*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The Dr Schrammek Blemish Balm was provided by Dr Schrammek; however, the Dr Schrammek Cleanser, Herbal Lotion and Special Care Cream are the author’s own products. The review is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Aesthetic Appointment reviews are intended to be for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns.
There is something rather undignified about having a teenage spot on your chin and qualifying for the pensioner’s discount on a Wednesday at your local supermarket. An eye-roll emoji would be immensely suitable right here…
But, when life throws you these curveballs, you’ve got to be prepared to catch, juggle, and throw right back. That’s exactly what I did, when – due to stress and not an upsurge of hormones – I discovered two unsightly, unwelcome, inflamed spots on my otherwise smooth and recently exfoliated chin. The shock and horror that ensued led me to my well-stocked skincare drawer where, lo and behold, I rediscovered an oldie – but, oh my word, what a goodie!
Restrain yourself!
Now, I completely understand that the immediate reaction we all get is to prod and poke at the unwanted bump… but hold back and restrain yourselves, as the regret may be even more monumental than the offending lump.
Do not – I repeat – do not squeeze or strangle, but rather cleanse gently (I used the Dr Schrammek Super Soft Cleanser (R750), which contains no harsh ingredients) and then attempt to soothe with a block of ice. This has an almost immediate effect in reducing the inflammation, decreasing the swelling, and making the pimple less noticeable.
Once I followed my own infinitely wise advice, I dabbed some Dr Schrammek Herbal Care Lotion (R795) on the spots, as the panthenol and allantoin found within the formula would further soothe the inflamed area. I finished off with a thin layer of Dr Schrammek Special Care Cream (R950), which calms the skin effectively. Now for the big guns!
The original BB cream
The Dr Schrammek Blemish Balm (R950) was developed back in the 1960s by Christine Schrammek and was further developed by her daughter – dermatologist and anti-ageing expert Dr Med. Christine Schrammek-Drusio. I thank every lucky star for this fateful moment in beauty history. Initially, it was used for her patients after peels or surgery with the intention to soothe and protect. But, down the line, it actually became the namesake for this product category – the BB cream. And it’s stood the test of time!
The consistency is quite thick, so you only need a little, but the feel on the skin is light. I apply with clean fingers (my shade is Honey and blends seamlessly into my skin). Once the skin is back to normal (the offending spots took their leave in no time), I like mixing a squeeze of it into my moisturiser for a lighter application and a radiant result – flawless skin.
What Dr Schrammek Blemish Balm does
So, what makes this Blemish Balm so amazing? Here’s a brief rundown:
- It’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.
- It calms reddened skin.
- It helps stimulate the regeneration process.
- It protects your skin against pollution.
- Maybe best of all: it conceals while ensuring rapid healing!
With my confidence restored (it has great coverage) and my faith in the healing powers of its ingredients, I can venture forth with flair to claim my senior citizen discounts.
Skin types, shades, and active ingredients
The Dr Schrammek Blemish Balm can be used by any skin type, particularly irritated, large-pored, and impure skin.
It comes in shades of Light, Classic, Honey, as well as Dark Brown, and contains the following active ingredients:
- Zinc oxide: anti-inflammatory, covering
- Titanium dioxide: UV protection, covering
- Liquorice root: anti-inflammatory, brightening
- Panthenol: moisturising, soothing
Where to purchase
Get the full Dr Schrammek range through Evolution Cosmetic – South Africa’s official distributor.
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
