For really bad dryness, especially on chapped lips, I've used straight vitamin E jelly. It's about $3 for a very large jar, and it's flavorless - really good for overnight repairs.

I prefer to wear lipstick during the day, too. But, don't always have the opp to use it. I put on chapstick when I go to bed.

Okay, vitamin e jelly? Never heard of it but I will look for it! Trader Joes' too?

I just remembered, Balmex is for babys' bottoms, I think. :blush:

Wow. I had no idea.

I've used olive oil, but I prefer almond oil. I add about twenty drops of lavender oil and ten of lemongrass oil. The lemongrass oil is a skin toner and clarifier, the lavender is great for so many things, but I mostly use it to mute the lemon smell. If I get a zit I use Kiss My Face zit stuff.

By far the most important part of skin care is what you do internally. Lots of water and efa's. If I don't eat half an avocado or equivalent in olives, olive oil, or efa capsules, my skin gets dry and my hands crack and I get zits. Dry brushing helps a ton for skin tone and circulation as well. Also, the fewer chemicals you put on your skin, the better!

I'm happy to help. I went through too many years of being embarrassed not to speak up about it.

As I understand it, dermatitis is caused by a concentration of fungus that eats at your scalp. There's no preventing it, it just happens to some people who are more susceptible.

If you don't shampoo daily, the skin flakes build up. Sometimes even if you do shampoo daily, the skin flakes still build up. So what you've got to do is freak the little bugs the hell out. If they get used to a certain pH (say, you're using Neutrogena regularly) they're going to be able to fight it better. So switch to one that uses a different ingredient every month or so. Tar-based, Selenium-based, zinc-based... my preferred shampoo is Nizoral, a Ketoconazole-based product.

But as I said earlier, the best thing I can ever do to my scalp is, after shampooing, to pour on a 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, rub it around a little and let it soak. Yes, it will sting a bit, but it's worth it. Rinse thoroughly - and yeah, he'll probably smell a little of vinegar that day. But I find I only have to do this infrequently and it totally settles things out for weeks afterwards.

Thank you, LSPE!! That sure sounds like what he has. Of course, he doesn't want to admit he has a problem and just as you say, it is a sensitive subject. Thanks again!

My hair gets so dry that I've been experimenting with not shampooing it. I have to get it wet every day, or I feel weird. I also have to try a new cleanser. I think the one I have is no longer working out.

Drinking lots of water helps keep your skin looking youthful.
So I hear.