Giveaway: Theraderm Skin Renewal System

I'm in my 30s. And like most women, I'm starting to look at people around me and realize that those people who looked so old to me when I was in my teens are now ... my friends. We don't look old to me now, though, and I want to be sure I for one never do. That said, I'm not willing to invest hours and thousands of dollars on treatments and skin creams and specialty this and that. It just doesn't fit into my schedule.

Therapon Skin Health sent me their Skin Renewal System, which is a four step product. Let's just say that I wasn't sure how that would go. I've used other products that have multiple steps to their systems, and I've never stuck with it. I don't like the smell of them, or they take too long, or I don't like how they make my skin feel, or something else. This one I've been using for almost a month, and I'm good with it.

I keep the cleansing wash in the shower and use it every morning when I'm taking a shower. It's perfect, as the directions suggest using a washcloth to wipe the foam away, and I have everything I need right there. I like the cleaner because it doesn't have a scent - something I'm sensitive to - and it makes my skin feel clean without drying it out or making it super squeaky.

The next step is the fruit acid exfoliant, which sounds only slightly cooler than it is. The system includes little pads to apply the exfoliant, which is a nice bonus. I like the frugality of Therapon here (the system is $137.50, so it's all relative, right?) where they recommend using both sides of the pad rather than using it once and throwing it away. Simply place ten drops on the pad and that's enough for your entire face. When I do this, I have a bit more what looks like dirt come off onto the pad, but I'm pretty sure that's just dead skin cells, which is the point of this step.

The third step is the OPC Reparative Gel. This one is the step that gave me pause at first. It's brown, which just seemed odd to me. It takes two squirts to cover my face and neck, as directed. Fortunately, the color immediately disappears, and it isn't sticky the way I'd feared the gel would be. It dries pretty quickly, too, which means that by the time I've brushed my teeth, I'm ready for the last step.

I really like the gently moisturizer. It takes just a tiny amount to cover everything, and it doesn't leave me feeling greasy. It has a very subtle citrus scent that I like, and I can apply my makeup almost immediately after the moisturizer since it doesn't take long to absorb into my skin.

Best part of the whole system? My skin looks and feels great. It feels soft without being greasy. Interestingly, I've found that while I don't have regular breakouts, I do get them somewhat at that time of the month, but while they haven't completely disappeared, they were minimal this time around, and I love that. This has been my only change, so I have to figure that the Therapon Skin Renewal System had at least something to do with it.

I do wish some things were a little different though. Remember the two squirts of the reparative gel I mentioned? I need one squirt of the cleanser, ten drops of the fruit acid exfoliant, and just a tiny bit of the gentle moisturizer, but two squirts of the reparative gel. I doubt that I'm going to finish up any of the portions of the system anywhere near the same time. I would like the sizes of the products adjusted so that you did finish things up near the same time. Granted, I can purchase the individual components, but it's cheaper to buy the system of course.

I also wish that the moisturizer had sunscreen (physical barrier versus a chemical barrier!) included in it. Once I put on my moisturizer, I don't want to add another lotion, as that is too heavy for my skin, and it makes me feel greasy. Down the road, I can almost guarantee that I'll simply switch out the moisturizer for one with sunscreen.

All in all though, I'm really happy with the system. Yes, it does cost $137.50, but in the month or so that I've been using it, I've barely made a dent in the product. This is going to last me a long time, making it easier to justify the purchase price for the system that makes my skin feel good.

Even better, one of you will get to try out the system, too! I have a Therapon Skin Renewal System to give away to one lucky reader. So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Wednesday June 29 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me - what is your biggest skin challenge?

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and and Therapon on Twitter, then tweet this contest with the following tweet: "Need a new solution for your skin? Win a Skin Renewal System from @honestandtruly and @TheraponSkin http://bit.ly/lgPuBX" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.
5) Like Therapon Skin Health on Facebook and let me know you did.
6) Sign up for Therapon Skin promos here and let me know you did so.

Good luck!

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a Theraderm Skin Renewal System for review purposes from Therapon. I have not received any compensation, and as always, all opinions expressed remain my own.