lucypiggie's Full Review: Burt's Bees Burts Bees Herbal Blemish Stick
I first bought Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick to spot attack any zits that are bound to ruin my day. I bought it at Goldenseal, and because I had good experiences with other Burt's Bees products, I thought I would give this a try.
The Blemish Stick is a .30 oz liquid that comes in a roll-on stick. It has a pleasant herbal scent to it. Although I was aware of the ingredients and the possible irritation it may cause (read below), I thought it was worth a shot.
My skin is oily and prone to break-outs. It also is sensitive, letting me know loud and clear (usually in very red blotchy patches) that it didn't like what I put on it.
I only applied the Herbal Blemish Stick on my blemishes about 3-4 times daily. The product definitely dried out any blemishes, but unfortunately, it also left a ring of dried skin around the culprits. It was too drying, in fact. Unfortunately, just applying it morning and evening didn't show any improvements. 3-4 times offered results, but with drying effects.
I am a big supporter of all-natural products, because yes, synthetics and preservatives do get absorbed by the skin and into your blood stream. However, that is not to say that all manmade ingredients are bad (they're not), and that all all-natural products are safe (they aren't). Below is a breakdown of the ingredients in this product to give you an idea of what you're putting on your face and who should or should not use it.
The ingredients (99.90% natural):
SD Alcohol 40-B (from yellow corn)- Natural or not, this alchol can be extremely drying and irritating to sensitive skin.
Calendula extract- Calendula extract is also marigolds, those pretty flowers people plant in their gardens. It has antibacterial properties that's good for zapping zits, but can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Borage extract- This is a nice calming ingredient, that is said to have anti-flammatory and anti-irritating properties.
Yarrow extract- Yarrow is known to constrict the skin, which is good to reduce the size of a pimple. However, this property can also be irritating some some skin types.
Parsley extract- Hmm. I know my guinea pigs love parsley, but as for what Parsley extract does for the skin, I'm not sure. When I find out, I'll add it here.
Willowbark extract- Willowbark may be an anti-inflammatory since its composition is simliar to aspirin.
Lemon oil- contains antiseptic properties. May irritate sensitive skin. Also, it increases photosensitivity. In other words, do not go into the sun immediately after use.
Fennel oil- Yikes. This Fennel oil causes skin irritation and is a no-no for sensitive skin types.
Water- you know what this is!
Tea tree oil- contains antiseptic and anti-fungal properties that is useful in treating acne. It may irritate sensitive skin.
Juniper oil- Antibacterial properties, but should be avoided if pregnant.
Eucalyptus oil- contains antiseptic properties that can help prevent bacterial growth and aid in new tissue growth. However, women who are pregnant and those suffering from high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid using this essential oil.
I definitely don't recommend pregnant women or those with sensitive skin to use this product, for the above reasons. Burt's Bees picked some very effective natural ingredients that can help ease a pimple. However, as you can see from the above, they're definitely not for everyone. I firmly believe the reason for why I found this product too drying is because I do have sensitive skin and when you have a pimple, your skin becomes even more sensitive. The addition of too drying agents can sometimes make things worse, or in my case, make my skin peel.
If you tend to have pretty resilient skin, you may find this product effective.
If you do consider buying this product, be sure to do a patch test. I know that sounds like a pain in the neck, but people can be allergic to certain flowers and herbs. If you have allergies or hay fever, a patch test would definitely be in your best interest. It would be awful if you put this on and you winded up with something worse on your face than a zit.
To do a patch test, apply the product on the inside of your elbow. Wait 24 hours and see if you have any reactions. If not, then you're golden.
This blemish stick contains 10 effective natural herbal ingredients including willowbark, nature's version of salicylic acid, which clarifies and gent...More at Sears
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