Skin Care Tips and Tricks

[Disneyphile]

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.

[MouseWife]

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.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I sue Burt's Bees nightly

Wow. I had no idea.

[tracilicious]

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!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Originally Posted by MouseWife

What is this with the vinegar???? Please help!!! I have now worried I have harmed him in some way by having him use it so long but he really has problems.

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.

Originally Posted by Mayo Clinic

Malassezia lives on the scalps of most healthy adults without causing problems. But sometimes it grows out of control, feeding on the oils secreted by your hair follicles and causing irritation that leads to increased cell turnover. The result is a large number of dead skin cells. As the cells fall off, they tend to clump together with oil from your hair and scalp, making them appear white, flaky and all too visible.

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.

[MouseWife]

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!

[alphabassettgrrl]

I want to start using home-made facial masks. The recipes I've seen are essentially a bit of oatmeal, some plain yogurt, honey, and some fruit, all mashed together. Oatmeal to exfoliate, yogurt and honey to help nourish the skin, and fruit depending on what your skin needs. Each fruit has different properties.

I have to look this up. And start doing it.

Lately- things that have helped me: drinking a lot of water. Using sunscreen. Not washing my face until I can feel the oil on it. My skin and hair are incredibly dry, and frequent cleansing makes it worse. I use a moisturizer every time I wash my face, which seems to help.

[Prudence]

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.

[alphabassettgrrl]

A friend of mine has hair so dry she *doesn't* ever shampoo it. She uses conditioner only in her shower. Keeps it under much better control.

[Gemini Cricket]

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