lindalove

Does anyone else here have really sensitive skin? Sensitive skin that happens to also be quite dry? And if so, what kind of lotion do you use?

I dunno why, but in the last year, my skin has gotten really sensitive. It now breaks out and rashes flare up to all kinds of things that I had always used, like our laundry detergent (the same stuff we had used since I was born, practically) and stuff like that. And now I can't find a lotion that agrees with my skin, and because of it, my skin is getting really dried out.

I was thinking that someone with sensitive skin could recommend a good lotion that doesn't piss their skin off for me to try.

cellophanedeity

If your skin is suddenly acting strangely, I'd reccommend that you get yourself to a dermatologist. She'd be able to help pinpoint the problem, and likely give you good instructions on what sorts of lotions to buy.

lurkette

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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Sultana

For body lotion, I recommend Triple Lanolin. It's very hydrating without the colors, perfumes, etc.

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raeanna74

Are you on any new medications??
Even Birth control pills can make your skin more sensitive.

I have pretty sensitive skin. I'm very allergic to stuff. The stuff that works best for me when I'm really chapped is Lanolin. Straight plain old Lanolin. Sometimes you have to ask at the pharmacy counter for it. Sometimes it's called "Hydrous Lanolin", sometimes "anhydrous Lanolin". If you have a choice go with the anhydrous lanolin. It doesn't have water whipped into it and sticks better. It is sticky when you put it on but as it warms up it smoothes out and it soaks in quickly. I usually put it on before bed or I stick to everything I touch but when I wake in the morning I am not nearly as dry or itchy.

When I was pregnant I was so very dry that I used baby oil on my skin in the shower. I'd just pour it on practically and rub it in before I stepped out of the tub. It does make the tub floor a little slick so be careful. It worked best when I put it on before I dried off because my skin would be tight and itchy almost immediately.

Use a mild soap - Dove seems to be the gentlest and least allergenic for me and my Mother-in-law who is extremely sensitive.

Avon Intensive Care Cream is another product that I like. It's heavy when you put it on but absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you greasy. It seems to hydrate well and I haven't had trouble with it.

I am sensitive to cinnimates which are often used in sunscreen products. Neutrogena has the most products with sunscreen that do not use these particular chemicals - Methylcinnimate, Oxycinnimate, etc.

Read your ingredients and perhaps you'll find a common denominator between the different products you are sensitive to. Cinnimates are often an allergen in products.

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genuinegirly

I have dry, sensitive skin... Through many years of experimentation, here's what works best for me.

laundry detergent: Arm & Hammer Unscented

deodorant: Arm & Hammer Ultramax Unscented

lotion: Aveeno. www.aveeno.com

shampoo: good luck on finding it, but I am a big fan of Klorane Gentle Shampoo with Oat Milk and Klorane Softening & Detangling Balm (conditioner) with Oat Milk.

soap: Kirk's Castille All-Natural soap (will dry out your skin, so be prepared with lotion). If you are allergic to plant oils, you may have problems with this one, but if your problems are based on animal fats, you are in luck. If Kirk's doesn't work for you, go for the basic white Ivory soap. http://www.kirksnatural.com/

When I want something scented, I use all-natural products that are based on essential oils. I have had good luck with lavender and rose essential oils.

I find shopping for perfumes difficult, but have had some luck with COCO by Chanel. http://uma.chanel.com/branding.php?c...f&branding=coc

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Beccarain

In general, you may want to go with unscented products--anything that comes into contact with your skin (lotions, laundry detergents, etc.) I use vegan products (I avoid lanolin since it is derived from sheep). Lots of common mainstream lotions tend to contain metals and other ingredients that tend to be toxic (our bodies absorb some of what we put on our skin). Plus, they tend to be tested on animals, a practice I am adamently against.

The rash you mentioned . . . remember that your skin reflects your overall health. Sometimes a change in your skin's sensitivity may be a symptom of something going on internally. Several years ago, I used to get these weird bumps and itching between my fingers and it turn out to be related to my diet.

Be sure you are drinking plenty of water too; hydrating from the inside really does help.

Sage

oo- for deodorant (for me at least) you can't beat getting the all natural rock salt kind. Totally kills my odor, doesn't leave buildup or yellow stains on my shirts, and is totally gentle on my skin.

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SuicideBlonde

I have dry sensitive skin and was diagnosed with a mild form of rosacea. The Mary Kay lady in town somewhat agressively pursued me in recent years and now I use Mary Kay products (3 in 1 cleanser, Timewise daily moisturizer). I find most of them to be quite gentle. What I like about it is that all I have to do is ring her up and she's at my door delivering. No stores, no malls, which is great for me out here in the sticks!

ShaniFaye

Im senstive....I also have to use arm and hammer washing powder...I've actually found two lotions that work EXTREMELY well for me....St. Ives hypo allergenic oil free moisturizer and Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive lotion for extra sensitive dry skin

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