffy glory, hoping Take Care had something to take care of me.
The store shone like a beacon from Wisconsin Avenue. Bright, white, clean. After checking in, I immediately made a beeline for the owner. She told me what she suspected the issue was (and confirmed with a co-worker) and showed me two products she thought might help. One I declined because its first ingredient is aloe, which had burned my skin when I applied it previously. The other was an organic, natural eczema healing balm. I was excited about this one because I had tried zinc and it did seem to provide some relief. But it's white and I couldn't very well walk around looking a lifeguard everyday.
My husband and I went to dinner after the event and while sitting in the restaurant, the burning sensation started again. I grabbed my balm, went into the ladies room to apply and instantly felt relief. At bedtime, I applied again. I wasn't convinced of the balm's effectiveness until the next morning. I woke up today and although the symptoms weren't 100% gone, they were markedly minimized. The redness around my lips and nose was barely noticeable, my eyelids were now a light shade of pink rather than flaming red. (Then again, I was conservative with applying around my eyes for safety sake.)
The balm seems like it will last a very long time. I have used it multiple times now and it doesn't look as though I have used it at all. A very small amount has already started to work wonders. Admittedly, I cringed at the $52 price tag. But as my husband pointed out, if it works, it's worth more than that. He is right. I have been suffering with this on and off for months. I've avoided going to the doctor because I suspect they will put me on steroids again, which I would prefer not to take. And, if I understand correctly, Take Care has a return for credit policy if you are unhappy with your purchase. (Don't quote me on that.)
Thank you ladies at Take Care! I am so glad I found you! You have earned my trust and respect and I am quite certain I will be back to try more great products! Thank you Yelp for this event and introducing me to this great shop! read more