Let me first say this: What does or doesn't work for me may absolutely work for you! Take this review with a grain of salt and try these products for yourself before you write them off as hopeless. Now, on to the review....
So I thought that I'd found my staple cheapie co-wash conditioner in the Suave Professionals line. They have several conditioners to choose from and at about $3.00 for 30somthing ounces, I almost bought 5 bottles at one time. Over the course of about 3 months I did try out two, the Humectant (compared to Nexxus Humectress) and the Shea and Almond (compared to Aveda). Hands down, the Humectant was WAY better than the Shea and Almond for providing moisture, slip, and having the consistency that I prefer in a co-wash conditioner. I used them both religiously...almost everyday for co-washing, leave-in, baggying....you name it, I was using it!! I really loved what they did for my hair. What I didn't know was that they were simultaneously wreaking havoc elsewhere....Let me back up and explain...
So back in August, I bought my first bottle of the conditioner. August 6th to be exact. About a week later, I saw my sister who immediately stated: "Is everything ok?? You're skin doesn't look as clear as usual..." Hmmmm..I didn't really notice it, but once she said it I couldn't deny it. I looked somewhat like a pre-teen with the breakouts I had going on on both sides of my face and hairline. Initially, I thought it was stress, poor diet, or lack of water causing the adult acne I was experiencing. I kicked up the nutrition (even bought multi-vitamins) and switched back to my college facial system: Clinique. Another sister, who is all medical and stuff, was pushing me to get my thyroid tested. None of us could pin point exactly what was causing the breakouts.
It took me a while to figure out what was going on. I first noticed that my skin would clear up when I was away from home for extended periods of time. So I started washing my pillow cases, and being careful with lotions I used at the house. That didn't help. Clinique didn't help. I was about ready to pull my hair out with frustration. I had a series of weddings and events to look good for and my face was acting a dayum fool! At one point, I looked like I'd been shot in the forehead...it was that bad! LOL!
Then, in October, I bought the two bottles of Giovanni conditioner previously mentioned. It took me a while to notice, but I haven't had a breakout since I've been using them. Everything else in my regimen remained the same, but once the Suave Professionals conditioner left the picture my skin cleared right up. All I can say is that I feel SO relieved. As much as I loved the Suave Professionals line for my hair, I can't sacrifice my sanity for the sake of saving a few bucks on cheap conditioner. Now I am just focused on getting rid of the scarring, and the Clinique system is wonderful at that.
It just goes to show that when switching to a new product, you have to pay attention to EVERYTHING that it does (or doesn't) do for you. Naturals can tend to have issues with breakouts because a lot of the products we use contain oils and other ingredients that can be pore clogging. As soon as you notice a change in your skin, try to tie it back to a recent product addition, then use the process of elimination to find the culprit and get rid of it!
RIP Suave Professionals Conditioner line...I'll pour out some Giovanni for ya... ;)
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