Skin Moisturizers

[mysterygal]

I've found a great skin mousturizer, Dove body glow....it sinks right into the skin and leaves it feeling silky soft. I find the winter time to be the hardest on skin...mine always seems to be on the dry side...what are some great finds and maybe other ideas for keeping away the winter dry skin?

[CanadaDoll]

A scrub with sugar and olive oil, it leaves you silky for days, I use it everywhere!:)

[Naama]

A scrub with sugar and olive oil, it leaves you skily for days, I use it everywhere!:)

I wonder, will this make your skin oily if you don't have that dry skin?


Naama

[mysterygal]

I wonder, will this make your skin oily if you don't have that dry skin?


Naama
That's what I was wondering too....I have heard of other women doing this same thing....does the olive oil absorb pretty fast into the skin?...One of the things I hate about moisturizers is a lot of them feel like a slimy layer almost on the skin!

[ShrinkingViolet]

Olive oil can be rather heavy and takes long to sink in. I personally think the smell reminds me too much of food to use it in a salt scrub, so I substitute it with a lighter, easily absorbed oil like apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil or whatever's in the cupboard!

[CanadaDoll]

My skin has never qualified as dry, and I've never had a problem. I think that the water of a shower rinses away the exess, I don't ever end up with it on my clothes or towels after.

I just like it cause it's cheaper than regular bath oils and what not:D :D

[Faye Valentine]

Mysterygal, thanks for the suggestion! I'll give it a try!

I have VERY dry skin and I also have eczema which is very painful if I dont take care of my skin. I actually had a bad case of it when I got pregnant in '04. It was ALL over my body and even left some scars (boy was I a scratcher). It was really bad and made it hard to sleep at night. It never fully went away til maybe late '06. I tried EVERYTHING.

The moisturizer I used that I saw a HUGE change in was Virgin Coconut Oil. I started using it in the beginning of '06. At first, I was uncomfortable with it because it was oily but then my skin was really absorbing that stuff as I rubbed it in. Its really great but if you don't like the coconut smell then I wouldn't go for it. I'd drench my body in it, especially at night, and my boyfriend said he had to sleep on the floor a few times because the smell was too much for him. lol. but hey, i woke up with silky soft skin and it cured my eczema! I should've known this stuff would work. My grandmother used to make her own when i was a little girl.

I don't know where you could get it ready-made in the US or anywhere else other than the philippines for that matter. My family bought bottles upon bottles from the philippines for me (when they went there on vacation on course) because the change was so drastic. it was like a miracle oil (it was even on the news. it has all these medical advances or whatever. i've even seen kids take 2 tablespoons a day, by their parents, because it's really healthy for you). anywho, i think you can actually find this stuff on ebay or search google for some virgin coconut oil products.

haha. well, it's just a suggestion for anyone who has extremely dry skin. it worked for me.

[Paisley]

Aubrey Organics (http://www.aubrey-organics.com)makes moisturizers that contain mainly "coconut fatty acid cream base."

DHC (http://www.dhccare.com)makes a line of moisturizers and cleansers out of olive oil. The catalog says they filter out pore-clogging residues.

I've tried samples of both of the above products and I like them. However, I'll probably stick to Oil of Olay and Neutrogena anti-wrinkle, anti-blemish cream because they work well and cost less.

[Rosie]

Olive oil is great to use, so are real cocoa butter and shea butters. Most lotions hae lots of nasty things that you would never want on your skin like petroleum, dyes and fragrances. I don't like those things much so I try to stay away from them.

[pigeon toe]

I get dry skin on my face, especially around my nose. I used to use Aveeno Radiance Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 30, but I recently found something better. I picked up Elizabeth Arden moisturizer with SPF 15 at Marshall's for $10 (normally $34) and it's absolutely lovely! There's not too much in the bottle though, so hopefully it won't run out too quickly.

[MissHuff]

My question is... regular olive oil... or extra-virgin? lol

[jazzzbaby]

I just read recently that Walgreens Nature's Finest Alpha Hydroxy Face Cream, is suppose to be fantastic. It gets glowing reviews and it's only $5.99 ~however, the word is apparently out and some Walgreens are apparently out. I looked on the Walgreen website and they are currently out of stock also. I am hoping to find a jar this weekend to begin trying it. I too use the Neutrogena anti-wrinkle, anti-blemish cream ~ however, if I can find another product that works just as well, & for half the cost then it will be worth it.

If I succeed at finding the cream, I will let you know how it works out.

[CanadaDoll]

My question is... regular olive oil... or extra-virgin? lol

I have extra virgin at home, but hey which everlol

For my general daily care I use oil of olay facial moisturizers, and when I remember Lubriderm lotion, the olive oil for a special occasion that I want to shine for or when I just need a treat:D

[katiemakeup]

All good suggestions! More crap I need to buy. I also like Baby Lotion... I am all about smells.

[Adelle Rose]

I've found a great skin mousturizer, Dove body glow....it sinks right into the skin and leaves it feeling silky soft. I find the winter time to be the hardest on skin...mine always seems to be on the dry side...what are some great finds and maybe other ideas for keeping away the winter dry skin?

I've got that Dove stuff :) A little bit of that goes a long way.. Do you find it at all greasy?
In the winter, I use pure Cocoa Butter and mix it with aloe vera gel as a nightly moisturiser, but in the daytime I just use the Cocoa Butter because the aloe vera gel coats the skin and makes it shine abit :)

[VanillaT]

I have been using the Nivea in the blue tin/glass jar for my heavy moisturization needs and it has been really swell. In fact, I only ever use my Nivea anymore because it has pretty much aced out all of my other moisturizers!

I would note however, that I have really dry skin. :rolleyes:

[LadyStardust]

I use Jergens skin-firming lotion for hands and arms, and it seems to work well. Here's my situation though, and any input would be greatly appreciated. I ALWAYS feel like my hands are horribly dry. Sometimes I expect to look down and see skin flaking off, that's how uncomfortable they feel. But when I rub them together, they're perfectly smooth. I wonder if this is just a psychological thing, or more behind it. [huh] [huh]

[Nightshade]

I just read recently that Walgreens Nature's Finest Alpha Hydroxy Face Cream, is suppose to be fantastic. It gets glowing reviews and it's only $5.99 ~however, the word is apparently out and some Walgreens are apparently out. I looked on the Walgreen website and they are currently out of stock also. I am hoping to find a jar this weekend to begin trying it. I too use the Neutrogena anti-wrinkle, anti-blemish cream ~ however, if I can find another product that works just as well, & for half the cost then it will be worth it.

If I succeed at finding the cream, I will let you know how it works out.
Well, it's back in stock online at least. Let me know how it goes.

[Jenautica]

I've noticed that with certain lotions, my hands will feel great for a while, then it seems like they become even drier than they were before. All of the scented body lotions (not the creams, though) from Bath & Body Works seem to do this to me.

For a good basic everyday type of moisturizer, I'm loving Johnson & Johnson's Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Lotion! It's got a nice light scent and none of the greasiness of straight Cocoa or Shea Butter. I started using the matching baby wash too, with great results. No more rough winter skin!

[Nightshade]

My biggest problem is my scalp. It's not dandruff. My head will scab up for no reason, and just get dry. Right now I use scalpacin every day, and that seems to do the trick, but I go through the $7 bottle really fast, any cheaper or longer term suggestions?

[Jenautica]

This might seem like too simple of an answer, but have you tried changing your shampoo? I generally use Redken's Allsoft everyday, and when I switched to Dove for a few days, my head itched like nobody's business!!! I thought I was gonna lose my mind. I ended up giving myself scabs from scratching.

Another thing you can do is pick up a bottle of Braid-X. I used to get my hair braided with extensions (ala Jane Child) and a few sprays of that stuff would calm the itching and irritation from the knots. It also has a lot of natural oils which might help sooth your scalp.

Edit - I don't think Braid-X is around anymore. You can find braid spray at walmart in the ethnic hair care section or at Sallys, for much cheaper than what you're paying for the scalpicin.

[Rosie]

My biggest problem is my scalp. It's not dandruff. My head will scab up for no reason, and just get dry. Right now I use scalpacin every day, and that seems to do the trick, but I go through the $7 bottle really fast, any cheaper or longer term suggestions?


Do you have curly hair naturally? If you do, it may be the shampoo, curly haired girls really shouldn't use shampoo on their head, use conditioner (yes, conditioner) as a shampoo instead. Another thing to do, and I'm not sure how you will feel about this, (usually when I tell people who aren't of color, they get kind of weirded out, since we have different hair textures) olive oil (yes olive oil) monoi oil, coconut oil and good old shea butter will keep your scalp from being too dry. A good remedy for those without such curly or nappy hair is warm water seeped with rosemary and very little coconut oil. Spritz this right onto your scalp for moisture and no itchies.

[Dixon Cannon]

I find Zim's 'Crack Cream' does the trick for me! Check it out!

-dixon cannon

www.crackcreme.comhttp://www.crackcreme.com

[Mahinatakataka]

Olive oil is great to use, so are real cocoa butter and shea butters. Most lotions hae lots of nasty things that you would never want on your skin like petroleum, dyes and fragrances. I don't like those things much so I try to stay away from them.

I agree. The lady we buy fresh farm eggs from and lotions and herbs is an amazing one-person "cottage industry" who works with nutritionists and health professionals. She says 'If it contains ingredients that you'd be afraid to ingest, it shouldn't go on your skin."

Coconut butter (oil or anything coconut) is also great for thyroid support. :)

[BegintheBeguine]

(*You should see some of the stuff I ingest, it would give you nightmares. ;) ) Shamboosie wrote an excellent book called Beautiful Black Hair: Real Solutions to Real Problems. I ordered it for my branch public library and when I read it I learned a lot and UN-learned a lot, too.

[Mahinatakataka]

(*You should see some of the stuff I ingest, it would give you nightmares. ;) ) Shamboosie wrote an excellent book called Beautiful Black Hair: Real Solutions to Real Problems. I ordered it for my branch public library and when I read it I learned a lot and UN-learned a lot, too.

LOL. Yeah, I'm getting better about what I eat (and don't eat). I have found the "margain of error" narrows as we age :rolleyes:

I have straight black hair and have died, curled and otherwise tortured it for years before let it be and let it shine with the right shampoo and conditioner. Amazon.com didn't have a lot on the Shamboozie book. Would you recommend it for all hair types and as a good guide for skin, etc?

[BegintheBeguine]

I would recommend it to learn about Black hair, but I also found some good advice for my white-person's very coarse thick naturallly red going gray hair. He had specific problems and easy-to-follow regimens for each problem. I admit I don't remember anything about skincare or not. Perhaps your local library has it or can order it for you. An inter-library loan might be only a few dollars, to borrow the book.
I also recommend Monoi oil for hair and body. I got mine from Yves Rocher online.

[Mahinatakataka]

I would recommend it to learn about Black hair, but I also found some good advice for my white-person's very coarse thick naturallly red going gray hair....I also recommend Monoi oil for hair and body. I got mine from Yves Rocher online.

Good to know. Thanks!

[GOK]

I'm another fan of shea butter - try to get fairly traded stuff and make sure it's unrefined and food grade. It's truly wonderful stuff. Pure cocoa butter is also fantastic and of course, it has that delicious chocolate scent!

Nightshade, I get eczema on my scalp (think cradle cap in babies!). It really flares up when I am stressed and is really quite a miserable state of affairs to be in. Not only do I get thick crusts on my scalp (sorry if that's TMI) but clumps of my hair fall out and the general condition of my hair is quite poor too. I tried all kinds of things from the doctor - none worked. I also tried coconut oil - it merely succeeded in making my hair greasy (I've never had greasy hair). Recently I've been using T-Gel, which is made by Neutrogena and I have to say that it is brilliant. It pongs a bit (coal tar) but it really does work. If you use a good conditioner afterwards, it will take away the coal tar smell.

Some reviews here. (http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews4993.html)

Neutrogena hand cream is fantastic too.

Here's a recipe for an anti itch serum I used to use when I had dreads -it's probably similar to Braid-X;

1 cup water
1 cup witch hazel
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
20 drops tea tree oil

Mix all in a spray bottle. Shake well, and spray on scalp irritations as needed. Keep chilled for extra relief.

[Folly]

Most of my skin is very, very oily and the rest is so dry that it literally flakes off. I've tried Lush moisturisers for combination skin, it soaks right into the dry parts and sits atop the oily, so I used one for oily skin which was superb, but stung like fire on the dry bits. So I'm now on Imperialis (so far so good) and use Coalface to wash with as it isn't too drying.

[GOK]

Most of my skin is very, very oily and the rest is so dry that it literally flakes off. I've tried Lush moisturisers for combination skin, it soaks right into the dry parts and sits atop the oily, so I used one for oily skin which was superb, but stung like fire on the dry bits. So I'm now on Imperialis (so far so good) and use Coalface to wash with as it isn't too drying.

Have you tried Almond Kisses, Folly? It's very good. For combination skin, I've found I cannot beat Origins Perfect World. For washing, I use Aqua Marina everyday (occasionally, AOBS) - it's brilliant! I prefer it to Coalface, as I find that even that dries out my skin. My MIL bought me some Burt's Bees Orange Cleanser for Chrimbo (it has no bee products in it!) - it's wonderful! Absolutely no tightness after using at all. I may get some more when I've run out of AM.

[Rosie]

I also recommend Monoi oil for hair and body. I got mine from Yves Rocher online.

Monoi from Yves Rocher is FANTASTIC! and at such a great price!

[Rosie]

I agree. The lady we buy fresh farm eggs from and lotions and herbs is an amazing one-person "cottage industry" who works with nutritionists and health professionals. She says 'If it contains ingredients that you'd be afraid to ingest, it shouldn't go on your skin."

Coconut butter (oil or anything coconut) is also great for thyroid support. :)

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap VERY TRUE! Most people don't realize this. If you won't eat something, it should not be on your skin. One of my HUGEST reasons for no longer perming or dyeing my hair. And THE reason that I don't use anything non natural on my skin. Things absorn DIRECTLY into your system. :eek:

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

For a nice scrub, try Trader Joe's! They have a tangerine sugar scrub that's about $4, and leaves a layer of oil behind that really softens. However, since I am acne-prone I don't use it on my chest or back, and certainly not face, because I don't want to increase the risk of breakouts.

As for moisturizers, normally I just use Jergen's. I have Benefit Bathina "Touch me then try to leave..." cream, which I like a lot, but is expensive and there isn't much in the container. I also have Bliss spa stuff that I got for Christmas, which smells great and seems to work, but again, expensive.

[pigeon toe]

When I was shaving in the shower last night I discovered the best shaving cream. My legs were so incredibly soft when I got out of the shower, it was almost scary!

I use Cholesterol deep-conditioning hair conditioner at least once a week (I have massive amounts of dry, damaged hair), and while I was deep-conditioning last night, I decided to use the extra on my hands as shaving cream. It works brilliantly. I take very hot showers too, and there wasn't a single dry spot in sight on my legs.

[Folly]

Have you tried Almond Kisses, Folly? It's very good. For combination skin, I've found I cannot beat Origins Perfect World. For washing, I use Aqua Marina everyday (occasionally, AOBS) - it's brilliant! I prefer it to Coalface, as I find that even that dries out my skin. My MIL bought me some Burt's Bees Orange Cleanser for Chrimbo (it has no bee products in it!) - it's wonderful! Absolutely no tightness after using at all. I may get some more when I've run out of AM.

I haven't tried Almond Kisses - it's a little expensive for me! I have a sample of Aqua Marina but the woman who served me said it might be too much for the oily parts of my face.
The only place I go to is Lush because of the vegetarian products and no-animal-testing policy. Is Origins okay on those counts?

[GOK]

Yes, Origins is fine. My SIL first turned me onto it when she bought me a set of moisturisers....she spent absolutely ages looking for a UK company that fulfilled my criteria!

I have combination skin too and I have absolutely no problem with AM. One week a month, my T-zone is super greasy, whilst my cheeks flake - at this time, AM is the only thing I would even consider using!

Have you tried asking for a sample of Almond Kisses? The SAs should give you some.

PT - I've been using conditioner as a shaving lotion for years! I'd never go back to using trad. shaving gels or even shower gel. In fact, the only other thing I do sometimes use is MMU's Smooth Operator. I love MMU because a) it's not animal tested b) it is mostly all natural ingredients (heck, even Lush has to use some chems!) and c) you can customise the products to your own personal tastes. There are 669 scents to choose from, or you can create your own. I love the Blackberry Musk, Lace Garter and Persephone's Kiss...absolutely wonderful stuff. Nancy, the owner, is lovely and very helpful.

http://www.mmucosmetics.com

[Mahinatakataka]

I hear you Rosie. I'm slowly learning to be more careful about what I eat, use and where it comes from. I would love to find a natural hair care/organic salon in my area...

Trader Joes - love their stuff and their prices.

Pigeon Toe, could you tell me where you get the cholesterol conditioner? It sounds like it could maybe help a friend of mine who has dry, damaged hair.

[ITG]

Nightshade, I have a similar problem with my scalp. I've used a product called Melaleuca oil. I have skin problems on my elbows too and this oil seems to help in that area if I am consistent on applying it.

http://www.melaleuca.com/ps/index.cfm?f=ps.productDetail&pid=3650

[Nightshade]

Thanks ladies. I'll try your suggestions. (And yes, I have changed shampoo so many times, it's ridiculous!:p )

[mysterygal]

Bath and body works has great skin conditioners also. My aunt stocked me up (christmas present) and been loving the products. I think my favorite so far is their body lotion that has a light tangerine smell to it. It absorbs quickly into the skin (no greasy feel) and leaves the skin incredibly soft.

[pigeon toe]

PT - I've been using conditioner as a shaving lotion for years! I'd never go back to using trad. shaving gels or even shower gel. In fact, the only other thing I do sometimes use is MMU's Smooth Operator. I love MMU because a) it's not animal tested b) it is mostly all natural ingredients (heck, even Lush has to use some chems!) and c) you can customise the products to your own personal tastes. There are 669 scents to choose from, or you can create your own. I love the Blackberry Musk, Lace Garter and Persephone's Kiss...absolutely wonderful stuff. Nancy, the owner, is lovely and very helpful.



I've used conditioner before, but every other kind I tried just slid right off. Cholesterol is thick enough that it actually sticks to my leg. I'll definitely have to check out MMU! I've been trying to switch to all organic products, but it's tough!



Pigeon Toe, could you tell me where you get the cholesterol conditioner? It sounds like it could maybe help a friend of mine who has dry, damaged hair.

I buy Cholesterol from beauty supply stores and "indoor swap meet" style places (I have no idea if they have those in any other city!). I only really go to beauty supply stores that cater to ethnic haircare, so I don't know if it'll be available in every chain, but it's pretty well-known! I use the Strengthening & Conditioning formula, which is orange and in a tub. I've used the pale yellow kind in a tube before, but it didn't soften my hair at all.

[Jenautica]

As a recent SoCal transplant, I really do miss a good Indoor Swapmeet!!! You can get all sorts of hair products for next to nothing; I was definitely getting spoiled shopping there.

[pigeon toe]

As a recent SoCal transplant, I really do miss a good Indoor Swapmeet!!! You can get all sorts of hair products for next to nothing; I was definitely getting spoiled shopping there.

Haha! Yeah! I go there all the time with my boyfriend since he seems goes through a tin of pomade every five seconds! I'm always finding great new hair products to try out. And I love looking at the hot pink and blue hair extensions they have there. Makes me wish I had a reason to buy them!

[Lady Day]

Adding to my cocoa butter obsession, I recently switched to this and I must say, it works grand.

http://www.etbrowne.com/images/CBF-facial-moisturizer.jpg

http://www.etbrowne.com/products/Collection.aspx?CategoryID=3&CollectionID=27


It has evened out my skin pretty well, and cleared it up too. I must say, the cocoa butter smell on my face was a bit strange :o but it is great and a little goes a long way too!

LD

[Vivi]

For my face I use Oil of Olay the regular pink lotion, or the one with SPF if I'm gonna be outside and for my body I use St. Ives, works great and it's so affordable!