As much as I hate to admit it, the older I get, the more issues and problems I am having with my skin. I had previously been very lucky, suffering with only the usual monthly outbreaks, and the occasional dermatitis, caused by using over perfumed or household cleaning products. I was usually able to use all kinds of body lotions and potions, without any kind of reaction.
However, since I hit my late 20’s I have definitely seen major differences and changes to my skin. The main change happened around one year ago, I started to develop psoriasis around my stomach and lower back. I had never suffered with psoriasis before, it took about six months, several trips to the doctor and one very expensive dermatologist visit to find out what it was. My job can at times be extremely stressful, and I was told that stress and anxiety can bring on psoriasis outbreaks.
With so many different forms of psoriasis, every single case is different and unique, with every individual reacting differently to creams, medications and treatments. I have guttate psoriasis, mainly occurring on the trunk of the body, arms and legs. It forms in little droplets or scaley spots rather than large patches, and it is incredibly uncomfortable. I know that some suffer very badly with psoriasis and eczema, I have small clusters that mainly target my lower back and stomach, regardless, it can really get you down and make you self-conscious. I have not wanted to put a bikini on all summer, and I have been avoiding dresses and tops that reveal my midriff.
Over the past year I have spent a small fortune on different creams, ointments and antihistamines to help soothe or get it under control. British weather changes do not help, if it’s cold, it gets dry and cracked, with our current heatwave, it is painful, red and relentless. I have banned all perfumed products, attempting to use as many natural ingredients as I can including coconut oil, oats and soaking in sea salt and mineral baths.
After months of searching, I came to realise that it is unlikely you will find a cure that will magically heal and take away this frustrating skin condition. However, there are products that can help take the itch, pain and discomfort away. Step in, P’URE Papaya!
The main reason I got in contact with P’URE Papaya was for their Renew Cream. I had seen expectant mothers using this on their growing bumps, it was also supposed to help with reducing the appearance of scars and help develop new skin tissue. Due to my olive complexion, keyloid scarring is something I have always suffered with, so that instantly attracted me to the P’URE products.
One of the key ingredients of the Renew Cream is Tamanu oil, a natural plant oil used as a treatment for stretch marks, scarring and various skin conditions. I had been using Tamanu within another product, and had found that it had calmed the itch and redness. However, the smell was a little undesirable (imagine rubbing an onion bhaji on your skin, that pretty much sums it up).
Papaya (paw paw), Gotu Kola, moisturising and hydrating oils such as almond, macadamia, jojoba and rosehip, make up the 100% natural ingredients used to encourage healing. The blend of these lovely oils and plants, creates a much more pleasant smell and overpowers the strong Tamanu oil. It is also vegan friendly, every single P’URE Papaya product is palm oil and petroleum free and NOT tested on animals (it’s a yes from me).
Over the past four weeks I have been applying a pea-sized amount (a little goes a long way) to my lower back (current flare-up location) every morning and evening. After just four days I noticed a difference, the redness had reduced and the itch had subsided. I even found that when I was at the gym it was not as bothersome, a time when it aggravated me most (lycra leggings are my nemesis). The red, inflamed ‘active’ areas have calmed down, with some patches even attempting to scab (sorry if that is slightly graphic, it is what it is). The areas that were already scarring from previous flare-ups, this is where I have seen the biggest improvement. The Renew Cream has encouraged tissue growth, really reducing the appearance of my scars, I am honestly so happy with the results after just one month. I have been travelling a lot for work the past couple of weeks, and with the constant air-conditioning on the planes and hotels, P’URE Papaya Renew has been a skin saviour, it is not leaving my side!
The second P’URE Papaya product I was sent was the Papaya Ointment, designed to help moisturise dry and damaged skin and hydrate your lips. The small tube makes it ideal as a handbag and travel essential, as it is a multi-purpose cream, it can be used on your face, lips and body. Containing calendula, beeswax, Vitamin E and of course Papaya, it is also petrochemical-free and helps soothe the skin and promote elasticity.
This deeply nourishing cream is also supposed to be helpful for those who have recently had medical and cosmetic laser treatment. Due to the 100% natural ingredients, it is also safe for mothers who are breastfeeding, as well as an effective relief from cradle cap and nappy rash. I have been using it on my flare-up areas, hands and also my cracked heels (a symptom of the summer flip-flops), I found the consistency to be thicker and more oily in texture than the Renew Cream, you can really feel it nourishing your skin. I had read some reviews that the Ointment smelt a little like plasticine, and I have to say, for me that was spot on. A faint smell of plasticine mixed with papaya not completely unpleasant. However, my boyfriend said it smelt like ‘Christmas’, so each to their own!
The third product was P’URE Papaya Lips, a creamy and nourishing lip balm. So, I have an OCD with lip balm! I can’t stand having dry lips, my family are constantly teasing me about my obsession. I used to be addicted to the mini tins of Vaseline, until somebody told me it promotes hair growth. Thanks to my Ghanian and Sicilian routes, I didn’t need anymore help in that department. I already go through a tub of Jolen every few months, I did not need to grow a Poirot tash!
P’URE Papaya Lips has a slightly thicker consistency than the usual lip care products I have used, but it does keep your lips hydrated for longer. Like the Papaya Renew, it is a vegan friendly formula, with ingredients such as shea butter, macadamia and candelilla wax, it also contains high levels of Vitamin C and E.
Like I mentioned before, what works for some, may not work for others. The P’URE Papaya products have really soothed and helped my psoriasis flare-ups. As they are 100% natural and in my opinion extremely cost effective (compared to some creams I have tried), I would highly recommend trying it out, especially if you have suffered with similar skin conditions.
Buy P’URE Papaya Renew Cream from Holland & Barrett – £17.99
Buy P’URE Papaya Ointment from Holland & Barrett – £17.99
Buy P’URE Papaya Lips from Holland & Barrett – £5.99
