Customer Reviews
Success Story: Meghan’s Skin Recovery
Before: Meghan struggled from early childhood with full‑body eczema. Over time, heavy topical steroids lost effectiveness. Her skin turned bright red, peeled, leaked plasma, and became extremely fragile. Doctors offered stronger steroids, but nothing helped.
Turning Point: We discovered the concept of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) and decided to stop steroid use. Within days, her skin worsened, triggering deep withdrawals. For months, she experienced intense discomfort, flaking, oozing, itching — everything felt worse before it got better.
Natural Solution: Around month 4, we introduced a gentle balm formulated with medical‑grade Manuka honey, shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. The balm soothed irritation and helped skin regain flexibility. By month 6, a supportive skin and body‑care routine — including a gentle alkalizing approach — helped calm internal acidity and control bacterial overgrowth, which often worsens skin sensitivity.
Results: Within four weeks of that new routine, her skin became clearer, thicker, and healthier than it had in years. Though her skin remained slightly pink for a while, the severe itching, flaking, and oozing stopped. Gradually, her skin tone evened out. She returned to school, resumed normal teenage life, and now manages occasional environmental allergies with mild, natural supplements — free from constant skin issues.
Takeaways:
- Natural, chemical‑free balms can support skin healing — especially after long‑term steroid use.
- Consistent skin and lifestyle care (diet, alkalizing baths, gentle products) can improve skin resilience over time.
- Recovery from chronic skin conditions takes patience — but noticeable results can occur within a few weeks.
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Chubby Bee – Honey Bee Soothed Body Balm
Price range: $27.00 through $49.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Inner Balance pH 1000g
After using topical steroids regularly for over 10 years, I suffered a major flair in March 2017 and decided to stop applying the steroid creams, which had been my “go-to” for many years previously. Even in their most potent form, I found they were not working anymore.
By ceasing the steroid creams, I began to flair very badly and woke one morning to find I had the common red sleeves and legs and was in a lot of pain and discomfort.
With nothing else to do but look for answers, I scoured the internet and stumbled across the ITSAN website and found that the symptoms so many were suffering were the same as mine. Reading how long it takes to recover from TSW was heartbreaking. I was bed-bound and unable to spend any quality time with my 2 young children. Over a period of 6 weeks, my symptoms got progressively worse, with my mother having to visit my house morning and night to look after me.
With my whole system going crazy, bright red oozing skin, loss of hair and eyebrows, it became clear that I was in for a tough time, and the decision was made that I leave my house and move to my parents' for intensive care. I had 3 house visits from my Doctor, he was shocked to see the state of my condition and was insistent that I receive steroid injections to bring my system under control. I made it clear that, as bad as I was feeling, I would have no further steroids administered and I would stay strong and let my body recover.
This was a tough decision to make, as at times I wondered if I would ever be healed, and I felt very depressed. Unable to move or walk without pain and night times being especially bad with disrupted sleep patterns, I began to fall into despair. Like many sufferers, I spent many hours on the internet and connecting with fellow TSW warriors across the various Facebook pages, ordering endless supplements and changing my diet to try and find something that would ease my discomfort. Endless days lying in a bath or sitting under a rug to keep warm whilst it was hot and sunny outside, it’s a period of time that I will never forget! After many weeks and months of suffering, I connected with someone across Facebook who had seen great results with the use of medical-grade soda bicarbonate, and I was passed contact details for Karyn.
I messaged Karyn and found she was both very knowledgeable and helpful regarding TSW I ordered a supply of Soda and started talking immediately. Within 2 weeks, I noticed improvements, and over the past number of months, my skin is currently better than I can ever remember. I am now 16 months TSW and am living proof that the continued use of potent steroid creams is not needed to live a happy life with normal skin. The real test came a few weeks ago, when I went on a holiday, previously my skin had reacted badly in sunshine, this time I spent the entire week in the sun, and my skin remained clear and without itch. I now spend time connecting with others who are suffering in the midst of TSW, if I can heal using the soda product, then so can others. Karyn and the soda product have been my lifesaver.
By ceasing the steroid creams, I began to flair very badly and woke one morning to find I had the common red sleeves and legs and was in a lot of pain and discomfort.
With nothing else to do but look for answers, I scoured the internet and stumbled across the ITSAN website and found that the symptoms so many were suffering were the same as mine. Reading how long it takes to recover from TSW was heartbreaking. I was bed-bound and unable to spend any quality time with my 2 young children. Over a period of 6 weeks, my symptoms got progressively worse, with my mother having to visit my house morning and night to look after me.
With my whole system going crazy, bright red oozing skin, loss of hair and eyebrows, it became clear that I was in for a tough time, and the decision was made that I leave my house and move to my parents' for intensive care. I had 3 house visits from my Doctor, he was shocked to see the state of my condition and was insistent that I receive steroid injections to bring my system under control. I made it clear that, as bad as I was feeling, I would have no further steroids administered and I would stay strong and let my body recover.
This was a tough decision to make, as at times I wondered if I would ever be healed, and I felt very depressed. Unable to move or walk without pain and night times being especially bad with disrupted sleep patterns, I began to fall into despair. Like many sufferers, I spent many hours on the internet and connecting with fellow TSW warriors across the various Facebook pages, ordering endless supplements and changing my diet to try and find something that would ease my discomfort. Endless days lying in a bath or sitting under a rug to keep warm whilst it was hot and sunny outside, it’s a period of time that I will never forget! After many weeks and months of suffering, I connected with someone across Facebook who had seen great results with the use of medical-grade soda bicarbonate, and I was passed contact details for Karyn.
I messaged Karyn and found she was both very knowledgeable and helpful regarding TSW I ordered a supply of Soda and started talking immediately. Within 2 weeks, I noticed improvements, and over the past number of months, my skin is currently better than I can ever remember. I am now 16 months TSW and am living proof that the continued use of potent steroid creams is not needed to live a happy life with normal skin. The real test came a few weeks ago, when I went on a holiday, previously my skin had reacted badly in sunshine, this time I spent the entire week in the sun, and my skin remained clear and without itch. I now spend time connecting with others who are suffering in the midst of TSW, if I can heal using the soda product, then so can others. Karyn and the soda product have been my lifesaver.
Inner Balance pH 1000g
In 2015, we moved from Singapore to Australia, hoping for a better life and relief for our children’s severe eczema. Leaving behind close friends was hard, but we were determined to give them a healthier future.
The move helped our son Alfie—his skin improved quickly. But for our daughter Meghan, things became much worse. We soon discovered she was suffering from Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA), also known as Red Skin Syndrome, after long-term use of strong steroid creams.
Her condition escalated rapidly. Meghan experienced intense, constant itching, severe skin damage, and extreme sensitivity. Her skin barrier was so compromised that her body struggled to regulate temperature, and she looked like a burns patient.
Six months into this journey, Meghan was hospitalised with Eczema Herpeticum, a serious viral infection. Her body was overwhelmed, and we nearly lost her. After weeks in hospital and ongoing pressure to return to steroid treatments, we made the difficult decision to find an alternative path.
I immersed myself in research and discovered the potential benefits of supporting the body’s pH balance. We began using a high-grade bicarbonate protocol—both in baths and carefully measured internal use.
The results were remarkable. Within hours of her first bath, we saw a significant reduction in inflammation. Over time, her skin began to calm, and her body started to heal.
We also transitioned to natural, chemical-free moisturisers, finding that beeswax-based products worked best to protect and hydrate her skin.
Healing was not instant—it took years. But today, Meghan lives a happy, active life. While she still has mild environmental allergies, they are nothing compared to what she endured.
After five years, Meghan’s journey has helped hundreds of others explore this approach. What once felt impossible is now behind us.
She is finally free. 🦋
The move helped our son Alfie—his skin improved quickly. But for our daughter Meghan, things became much worse. We soon discovered she was suffering from Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA), also known as Red Skin Syndrome, after long-term use of strong steroid creams.
Her condition escalated rapidly. Meghan experienced intense, constant itching, severe skin damage, and extreme sensitivity. Her skin barrier was so compromised that her body struggled to regulate temperature, and she looked like a burns patient.
Six months into this journey, Meghan was hospitalised with Eczema Herpeticum, a serious viral infection. Her body was overwhelmed, and we nearly lost her. After weeks in hospital and ongoing pressure to return to steroid treatments, we made the difficult decision to find an alternative path.
I immersed myself in research and discovered the potential benefits of supporting the body’s pH balance. We began using a high-grade bicarbonate protocol—both in baths and carefully measured internal use.
The results were remarkable. Within hours of her first bath, we saw a significant reduction in inflammation. Over time, her skin began to calm, and her body started to heal.
We also transitioned to natural, chemical-free moisturisers, finding that beeswax-based products worked best to protect and hydrate her skin.
Healing was not instant—it took years. But today, Meghan lives a happy, active life. While she still has mild environmental allergies, they are nothing compared to what she endured.
After five years, Meghan’s journey has helped hundreds of others explore this approach. What once felt impossible is now behind us.
She is finally free. 🦋
Inner Balance pH 1000g
Hello everyone, I saw the Medical grade Bicarbonate that Karyn works with on Facebook and was at my wit’s end on how to treat my skin.
I saw Karyn’s daughters post and it was just like my skin so I got in touch with Karyn via pm and talked with her at great length and she told me about the bicarbonate, I waited until it got here and I was very excited to try this as my pH was very low, in the 5.0pH range so I put it in the tub to soak my poor red scratched and bloody self in there and I also started to drink it as well.
What a blessing Karyn Pickles is to me, she saved me, you see I was going into depression because of this awful skin condition and I had it in places you wouldn’t dream up, plus bladder infections, the Dr’s wanted me to go on more cream STERIODS! Bit I said no! So, as a result, and thanks to Karyn and her High-grade bicarbonate, my skin is clear now.
I do continue taking it for ongoing good pH levels plus a good diet. My pH levels are now about 7.6 to over 8 so my body is a nice healthy alkaline level. The service Karyn provides is the best and the parcel of Bicarbonate comes within a week.
I wish I could put pictures but my hubby said no, it would be too scary for some people, PLEASE TRY IT FOR IT DOES WORK. Thank you Karyn, for all you do for all of us poor souls, God bless you,. PS Karyn has also become a good friend to me she is a winner of a girl,
Thank you.
Barbara Lavelle
I saw Karyn’s daughters post and it was just like my skin so I got in touch with Karyn via pm and talked with her at great length and she told me about the bicarbonate, I waited until it got here and I was very excited to try this as my pH was very low, in the 5.0pH range so I put it in the tub to soak my poor red scratched and bloody self in there and I also started to drink it as well.
What a blessing Karyn Pickles is to me, she saved me, you see I was going into depression because of this awful skin condition and I had it in places you wouldn’t dream up, plus bladder infections, the Dr’s wanted me to go on more cream STERIODS! Bit I said no! So, as a result, and thanks to Karyn and her High-grade bicarbonate, my skin is clear now.
I do continue taking it for ongoing good pH levels plus a good diet. My pH levels are now about 7.6 to over 8 so my body is a nice healthy alkaline level. The service Karyn provides is the best and the parcel of Bicarbonate comes within a week.
I wish I could put pictures but my hubby said no, it would be too scary for some people, PLEASE TRY IT FOR IT DOES WORK. Thank you Karyn, for all you do for all of us poor souls, God bless you,. PS Karyn has also become a good friend to me she is a winner of a girl,
Thank you.
Barbara Lavelle
Inner Balance pH 1000g
Karyn turned our lives around.
Her kind and thoughtful demeanor made it possible to try the Soda she was working with which made me realise what a wonderful product it was!
We were suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal and within 6 months, my daughter was better. Within a month, huge leaps and bounds. The Soda bathes were the only thing my daughter used for her skin. No moisturizers.
I solely thank the Soda bathes for providing my daughter comfort in a time where she was truly suffering and nothing else helped. She was suffering with strep and staph infections when I introduced the soda and has never dealt with them since.
Our whole family still uses Karyn’s soda when we take baths. It makes the water smooth and leaves our skin feeling wonderful.
Thank you Karyn for sharing the news of this amazing product. You are an angel! Reagan
Her kind and thoughtful demeanor made it possible to try the Soda she was working with which made me realise what a wonderful product it was!
We were suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal and within 6 months, my daughter was better. Within a month, huge leaps and bounds. The Soda bathes were the only thing my daughter used for her skin. No moisturizers.
I solely thank the Soda bathes for providing my daughter comfort in a time where she was truly suffering and nothing else helped. She was suffering with strep and staph infections when I introduced the soda and has never dealt with them since.
Our whole family still uses Karyn’s soda when we take baths. It makes the water smooth and leaves our skin feeling wonderful.
Thank you Karyn for sharing the news of this amazing product. You are an angel! Reagan
Inner Balance pH 1000g
Before meeting Karyn, I was a red, hot, swollen, stinging mess! I was in the worst stages of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) and couldn’t see a light at the end of any tunnel!
After hearing rave reviews of Karyn herself, InnerbalancepH bicarbonate and the beeswax balms she provided on an online support group.
I reached out and she changed the course of my skin journey.
Within days, I saw dramatic improvements on my face and arms. The redness and swelling reduced and my rashes started to clear.
I had literally tried every natural product I thought was relevant to my skin type and condition, so I couldn’t believe the quick results of her product.
Almost a year later, my skin has not flared like it did before I started using the Inner balance pH protocol. Karyn has been there every step of the way, checking in and catering to my needs. I have, and will continue to refer everyone I know to Karyn who I believe will benefit from using InnerbalancepH and the beeswax balms.
After hearing rave reviews of Karyn herself, InnerbalancepH bicarbonate and the beeswax balms she provided on an online support group.
I reached out and she changed the course of my skin journey.
Within days, I saw dramatic improvements on my face and arms. The redness and swelling reduced and my rashes started to clear.
I had literally tried every natural product I thought was relevant to my skin type and condition, so I couldn’t believe the quick results of her product.
Almost a year later, my skin has not flared like it did before I started using the Inner balance pH protocol. Karyn has been there every step of the way, checking in and catering to my needs. I have, and will continue to refer everyone I know to Karyn who I believe will benefit from using InnerbalancepH and the beeswax balms.
I recently met Karyn at the Eumundi markets & bought ‘Repair Me’ and ‘Loosen up’ muscle rub.
I am absolutely thrilled with the results of using the ‘Repair Me’ cream.
I have suffered from a skin rash problem around the middle of my body for a couple of years & treatments of various creams & antibiotics from skin specialists have not helped at all.
The ‘Repair me’ cream started reducing the severity after 3 applications & it had almost gone after a week. It has also quickly healed a few other dry spots.
I have also used your ‘Loosen Up’ Muscle Rub with great success on my grandson’s sore shoulder after a long basketball practice.
Pam Stokes – Australia
“My skin has done a complete turn around since using the ‘Honey Bee soothed’ product”.
I was an itchy, swollen mess with dry flakey patches, I would bleed when I scratched and I could not use any other product without a reaction.
Since using the HBS balm alongside the ‘Innerbalanceph’ to bath in has turned my life around.
Thank you so much ‘Chubby bee’❤️
Suzanne Cullen
London
I recently saw Karyn’s Chubby bee stall at the Redcliffe markets whilst on holiday. My friend was interested in the skin repair cream but the facial balm caught my eye ” I thought oh no, yet another promise all, deliver nothing product’, after talking with Karyn and loving her personality, I honestly just bought her product because i liked her Lol. Anyway, to say that I am impressed would be an understatement. My fine lines have disappeared, my skin feels soft and as it says on the tin it glows. I can’t stop recommending this product to all the women I know.
Thank you Karyn, Chubby Bee is my new all body skin care.
Lesley Polson
Want to Share Your Story?
If you have a meaningful experience with our products or routines — especially relating to eczema, dry skin, sensitive skin, or TSW — we’d love to feature your journey here.
Contact us to tell us about your condition including before, what you used, and how things changed. With your consent, we can help you tell the story and support others on their healing path.
