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I have horribly sensitive skin that gets dry and flakes in the winter time, and I use a couple of things, most of them recommended by a dermatologist as first line of defense:
1. A very gentle cleanser, if I wash my face at all (like after I've worn makeup, which is rare). I use the soy-based cleanser from The Body Shop.
2. Aveda's All-Sensitive moisturizer is the only thing I've found that keeps my skin moisturized without making me break out. Their all-sensitive cleanser is nice, too, but I prefer the soy one. Since I started getting a little older I also use an alpha hydroxy lotion that says people with sensitive skin shouldn't use it, but unless my skin is already dry it doesn't seem to hurt. If my skin is dry, though, and I use it, it makes me itch and tingle.
3. When my face gets REALLY dry, mostly my cheeks, and I start to get red spots and it really hurts, I use a prescription cream I got for my eczema - triamcinolone acetonide - but only sparingly. You're not supposed to use corticosteroids on your face for some reason, and definitely don't get it in your eyes. The cream is also petroleum-based, so it can cause breakouts if you use it too much.
4. For the rest of my body, I use the Body Shop body butter, and the triamcinolone cream for eczema. I also use Kiss My Face olive oil and aloe soap (don't use cheapo soaps with lots of detergents like Dove or Ivory), and I try to take cooler and shorter showers. I also use "free and clear" detergents with no scent or color. That seems to help.
5. If you have a choice of radiant vs. forced heat, use the radiant heat (like radiators). Otherwise, try keeping a humidfier going especially when you're sleeping.
Eucerin is the last choice for me - it's super moisturizing but it's also very oily. It's great for dry skin, but also makes me break out sometimes.
Best of luck, and if this stuff doesn't work, get thee to a dermatologist!
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"If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing."
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