Skin Deep

Skin care has been on the forefront of my mind lately, so it’s pretty ironic that Dove® sent me their new VisibleCare Body Wash to review.  In light of recent events, I feel compelled to share why I think taking care of your skin should be a top priority for everyone.

On Independence Day, a dear friend of mine lost his three year battle with melanoma.  He was 31 years old.  THIRTY-ONE.  We were from the same home town and went to UNC-Chapel Hill together, then a few years post-grad found ourselves living in Charleston, SC.  We grew up waving hello on the golf course where my grandfather was the town “pro” and often shared rides on the three-hour trek to and from college.  Once we were forced to grow up and live on our own, it seemed natural to cook dinner together (he made the meanest seafood alfredo ever) or just enjoy the finer things Chuck Town had to offer.  He took me out for a fancy birthday dinner the year I was single; I brought him along for an all-expenses-paid trip to Dallas for work.  We were good friends, and I know I’m not the only one who can say that.  He was a man of many good friends.

When he learned that he was diagnosed with melanoma at age 29 it was unreal.  He was so young, but naturally, he would fight it, right?  No big deal.  Only it was a big deal.  The cancer spread rapidly, and no matter how hard Brett fought, how many oncologists he saw, how many drug trials he went through or how many prayers were said, he eventually lost the battle.  At age 31, he left this world with a widow, grieving family members and an army of friends behind. 

Brett at George Strait concert, Charleston 2007

With that said, I cringe at the thought of the damage I’ve done to my skin over the course of my 31 years.  I used to splash water on my face at the pool in lieu of sunscreen and slathered on a layer of baby oil or two on countless trips to the beach.  What I used to deem “just sun spots” now seem like potential murderous weapons all over my body.  It’s FRIGHTENING.  If Brett’s journey taught me anything, it’s that you have to take care of your skin.  Between daily SPF 15 in my moisturizer and makeup to wearing hats and giant sunglasses at the pool, I have finally turned a corner.  I’m just thankful that there are companies out there who come up with awesome products to help us “turn back time,” like Dove® and their revolutionary line of premium body wash.

Not only does it give you visibly more beautiful skin in just one week, but it’s also available in three variants.  Dove® VisibleCare Toning Crème Body Wash helps to promote skin’s elasticity and strength, while Renewing Body Wash nourishes and replenishes skin.  The one I tried was Softening Body Wash (which softens skin and dry spots), and I can honestly say that it’s the closest I’ve come to the one I used years ago that contained a built-in lotion.  My skin feels super soft when I towel off after each shower, and the feel of the product very luxurious when you’re using it.  It’s made with fragrances like magnolia and pink jasmine, so not only does it feel great on your skin, it makes you smell great too.  As someone who loathes the time it takes to lotion up (hey moms!  you know what I’m talking about here!), it’s nice to be able to feel something special for just the few minutes I’m able to steal a quick shower.

Now that it’s summer and we’re baring more than usual, do yourself a favor and pick up a variant of the VisibleCare line.  I’m definitely adding the Toning Crème to my repertoire, since let’s face it, gaining and losing 90 pounds of pregnancy weight doesn’t do a body any favors! Is there a particular product that makes you feel the most beautiful in your own skin?  (Soft, silky legs by way of a good bath moisturizer or lotion does it for me.)

For more information, visit http://www.dove.us/, and for those who love a good discount, here you go!
Visit Dove^® VisibleCare^® to get a coupon for $1 off!


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