Sometimes Too Much is Just .... Well.... Too Much!!!!

Lots and lots of things to update, so instead of trying to get them all in with one gigantic post and skim over things I'll make a list instead.  My goal is to come back and fill in the gap on ALL these stories and topics over the summer.... we shall see! Ha!  Baby boy #3 has knocked us on our heels a bit!

1) As of yesterday, I now have a middle schooler. I have no idea how this has happened .... where does time go?!  He's the proud new owner of an iPhone.  Not sure how I feel about it but it was becoming inevitable.  The whole "everyone else has one" argument was becoming less and less absurd.  Send me your best tips on how to keep the reigns on this as we move into the middle school years of wreckage. Ack!

2)  MANY MANY of you became aware of this blog because of my LOVE of Shiurdo and their amazing, life-changing AGR lotion that had helped me and tons of other control their PMLE symptoms from the sun.  It's now summer and you need to know they've introduced several new products including a lip balm!  Can't wait to try it - you should definitely check it out!   There's also a gigantic pic of it at the top of the blog (mostly cause I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller! lol)

3) We're headed to Hawaii with my husbands family in July - it's the furthest we've taken the kids by far and I already have anxiety about it.  CBD oil anyone!?  Wine?! Ugh .... we'll figure it out.  A party of five all on our own, traveling becomes an issue of how many hotel rooms do we need and how many rows does the rental SUV have?  We'll likely need a vacay after the vacay.

Ok, that's it for now.... I'll leave you with an adorable pic of the fam and perhaps someone can keep me accountable for actually coming back and writing updates before 2020.

PS:  I know the baby needs a haircut 

PPS: That's mostly directed at family members 

PPPS: Yeah, I know he's not a baby anymore :( but he sure does love his bros :)

Shirudo Anti-Oxidant Lotion Follow-Up Review: 2013 (PMLE Prevention/Relief) **UPDATED 2016 LINKS**

I'm excited to share with you a very quick update on my use of the Shirudo Anti Oxidant Lotion for the prevention on Polymorphic Light Eruption symptoms!   

Now that the it's been bright and sunny here in the midwest and we've spent many days in a row by the pool, I'm even more convinced!  Just by simply applying this Shirudo lotion, as you would any other lotion,  my skin feels nice and silky - and 'calm' I guess you would say.  I never thought of myself as having sensitive skin (except for this sun allergy!) but I still find this lotion to be soothing. 

I've been applying it right before putting on my bathingsuit (it's just easier not to miss any small areas that way) and then spraying on my favorite Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF once I'm outside.  IF I spend more than an hour or two in the sun, or if I get wet in the pool, I go ahead and apply more of the Shirudo to my especially sensitive areas (neck, stomach, upper arms) and re-apply the sunscreen.

So far, not even a hint of the itchiness or red bumps.  My chest and stomach were a little red after last Wednesday's pool time (typically a little sunburn would speed up the process of the PMLE developing) and still no symptoms! 

I will point out we are spending 2 weeks at the beach in Southern California in July, and I will certainly be reporting back after that.  I consider that the 'big challenge' as beach conditions typically aggravate and speed up the PMLE for me personally!

Please check back for that review and click on the giant Shirudo Lotion bottle to buy and to learn more about the product!



NON-USA LINK TO BUY



USA LINK TO BUY 

**But first, if you are new to this blog or in your search for answers regarding this itchy, annoying condition, check these out....

See my original Shirudo lotion review by clicking {HERE}.  You can also follow all my PMLE related posts and read the amazingly helpful comments from readers by clicking through links I've created below...

PMLE Original Post (2010)
PMLE Updated Post #2 (2012)

**NEW** Must Read Review!!! "AntiOxidant Lotion for PMLE Relief / Prevention " ***Updated links and Photots***

I am thrilled and oh-so-excited to review a new product that is the answer to the prayers of so many  Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) sufferers!  The developer of this new product knew exactly what we would be looking for since she herself is a PMLE sufferer!

As many of you know, the ingredient alpha-glucosylrutin (AGR) has been shown in studies to prevent or lessen the symptoms of PMLE outbreak in many sufferers.  Unfortunately, that ingredient was no longer offered in products in the US and was very difficult to find - and if you find it online, price and international shipping is a huge factor!

ALAS, I was contacted by the creator of this new lotion made by Shirudo...

The "Shirudo" Antioxidant Moisturizing Lotion (LINK TO WEBSITE TO BUY)****

This lotion contains even more of the 'magic' AGR ingredient than my beloved Eucerin Sun Defense Lotion!! As we know, this is such a hard thing to find!  There are not a lot of choices out there for those of us suffering from PMLE.... typically the most recommended solution is staying out of the sun!!  That is not an option for those of us who love the beach, enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle, playing with our kids at the park, going to the zoo, the pool, etc... Staying inside is not a practical solution! 

I truly believe this lotion will finally be able to provide hope and help to PMLE sufferers who don't want to avoid the sun completely! 

My First Experience:

I received this lotion in late July... just before leaving for a California beach vacation.  It was the first thing I packed.... so excited to test out this lotion containing ARG and Vitamin E.... the ingredients I've raved so much about for the past few years!  I discontinued all other 'prevention' methods I have discussed in previous posts (pills, other lotions, etc...), other than continuing to use SPF (Banana Boat dry oil spray) .  

I used the lotion as recommended: Before sun exposure and then reapplying every 2 hours while in the sun.  I also used it on my most PMLE-prone areas a few days before heading to the beach ... the idea there was to build it up in my system a bit.... not sure if it was necessary, but that's what I did.

I used SPF 4, 8, and 15 (so nothing above 15) while in the sun, over top of the Shirudo lotion.  I did not develop ANY PMLE symptoms while on my vacation and came back with an amazing tan!  I even experienced a slight sunburn on my chest are {oops!},which is typically the most prone to reaction,  and there was no outbreak at all!

PROS:

Applies smoothly with no stickiness - feels like a regular body lotion 

Scent-free and soothing to the skin

SPF-free... allowing you to use your own favorite brand and preferred SPF 

About the same cost as any other high-quality lotion

NO PMLE symptoms while in the sun during my first trial use!!!

Moisturizing and nearly 100% natural and beneficial ingredients!

The only negative I could come up with was the slight yellow tinge to the lotion .... it should be noted that the key ingredient AGR is yellow, therefore a yellow coloring of the lotion is likely unavoidable!   It was not an issue while using it at all.  If I noticed a light yellowing on the edges of my swimsuit or clothing, it wasn't bad at all AND completely washed away in the laundry without any special stain treatment.  I only note the color because I don't want you to think it's going to be completely white - but I also don't want there to be a staining concern ... I did not experience any issues whatsoever ... even with white suits and clothing.

The lotion is available only online right now by clicking {HERE}.  

In conclusion:

I am so happy to have been made aware of this product and I was even more excited to share it with my readers and fellow sufferers!  I cannot wait to test it out even more in February when we go to Jamaica... that will REALLY be a good test!!  Winter/ Spring vacations is when my skin is the most prone to PMLE symptoms since I do not have a good base tan and my skin isn't used to the sun's harsh rays.  

I will of course continue to update my blog with how the lotion is performing during different 'sun experiences'.... but I have to admit I am totally sold already!  I love that I can choose my own SPF level (unlike with Eucerin) to apply over it and that the AGR ingredient is more concentrated in this product than the Eucerin Sun Defense (I'm basing that on the color and speaking with the developer of the product). 

Thank you for stopping by and I really hope to hear from readers who try this product!  I would love to know if it works as well for you as it did for me!!  :-)

Previous PMLE posts:

http://mommy2connor.blogspot.com/2012/07/pmle-polymorphic-light-eruption.html