Rescue and relief sums it up. That’s exactly what this remarkable product gave me. Being selected to test CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray ($34) happened at just the right time; I had developed a terrible outbreak of what I assume is eczema. I have not been plagued with this affliction for more than 10 to 15 years (I’m 47), and this time instead of a minor case on my hands, both forearms from just above elbow to wrist became infected with this hideous rash. I would awaken during the night scratching and find spots of blood on the sheets and pillowcases. Some things gave partial, temporary relief from the itching, but instead of dissipating, it was worsening!

Upon reading Marta’s review of CV Skinlabs Body Repair Lotion ($36 in the shop) and visiting the CV Skinlabs website (prior to being selected to test the spray), I was impressed (and hopeful) and placed my order on February 11! The Body Repair Lotion gave the longest relief from itching. I would still awaken during the night, but the severity was less and the unsightly mess was beginning to heal.

After being selected to test Rescue + Relief Spray, it arrived the evening of March 25, and I excitedly opened the package to find a full-size (6 oz) bottle. I was just about to apply more Body Repair Lotion, but I used the spray instead. It was glorious! It was immediately cooling and refreshing. The itching subsided. I did remember to take before and after photos, so even though I’m itching (oh the things we do for research and testing), I snapped a few pics you will see below.

LEFT ARM

RIGHT ARM

The directions say to spray liberally on affected areas. Reapply as needed day and night. For best results, store in the refrigerator (an added bonus to the cooling affect). For the first four days, I probably applied the spray four to five times. The third night of use was the first time I did not awaken to itchy arms. I could spray my arms before bed and they did not itch during the night, and I could visibly see that the rash was continuing to heal. The spray seems to be working quicker than the Body Repair Lotion.

The line’s signature blend, Tri-Rescue Complex, is in all CV Skinlabs products. Marta goes into further detail (in her Body Repair Lotion review) about the three ingredients comprising this blend: turmeric, alpha-bisabolol, and reishi mushroom. The Tri-Rescue Complex blend is defined by CV Skinlabs  as a powerful combination of anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and skin-soothing ingredients that encourage repair and heal damaged skin, while restoring a youthful glow. Emily provided a great review of another product, CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, and Scalp ($49 in the shop), which I also use daily.

In addition to the Tri-rescue Complex, the Rescue + Relief Spray lists other key ingredients, such as chamomile and cucumber to deliver calming, cooling and skin-softening benefits. Water lily with its purifying and heat-removing properties, along with valerian and comfrey to provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits that help support skin healing.

Water lily appears as an ingredient in some hair care products as it soothes and reduces inflammation. Marta also mentions it in Epicuren Discovery Milk Cleanser for antiseptic properties. EWG’s Skin Deep beauty database classifies the function as a skin-conditioning agent. It contains the active alkaloids nupharine and nymphaeine, and is a sedative and an aphrodisiac. Hundreds of years ago, monks and nuns used the root as an aphrodisiac by crushing it and mixing with wine.

Valerian was a surprising ingredient to find. I use valerian as a sleep aid, which is mainly what you find it used for, sleep and anxiety issues. EWG does classify it as skin conditioning and soothing. Wikipedia led me to ayurvedic medicine, regarded as part of complementary and alternative medicine, along with siddha and traditional Chinese medicine. Ayurvedic uses valerian oil to treat dry scaly skin. The antibacterial properties are helpful in the remedy of burns, cuts, wounds, open sores, eczema, bruises, psoriasis, itchiness, boils, acne, scars, insect bites and stings.

Comfrey, according to a Purdue University study, has been reported to promote cell proliferation and healthy skin, due to its mucilage content that moisturizes and soothes. Greeks and Romans used comfrey to stop heavy bleeding, treat bronchial problems, heal wounds and broken bones. They also made poultices for external wounds and tea was consumed for internal ailments. EWG lists it as a naturally occurring nitrogenous compound used as a skin-conditioning agent.

Sodium Palmitoyl Proline (L-Proline) is the third ingredient listed. It is not included in the lotion or the face cream. EWG classifies it as a substituted amino acid, a skin-conditioning agent. Medical publications describes Proline as an amino acid necessary for the production of collagen. They go on to say proline, along with other amino acids like glycine, help create new cell formation and can contribute to maintaining younger-looking skin.

I’m not sure how Rescue + Relief Spray works, but bottom line is: IT WORKS!

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glycerin, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract (Water Lily), Valeriana Officinalis Rhizome/Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Water (Aqua), Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract (Comfrey), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maltodextrin *Organic