Bronzer Bunny told me I should try the African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Balm several times last year, especially noting how much it helped with her scars. I finally got around to trying it, and can't believe I waited so long because I love it! 

***Purchased by me. Links are non-affiliate. This is not a sponsored post.***

When I purchased this it was called the Intense Skin Repair Balm, and came in a slightly smaller size (the one shown in the pictures above). When I looked up the info for this post, I see that it's now called the African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Body Balm...and is more expensive for a slightly bigger container...oh, and the packaging is different. It's now $55/1.96oz. I assume it's the exact same product, but all the online ingredient lists I could find (Spacenk, Beauty.com, Dermstore.com) seemed much shorter than the one listed on the package I have. I've ordered another one, but until I receive it I won't be 100% certain it's the exact same thing. I'll update this post when find out for sure. Either all that or they just sent me a really old one, because Bronzer Bunny's review, HERE, from last year says Body Balm. Not sure...but I'll definitely update. 

As the name would imply, this is a very intense balm. I wouldn't recommend to use it on your face unless you are very dry, or are spot treating specific areas. A little bit goes a long way, and it's better to start off with way less than you think you'll need (and add more if you want to) until you get comfortable with how the product feels. Check out the pictures below to see what I mean...

The top picture is how the Balm looks straight out of the container. It has an almost a gritty feel until it's all rubbed together and melted. In the bottom picture, the right side is the product smoothed out a little because I wanted to show you how oily it actually is if you use too much or until it's rubbed in completely and absorbed. The glob is after a few minutes of sitting on my hand (while trying to get a good pic), so it's a little melted as well. 

As long as you don't use too much, this Balm sinks in pretty well and quite quickly. I use this on my very dry areas (sides of forehead, cheeks, neck) on nights that I also use my Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20% - I feel it helps create a nurturing and non-occlusive yet protective barrier for the glycolic acid to do its work. Of course, it's only my theory but I find the 2 work very well together...I wake up with skin that looks fresh, plump and feels soothed and nourished. I came to this pairing because the description claims the following:

          Contains mega doses of many healing botanical nutrients and provides intense hydration. Increases circulation to help speed up the healing process of the skin. Tightens the connective tissue and creates a moisture barrier. Ideal for dehydrated skin, winter months, dry climates, windburn & sunburn. Moisturizes and calms dry & sensitive skin. Heals cuts, burns, dermatitis and eczema. 

This also works really well to restore haggard looking cuticles and rough elbows and knees. I've also tried it under my eyes, though for some reason it doesn't seem to work as nicely on that area and the Sisley Eye and Lip Contour Cream still remains my favorite. 

So all of this sounds great but not so outstanding as perhaps other balms might be. BUT, let me add one more thing...this Balm seriously heals. I've had several really rough, chicken-skin like patches on my shins and one on my hand since last November. I've used various cortisone cream concoctions and the rough patches do get better, but they've never actually disappeared. I don't like using cortisone for extended periods of time, so even though the rough patches would get better, inevitably they would also get worse when I stopped using the creams.

I don't know exactly what the rough patches are as I've yet to see a dermatologist (I know, please don't revoke my beauty addict card!), but I'm guessing it's some sort of dermatitis that I've yet to find the source of (have tried eliminating foods and changing things like laundry soap to no avail). Anyway!! Point being that I started using the African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Body Balm on the rough patches and after a few weeks they  are almost all gone!! I only have one left that's super close to being kaput!!! I think that says a lot about how fantastic the healing power is. 

You can see from the first set of pictures that I've used up quite of a bit of this Balm already. I love it so much I even decanted it into 2 smaller jars - one to travel with and one to keep in my makeup bag. When I wrote this and was looking up the ingredient info, I was able to score a second jar on Dermstore on special for $34.50! Score :-)