Skin MD Natural shielding lotion

Winter is here, and since our family has dry skin, the cold, dry Northern California climate is sucking every last bit of moisture out of our skins. My hands look like old ladies' hands, and I swear my legs look like a parched Ethiopian riverbank. Poor 3Po has suffered from eczema since birth, and keeping his little legs free of itchy, red rashes is a full-time job. We buy lots of moisturizing lotion, so when I was invited to sample and review a new family friendly skin
care product, Skin MD Natural shielding lotion, I eagerly agreed. Here's what I thought of it:

The Basics
According to the makers, Skin MD is not just a moisturizing lotion or protecting cream. It's a shielding lotion. So what's a shielding lotion?

A shielding lotion is unlike any other conventional, artificial moisturizers because it works with the skin to naturally moisturize and heal. Most conventional, artificial moisturizers only add moisture to the surface of the skin, but do little to repair the skin's natural barrier against moisture robbing irritants. Skin MD Natural breaks the dry skin cycle by working to help restore skin's natural protective abilities by bonding to the outer layer of skin, strengthening skins natural barrier against toxins and irritants that can dry the skin, while locking in the skin's natural oils.

In plain english, I think it means that a shielding lotion acts as a barrier that protects against drying factors and traps moisture into your skin. We received a 4-ounce bottle of Skin MD Natural shielding lotion, which can be found in select pharmacies across the US. The 4-ounce bottle (which should last about 1 or 2 months with daily use) of Skin MD Natural sells for $18, and the 4-ounce bottle of Skin MD Natural with SPF15 is $25.

Here's what the makers of Skin MD Natural have to say about their product:

Skin MD Natural is made in the US and is specially formulated using high quality natural ingredients making it over 90% all natural with all ingredients being of food grade and on the FDA's most safe list. It is free of harmful fragrances, parabens, and colorants making it hypoallergenic. It has been recommended by over a thousand doctors and dermatologists for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. We don't participate in animal testing nor does the lotion contain any animal products.

The Bongga
Alfie LOVES this lotion, and so do I. It smells clean and pleasant, and unlike many lotions and creams, it's not heavy or thick at all. I love how it absorbs easily into the skin without any greasy feeling whatsoever. And my skin really does feel nice and soft after I apply! 3Po's legs are also looking great; the other day he said to me, "Mama, look, my legs are so smooth!". It breaks my heart to think that my five year-old son has to care about such things, but at least the Skin MD Natural lotion is helping him.

The Blah
It's tempting to slather this lotion everywhere, but at $18 for a 4-ounce bottle, Skin MD Natural is not cheap. It's more in the league of department store cosmetics than drugstore lotions, so remember to apply just a small amount!

The Bottom Line
If you've got chronic dry skin or a skin condition like eczema, Skin MD Natural might just be worth the extra cost.

Win It!
I'll be giving away a bottle of Skin MD lotion in a few days. Watch out for the giveaway and many more -- I'll be giving out a great present every day, for 12 days, starting Christmas Day!

I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.