HALP

[aesc]

It's that time of year again, when the cold, dry air vacuums every last drop of moisture out of my skin. Seriously, I have been through most drug-store lotions, a lot of Bath & Body Works, and post-shower body oil, and nothing has worked. My sides, my shoulders, the backs of my calves, and bizarrely, the front of my thighs, itch, burn, and sting and it sucks.

Those of you with dessicated skin: what do you use? I was thinking of springing for some LUSH body lotion, but I'd rather not wait a week for relief.

(My local skin care resources are: drug stores [but pretty much everything I've found there hasn't worked well, or smells terrible], Bath & Body Works, Body Shop, Sephora, and Ulta. Of course there is also the Interwebs, but... instant gratification.)



Brendan's chafing too. No one's happy!

Comments

[chickyoops.livejournal.com]

Well, it won't exactly be instant gratification, but I can send you some stuff that work wonders for me. It's a Danish brand and it's LUSH, but also CHEAP-ish. Plus it's allergy/etc friendly. :D

[rilestar.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend some Aloe Vera gel or cream - you might need to carry a tube with you and reapply during the day. Also, I'd recommend making sure that whatever you're washing yourself with in the shower specifies that it's soap-free, as soap will dry out your skin further. :-( poor aesc

[lysambre.livejournal.com]

If you are using only products based on mineral oils, then it's normal that it keeps chaffing, as mineral oils don't penetrate, they protect.

Vegetable oils will penetrate and hydrate the skin in a much better way.

So at night, vegetable oil to hydrate the skin and in the morning mineral oil to protect the skin (from the cold/pollution/whatever else).
For the vegetable oils, don't hesitate to spend 5 more minutes massaging it into your skin and don't be afraid to put a tiny bit too much :).

I've got hands smooth like a baby's butt ;) .

[less-star.livejournal.com]

NIVEA, but maybe that's not available in the US? I have monstrously dry skin if I don't moisturize everyday. I only wish I looked as pretty when chafing and miserable.

[let-fate-decide.livejournal.com]

OT, but I get happy whenever I see that icon you're using. ♥ oh, John.

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

*points up* What lysambre said. I use straight olive oil and coconut oil to moisturize in our horribly dry climate, and they work much better than any commercial lotion I've tried.

[wojelah.livejournal.com]

I actually really love the body cream from Bath and Body Works (specifically, this)

It's relatively inexpensive and it makes my hands feel MUCH better.

[herophelia.livejournal.com]

i actually use a body cream that my company makes and i haven't had rough or dry skin since the first time i used it. that may not sound difficult in california, but remember that i travel. going from warm and sunny to dry as a bone after a five hour plane ride is not a nice thing to do to your skin. it's actually a body soufle. it's amazing. and one pot lasts such an incredibly long time. if your face is prone to drying out there's also a waterless vitamin c that is like putting liquid silk on your face, seriously. i don't know what i did before i had it. **coughcough** sorry. got carried away. anywho, if you can't find what you want instant gratification wise, let me know. i can send you some samples.

living for inspiration,
Ophelia

[anatsuno.livejournal.com]

I like Lush's massage bars... But they not all I use, either.
I second the vegetal oil vs mineral - most cheap moisturizing products are fulla mineral oild which won't do you any good in the circumstance. Also, don't forget that hydrating is done from within, too: up your liquid intake, drink more water/herbal teas and juice (remember that tea and coffee don't really count as liquid intake because of the diuretic effect)...

[ashkitty.livejournal.com]

Plain old Neutrogena. Amazing stuff.

[oriolegirl]

My dermatologist recommended Moisturel cream and I think it's fabulous; my arms and legs have never been so soft. I haven't found the jars in an actual store, but they sell it on drugstore.com.

[caersmane.livejournal.com]

Depending on whether it bothers you or not, I used to use an oil/lotion made from ostrich fat. I know, it sounds a bit odd, maybe gross, but where I lived in WA a company tried to use all aspects of the ostriches they farmed. My daughter has very bad ecsema (mine is not quite as bad as hers) and during the winter this was the only thing that worked for her. I don't have a link for ordering, but you could find it online. Several companies make it.

[toft-froggy.livejournal.com]

Oy, nasty. Hope you find something! I'm afraid I have no helpful suggestions - my skin is way over the other side into greasy.

[aesc.livejournal.com]

I would borrow some of your grease, but... ick :D

[aesc.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I have it bookmarked now in case nothing here works out ♥

[aesc.livejournal.com]

Heh, that actually reminded me of a relation (uncle's cousin, whatever that is) who raised emus some years ago. She sold them for meat, but also made lotion from the fat, and I got some of it. I never really cared for the smell, but I do recall that it was rather effective :D

Dry Skin

[jx-walker.livejournal.com]

What works for me is "Neutrogena Hand Cream". I have dry legs and this always works. Maybe you and John can help each other applying the lotion.

[zap99nad.livejournal.com]

zomg..you're describing my body *scratches*

I use (by Vaseline) the 'intensive rescue extra strength hypoallergenic lotion'....I practically have to marinate in it from November to March...fun times. But, it works...

[elanor-me.livejournal.com]

I use Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Comfort Cream. It works fantastically because it absorbs right away (read: instant relief). Then I like to use a mineral oil type stuff to protect and keep the moisture in. I live in Calgary which is possibly one of the driest places EVER, so finding a good moisturizer is crucial to survival up here.

[blackchaps.livejournal.com]

A doctor I know recommends Gold Bond, and says anything with fragrance can make the itchies worse.

[aesc.livejournal.com]

Thank you kindly! If all else fails, I will appeal to you! :)

[aesc.livejournal.com]

I've discovered that the best part about having an office is that I can go in there and moisturize my legs when I need to... And in winter, I need to a lot, omg.

[aesc.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thank you so much! I will be sure to pay much more attention to the ingredients list :)

[aesc.livejournal.com]

It is! I don't think I've tried that one yet... will check it out!

*siiiiigh* I only wish I looked as pretty under any circumstances *g*

[aesc.livejournal.com]

Mmmmmph, he looks rather well moisturized there :>