Sorry! I wrote a whole introductory thing but messed it up and lost it  so apologies if this one's a little lacklustre second time around! Anyway, I'm Suzy, 29, a teacher. 

I should also apologise immediately for having nothing useful to add to the forum, what with being a complete newbie! I only stumbled upon Helen (very glad I am too!) the other week on ebay and she very very kindly sorted me out with my first ever recipe for body butter.  Incantations and scalded fingers later and I'd a new tub of my own fabulous creation!

I've always had really dry skin, which has turned me into a bit of a potion junkie over the years. Anything with a nice smell and a pretty bottle and I've been there! My only loyalties have rested with Elemis and BS. Unfortunately though, I've developed an kind of dermatitis over the last 6 years, which is especially bad on the palms of my hands.

I managed to get an appointment at the dermatologist about 6 weeks ago, but was beyond disappointed. I'd done so much research on the internet and worked hard to be informed for the appointment, whereas he gave me 5 mins and diagnosed me with atopic eczema. I'm really not convinced by this for lots of reasons and have decided to bin the steroids and go it alone!

I've been on a candida cleanse for 5 weeks or so and decided to knock my inordinately expensive lotion habit on the head too, in favour of a more nutritious way forward for my skin! It's going well so far. I can't say that the butters are curing anything, but they are definitely calming and preventative. Break outs are definitely less aggressive. I'm hoping that with the regenerative nutrition I can formulate a regenerative skincare regime too. (Hopefully one which includes a home made recipe for Elemis Marine cream, as it's fabulous and my skin loves it!). Worth a try!

Thanks very much to Helen, who's been fabulous in giving loads of help and advice far beyond the call of duty! Can't wait to see the site blossom.

Incidentally, I visited aromantics.co.uk which seemed to have lots of natural emulsifiers and stuff. Don't know if it's cool to plug other sites or not, but I know Helen's encouraging a resource of knowledge, so thought someone might be able to give me their view of if this seems like a valuable site or not?

   suzy, x

Hi Suzy,

Thanks for such a lovely 're'-introduction, lol, amd not at all lack-lustre in the slightest.  We've had a numbers of chats over the past few weeks and as I always say, I really, really am happy to help (I guess I'm taking a leaf out of Earl's book & trying to encourage good Karma - I think that's with a kicking K, lol).  And please do watch them poor fingers, you need them for pointing at those naughty little monkeys. He, he.

As for the site, well I am truly amazed at the support from the forum members and equally amazed at how quickly this forum has grown! (my sincere thanks to each & every one of you  ).  Anyway, as you said, I am trying to encourage a resource of knowledge that is plain English and not one sided - hence the Fresholi Community and the forum.

Erm, is it cool to plug other sites?  Well, the swedish gentleman stock a huge range of products that may be of interest to other members and the purpose of the forum is to be a useful resource for everyone.  However, as you know, I will be increasing the range offered (a gradual process) & I am so very committed (2 T's 2m's? lol) to bringing really good quality products at really reasonable & fair prices as well as offering a very personalised service.  I want to provide what people want (which is one of the reasons I set up the 'Suggest a Product' board - hint, hint, he he).

Anyway Suzy, thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely intro and it really is lovely to have you here.