Published: Mar 2, 2009

Hello Spa Insiders!

In celebration of the new site, I have my first pick ready to go. This is a special one I've had in the back of my mind for awhile. I've come across a lot of great products, but there aren't many that have such a feel good story attached. Skincando’s Combat-Ready Balm is so multi-purpose, it can be used for just about anything skin care-related. Bug bites? Check. Stubborn patches of dry skin? Check. Minor cuts, sunburn, scars? Check, check, check. Basically you can apply the salve to any damaged or inflamed skin and find relief. That alone would be enough to recommend it, but esthetician and owner of Skincando, Sara Damelio has also found a particular niche for her products: helping soldiers overseas.

Three years ago, a military wife bought the cream and sent it to her husband on duty in Iraq. Two weeks later, he called her and asked her to send more – for both himself and his fellow soldiers. “They found it was the only thing that healed their sand flea bites,” says Damelio. They would get 10 to 20 bites each night, and with the hot temperatures during the day, the skin would bake, itch and become worse. Damelio sent over a case with 24 jars for free. As word got out in the press and among the soldiers, she received more requests, as well as offers of help from people interested in supporting the troops. "It's a very positive way to affect change there," says Damelio, "and it's a unique campaign for the beauty industry."

During the summer of 2008, she ran a campaign to try and send 1,000 jars over to troops and exceeded that goal. She estimates that over three years, she's sent more than 3,500 jars in total. The two ounce jar of thick cream lasts for about two months. Anyone can go to her website to donate - just visit www.skincando.com and click on the donation button. Damelio offers the product at $12.50 for donations - wholesale price - and then she covers the shipping costs. Each case is sent to one of 15 soldiers on the ground, who then distribute it to the soldiers that need it. Donors can also provide their names and a personal message to be attached to their jar.

"I'm just happy I could do some good with my company," says Dameilo. Visit www.skincando.com to donate right now. That's where I'm heading next!