Dry skin relief

[stacey79]

My skin has been especially dry these last few weeks. We're having some frigid weather here in the Midwest. Then we got a new furnace last week that puts out higher heat and dries our air a bit more.

Anyway, I had a coupon so I bought some of that Olay in-shower body lotion. After you wash, you spread it all over and then rinse it off. I've used it for a week now and absolutely love it! It works very well and leaves my skin feeling soft for at least 24 hours. I hope it's OK to share this, but I'm always dubious about things like this, so I wanted to share something that works.

[SandyRN]

I use that too, it just turns my bathtub into a skating rink! I also use the Oil of Olay Shea Butter Wash. I also bought something new recently, it's bodycology foaming bath, and it seems to be safe enough for me to wash with every day, and take a nice foamy bath with it too. I get out and my skin is so soft I dont need a moisturizer anymore.

I also have VERY dry hands because I wash them SO often because I PEE so often...I bought Johnson and Johnson's Extra Care hand lotion and it doesn't wash off when you get your hands wet. Just thought I'd throw that in there.

I love to hear about bath products, etc. It's great to know what works for others!

[aprilmae]

Those sounds great ladies - I am going to have to give those a try!!

[Billsbaby]

how is that for sensitive skin?my husband has eczema,but he also has very sensitive skin.the only face moisturizer we can use is oil of olay regenerist.and body moisturizer is aveeno baby lotion.but we like to know if theres ever any new things to try.i will buy the olay shower oil,it sounds awesome.

[traceann]

Oh l love my Olay In-Shower stuff! Hubby does complain about it being a bit slippery there in the shower, lol. Then I follow up with Eucerin Calming Cream, omg, I love that stuff. Won't go a winter without it - ever!!!! ;)

[L. Thomas]

I make my own dead sea salt scrub. The salt is very fine and I use light oils. People that have eczema and sensitive skin really like it. I don't use any coloring or preservatives and only essential oils so there is nothing that wold cause problems.

I haven't used soap in years as the scrub gets all the dead skin. It makes the tub a hazard so I keep a spray bottle of strong tile cleaner and spray it when I get out and leave the spray bottle in the tub so everyone knows to watch out.

When I shake hands with anyone they always comment about how soft my skin is. My nails look like they have just been polished all the time. That salt scrub is very expensive if you buy it. That is why I started making it. Now all my friends want me to give it to them as Xmas or birthday gifts. They even pay me to make it so they can give it as gifts.

Maybe I should try to start a business.

[traceann]

You should listen to them! :) So many great businesses have been started that way! I make my own sugar scrub with olive oil, fabulous stuff, but again, I am careful with it in the shower, lol. ;)

[Bessie]

My dermatologist recommends Aquaphor. It is kind of like Vaseline and works well for dry skin.

[Bessie]

Traceann,

I looked for the Oil Of Olay shower lotion at Wal-Mart and Target and could not find it. Where do you buy it?

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On Oil of Olay website it is officially called "Olay Ultra Moisture In-shower Body Lotion". It is a product you put on in the shower then rinse off. It has been a lifesaver for my constantly dry itching legs!!! It is one of my favorite beauty products and I hope they don't stop making it. I think some of our medications can dry our skin out, and my skin was dry before so what a disaster. I went thru 1 1/2 years of trying different products that didn't work, and then came across this one. Actually, I don't rinse it off, then put on my PJ pants to make it an extra powerful treatment.

I know some IC patient have sensitivities, so if go to the Olay website they have the ingredients listed online and you also have the option of an online consultation. Keep the combo beauty/health tips coming! Thank you for sharing.

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Sometimes it is hard to find what location the stores put it in. Because it is an in between product being that it is used in the shower. I usually find it at Target with the liquid soaps, but other stores will have it in other locations. I have bought it both at Target and Walmart, but they may be out due to the weather. Walgreens also carries it, but cost more there.

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Traceann,

I looked for the Oil Of Olay shower lotion at Wal-Mart and Target and could not find it. Where do you buy it?

[ICNDonna]

I use Neutrogena after bath oil. I step out of the shower to a bath mat, then put the body oil on before I dry myself. I really prefer it to anything else.

Donna

[Billsbaby]

wow,awesome ideas.i would like to buy some of that sea salt stuff you make,lol!!! i agree with you too donna,i love that oil too,i've used it a few times.i am always trying new things everytime i go to the grocery store.thats like my little treat for going grocery shopping,along with candles,gotta have the candles!!!!

[stacey79]

I've not tried oil before. That would be good, too. I love the in-shower lotion. I have that Scrubbing Bubbles shower cleaner thing. It seems to keep the shower from getting too slippery.

I got my in-shower lotion at Wal-Mart with the bath and shower gels. It wasn't with the Olay products that are near make-up (like facial cloths - which I also love!). But, instead with the soap. I got the formula for extra dry skin. I also like that it's not very scented.

[traceann]

That's funny, I haven't been able to locate it lately either in my stores, but I was just going replenish my supply at drugstore.com, lol.

[Sarojini]

I love the in-shower moisturizers. The Olay one did turn my bathtub into a skating rink, like Sandy said (sorry to borrow your analogy, but it was great :) ). I now use these products from Bath and Body Works "Breathe" line... there are super moisturizing shower gels and also in-shower body lotions. I find these in-shower lotions don't slip up the tub as much but still work well! I like the "Comfort" and "Romance" scents the best & order them online at http://www.bathandbodyworks.com.

I also recently found another nice body wash -- it's Caress Exotic Oils Morroccan scent. It smells kinda spicy but clean at the same time, and it is basically a creamed body oil. Works great!!

[traceann]

Oh that sounds lovely Jen! I must look for it the next time I run out (most likely BEFORE, lol) of body wash! I am liking the Dove "Nights" something or other right now.

[Billsbaby]

l.thomas,could you give me the ingredients for your sea scrub?if you don't want to i understand,if not i would really like to buy some from you,it sounds wonderful,my hubby always has flaky skin it is soooooooo dry all the time and mix that with ultra sensitive,eczema,he can barely use anything.we have yet to find anything that actually takes the flaky skin away.the olay regenerist moisturizer keeps him moisturized without breaking out ,but he still always has crusty skin in places(yuk,i know).so i would be really interested to see if this works.i guess i just always assumed scrubs would make him break out because of how sensitive his skin is,but you said this is good for sensitive.sorry so long and boring!!!!!!! let me know.

[SrMaggie]

This thread was just what the doctor ordered. This weather has been so dry. Besides the dry skin, the static on everything is driving me crazy! My fingers are so dry they are cracking on the side of the nails. I had one finger so tender today and I had to play the piano at church. Ouch - some notes didn't come out so well.
I miss a foamy bath so if the bodycology works I will be in heaven. THanks Sandy

[Trishann]

Lately, I have been using Lubriderm Moisturizing Lotion with Shea and Cocoa butters in it. I can't sleep because my skin itch because of dryness, so I rub this lotion on, it works for me, no itching. I was worry about putting this lotion on me because my skin is so sensitive, but this is hypoallergenic, and it doesn't irritate my skin.

But when you do take a bath, the lotion does make the tub alittle slippery.

Trishann

[kuntrygurl78]

Im addicted to H2O products. Ive been using them for years. www.h20plus.com is their website. I have also found the products at Bergners.

They use natural ingredients that are water and natural ingredient based. I use the scent Raspberry Guava. I use the lotion and the soap. My mom is loves their stuff too. I always buy her a bunch for holidays. They also have a line of facial products and spa products. They also have this cashwear robe that Im dying to get. It was one of Oprah's favorite things a few years ago. Its $120 so its low on my list of priorities, but high on my list of wants.

Hope this helps!:elvis:

[traceann]

Jergen's also has a Shea Butter lotion/cream that I got for my mom for Christmas - that stuff is great! And the shea butter is like the first ingredient listed...

For my hands, I use Aveda Hand Relief. That stuff is wonderful! My mom-in-law is the one who got me hooked on it, the first Christmas I ever went down there with hubby before we were married. Between the weather and the Ditropan, my hands were just awful looking! They looked shriveled - I had deep grooves running the length of my fingers, well, kind of how your fingers look all bath pruny, lol. That stuff was amazing in helping to combat that, so now it's all I use. ;)

[stacey79]

I'll have to try the Aveda hand relief. Between washing my hands after so many bathroom breaks, the cold weather, being paranoid about germs, etc., my hands are super dry. I lotion them sometimes three or four times a day and they're still dry!

[traceann]

LOL, I am never without mine, when I go - it's tossed in my purse to go with me! It's nuts because I have a million hand creams around, thinking I could find a substitute for it, but, nope. ;)

[SandyRN]

I just bought this stuff made by Suave at the grocery store. It's called "exhale" Lime Verbena. OMG It smells wonderful. Just a drop or two on the bath poof and you have a huge lather. The way my sinuses have been so screwy lately, it HAS to have a great strong scent or I couldn't smell it.

Once a month I go to Walmart or Target (or BOTH) and splurge on all these bath products, soaps, soaks, sea salts, etc. Refill my stock! I am not really all that sensitive to bath scents or perfumes, so I seem to do ok if I add bath salts every few days to my water. I mentioned the bodycology stuff and that makes a great foaming bath. It doesn't bother the hooha (like my word? LOL) at all, no rashes, no VV, no PFD or infection problems.

I don't know what I would do without my baths. It's the only time I get to be totally alone with my book, candles and great smelling water. Plus it helps me to feel somewhat human again and I can face the family and house for a few hours and be totally relaxed.

[traceann]

Oh I love baths too Sandy! I make my own lavender bathsalt, yummy. It's so relaxing! And hubby wonders why I shut and lock the door...lol... MY TIME!!!!

[aprilmae]

Speaking of relaxing....

Bath and Body Works has Lavendar and Vanilla lotion, body wash, etc. It is wonderful stuff. Haven't tried the stuff for the bath as haven't been able to take one lately but the body wash is wonderful. I use it in the shower at night right before bed and I sleep like a baby. The lotion is great too - also wonderful to use as a massage lotion. After a really bad day sweetie uses that to give me a back rub and I relax immediately!! Heaven in a bottle!!

[SrMaggie]

There's also the pillow spray that brings that relaxing scent to help you sleep.
Maggie

[Berkshire Road]

Hey L Thomas and Tracey, let us know when you go into business!

Everyone in my house, including the dogs, is suffering from dry skin right now. Jen, you've inspired me. I'm going to treat myself to some of those Bath & Body Works products. It's been ages since I've had anything but the most utilitarian soaps and moisturizers. No wonder I'm depressed! :)

BTW, we've started putting a teaspoon of safflower oil on top of the dogs' dinner every day; it is a huge source of vitamin E, and that seems to solve the problem for them, at least!

[traceann]

Hey Carolyn, lol you bet - will let ya know when the first products come out! LMAO!!! ;) And I think I am going to steal your safflower oil idea - my kitty loves to sleep in front of the heat register in one of the closets, but that in turn dries out her skin, and she "scratches" - by pulling out fur, lol, so every winter she has a lovely little bald spot on her side, geesh! But that sounds like a great idea to help her out! Thanks!!

April - those have to be my favorite scents mixed together! I used to "mix my own" out of my favorite vanilla body spray and my favorite lavender - I'd just layer them - lovely! So, thanks for the tip, I do believe a trip to the B&B site is in order....lol....

[Trishann]

Has anyone try those bath beads? They have lavender and all different kinds.
I have been leary to try it and I heard it can mess up your tub. I just wonder is this true or not.

Trishann

[SandyRN]

You mean like the Calgon bath beads, or those little melty things you drop in your tub and eventually they spread out the oils, beads, etc? I really don't like either one, I'm spoiled with all the other stuff. I should mention the bath salts I buy are Village Naturals, cheap cheap cheap, and they smell great. Walmart sells several different scents. They make ME soft, but don't make Tom go sliding next time he steps into the tub!

Can you tell this is my obsession? LOL

[Trishann]

Sandy, they are like calgon beads kind of but they are in a see through jar. You can find them at Wal-mart.

Jilly, I take other medicine that does dry you out, so I really don't know if Elmiron is part of the problem too. Maybe someone else will know.

Trishann

[stacey79]

I don't know if Elmiron is part of the problem either. I wonder about Ditropan since it dries my mouth.

[traceann]

Oh Ditropan is an evil evil dryer-outer! LOL Taking the Flaxseed oil caps really really helped me out immensely when I was on it!!! It was a miracle, lol. ;)

[stacey79]

Really? Sounds silly, but I just thought I'd have to live with it. Do the flaxseed oil capsules help with dry mouth? I've used Biotene in the past for that, but mostly just gotten used to it. Oh, and do I find flaxseed oil just about anywhere I find vitamins?

[traceann]

Let me tell you, it helped out EVERYTHING that the ditro dried out, lol. It took a week or so on it regularly - I think I took 2-3 a day, but wow. I even told my surgeons Phys Assitant about it (when she was doing my intial appt for my colonoscopy a couple years ago), and she's also the Phys Assistant for the uro in the same office and she was thankful to have something to tell some of her patients (especially some elderly ones) who were having a really hard time tolerating the dry mouth etc ete etc. Even helped my contacts be comfortable again! YAY! LOL For me personally it made so much of a difference, I wouldn't do without them if I ever take a drying med again!!!

I bought mine at Rite Aid, seems like I could get them at Kmart/Walmart as well, and yep in the vitamin/supplement section. ;)

[Trishann]

Traceann, did you ever get cramps from taking flaxseed oil capsules. I did not know this could help with dry mouth and stuff. That would be great.

Trishann

[traceann]

Nope I had no troubles with it at all. Overall it seemed to help everything out, as I said and the constipation that also came along with the ditro! I was taking just fiber tabs at first, and that sort of worked - but when I added in the flaxseed, things were "normal" once again, lol.

[stacey79]

Oh my gosh. That sounds wonderful! I will have to stop by Wal-Mart sometime this week and pick some up. We need a few groceries anyway. My contacts have been much drier, but about the same time I started Ditropan I also started different birth control and thought that was it. I've just gotten used to taking them out by about 7 p.m. everyday. Thanks so much for the tip! :) (Must mention, yet again, how much I love the helpfulness on these boards!)

[HGC]

My eye Dr. actually suggested taking Flax seed oil for dry eyes. When I tried to find info about flax seed oil and dry eyes I couldn't find anything however I did find that it is good for endometriosis which I also have. I get it at the Vitamin Shoppe and take it twice a day.

[stacey79]

I will definitely try some. Does it have any sort of potential for affecting other meds? Along with bladder meds, I'm on a low-dose antibiotic, birth control pills and high blood pressure medicine.

[traceann]

All of my doc's have said no problem with my other meds, but you might want to just give a call and see what they think. I did that with my mom when she was on this drying med, just to be safe. Figured I might as well call, it can't hurt! :)

[Trishann]

Traceann, do you remember how many (mg.) you took a day on the flaxseed oil.

Hugs, Trishann

[traceann]

Yikes, off the top of my head no, but I will have a look as I have a bottle around. I will check and then post back what I discover, lol!! ;)

[HGC]

I take 1000mg twice a day and I think the bottle says you can take 3 a day.

[Trishann]

Thank you, I have a bottle of flaxseed oil with 1000mg. and I just wonder if that was to much. Thank you for responding. I probably will work up with taking it 3 times a day to make sure I will be ok with it.

Thank you again, Trishann

[traceann]

Yup, me too that was the amount I took in a tab, and I took them 3x's a day.

:)

[pingpong]

I just bought 2 bottles of flaxseed oil capsules (buy one, get one free - such a deal!) because I'm also dealing with a slightly dry mouth. These capsules are 1000 mg and BIG, which I found to be a tiny bit alarming. I couldn't even swallow an aspirin until I was 15, but I've been choking down so many pills in the last couple of decades that the flaxseed oil capsule just slipped right down. I'm going to try 2 a day for about a week and see if I notice any difference.

[traceann]

LOL, you sound like me - I hate swallowing pills! And those were a bit off-putting, but well worth it!! ;)

[Trishann]

Tracey, this weekend and next week will be kind of busy so I am waiting to try the flaxseed oil the follow week. I want to make sure I'm home trying out something new. Sometimes new things don't agree with me. But I will let you know what happens once I start take it. I am hoping it will be a success for me too.

Hugs, Trishann

[traceann]

You sound like me, lol. I never know sometimes how long my body will take to adjust to anything, so I like to wait and try things when I know that if it goes bad, I am home with no worries!! ;) Do keep us posted!! :)

[pingpong]

An update: I started taking flaxseed oil capsules (1000 mg, twice a day) for dry mouth and they've helped quite a lot. I gave a bottle to a friend who has the same problem, so I hope it works for her.

[stacey79]

Awesome! I'm going to start taking the flaxseed oil this week. I got a bit derailed with a sick husband, etc. I was telling my mom about it, too.