As human beings, many of us suffer from moderate to severe dry skin and/or eczema. I am not a doctor. So I will keep my prognosis to a minimum and limited to my knowledge and personal experiences. I have lizard skin! My skin isn't just dry, but if left untreated scales off and chafes. the bottom of my feet, the callus can get very tough. this is no small thing, in the winter my skin is obscenely dry and it has the nerve to itch-like hell. My scalp is no exception. It snows up there all year round like the top of mount Everest. I've chalked it up to just being a "female issue". Some issues became a problem for me since puberty first started. You know, that's when your body has a mind of its own and turns against you. I've learned over the years that it's all about timing and scheduling.
What the heck am I talking about? I'm talking about the human body. It's inevitable that my menstrual cycle will come back around. Hence, the word "cycle". It's inevitable that my skin will get dry, chafe, crack, and may build up more callus, and/or itch like hell. So, what do I do? I anticipate it! Anticipation can be fun provided you be equipped for such a task. In this issue, I will make you land lizards into warriors!
In order to be well equipped for dead skin combat some times trial and error is apart of the process. You must experiment on yourself, everything you do is experimental until you are comfortable with your choices. I am very loyal to products that work! Ladies, don't get caught up purchasing lotions, creams, and oils just because of a fad. Your body will curse you for it. I am also quick to go to a whole foods store or any organic merchant in order to purchase ingredients to make a perfect moisture rich body rub. However, you may not have the time or resources for such a tedious errand. here's how to find what you need without all the hassle...
Step 1: Go to a beauty supply shop and carefully read the ingredients for lotions, body cremes, and my favorite: body Butters! Don't rule out body oils either. Anything that has more alcohol-dump it! More water-dump it! Only go for the best with more oils and moisturizing agents. Too much alcohol or water and sometimes both in a product spells "ash-land" all over the body.
Step 2: you can play it safe and ask family members and friends what they use. Ask for a sample on your hands for a tester. Note: If you rub your hands with a lotion or creme and after 30 seconds to 1 minute of rubbing if your hands feel dry again or even just a cool wet feeling then dump it! Or if there is no evidence of an oil coat of protection over the skin then still dump-it!
Step 3: Always, always! Test the product on the back of your hand or forearm. Products that are more alcohol, mineral oil, and water based feel thin, runny, and dries faster especially if blown on. The cool air penetrates the skin more and may leave a dry patch on the applied area. DUMP IT! Moisturizers that have a consistent oil base rubs on smooth, thicker, and when blown does not expose pores to air concentration. It also leaves a shine, sheen, and a thick moisture rich residue. Once these steps are completed and you are pleased with the choice(s) you have made, then all is left is a time test.
What is the "Time Test"? The time test is when you apply the chosen lotion, cream, creme, or body butter all over your body after a shower or a soothing bath. Do what you normally do (make sure this is a weekend or a day off from work to get the full benefit of this experiment) throughout the day while checking every 1/2 to 1 full hour on your skin. Listed are a few of my favorite products that hold up to their companies promises and guarantee.
1) Ultimate Organics Moisturizing Body Lotion and Body Oil: Contains the perfect blend of natural ingredients that keep your skin healthy-looking and soft. Used as a daily remedy, dull skin becomes nourished and velvety smooth without a wet after feel. Skin is left with a radiant, beautiful glow. helps to fade blemishes and unattractive scars. Both products are best used after a soothing bath or a comforting shower.
2) Jergens Shea Butter Formula: Smooth, not too thick formula. For extra soft skin for that special night put on 2 to 3 coats... You'll see!
3) Dove: All Dove products are great for me, from the bar soap, shower gel, to the lotion. I love the sun kissed glow and the shampoos and conditioners are great for the hair. Try this line for 30-days and then get a digital camera a take a quick snapshot, upload it online to the dove website and show your true Dove beauty!
4) tub-O-Butter: Pure Cocoa Butter, comes in a gold plastic tub. I'm not a big fan of the lotion, however, it is great for people with either normal skin or skin that just isn't as dry as mine.
5) Lubriderm: Lovely, very, very thick white lotion. It goes on like a stiff milkshake and is heaven when its on.
6) Nivea: Just saying the name puts me in a love-trance! this cream or creme is a very smooth moisturizer that comes in an aluminum canister. Some may think this product is a bit pricey, but a little really does go a long way! You will truly love it, why not? I do!
7) Last, but not least. AVEENO: Unlike the other lotions and creams, the consistency of this product is very smooth and "eye-fluttering" light and soothing. this formula has the " alot goes a long way" character, but is light and literally feels like silk pearl-beads rolling all over your skin. I double-dare you not to touch yourself, again and again!
For all you "Organic-all-ites", I have a special go-green recipe for you! It's called, "Mother Earth-Link"!
Mother Earth-Link:
1lbs. Pure Shea Butter
1lbs. Pure Cocoa Butter
1lbs. Pure Mango Butter
2-4TblSpoons Choice liquid Oils (Olive and/or Scented body Oils)
Mix: Blend in blender on high speed until smooth like a milk shake. Or Put in Mixer (the machine with the 2 beaters) and mix on medium speed (do not splash) until mixture is fluffy like whipped butter.
Mixed with blender is considered a cream, but mixed in the blender it is considered "BODY BUTTER".
