Guys, I'm in a bit of a panic! :help:

I've had a lovely afternoon pampering myself, and as such have done myself a facial, and covered up my rapidly greying hair :blush:
(Don't normally admit to that)

I've just washed off my mud mask, and my skin is really red where it has been. I've used that brand before, and it's never done this to me.

Can anyone suggest what I can do? I have taken an anti-histamine tablet, and have put cold water on my face. I NEED to look decent for tonight 'cos I got a big night planned.

Any ideas? :help:

K

Well,

Given that my grooming regime gets no more complicated than a three monthly trip to the hairdressers for a quick cut and colour, and a daily attack on my facial skin with moisturiser, not sure I can help.

It's quite possible that the mud pack was on for a bit too long, so just leaving it to quieten down might help.

Or maybe something like E45 cream? Not sure, though.

Hope it goes OK.

Joe

Distilled Witchhazel is the best thing to put on your face and body for redness and allergic reactions.

I don't advocate using any 'non organic' facpacks or beauty products. I always make my own, there's too may toxins being passed through into the bloodstream from commercial products.

To sooth the irritated area you could also mix 2 tablespoons of oats in a little milk and leave for 10 minutes then rinse with tepid water and pat the face dry.

Good Luck and enjoy your night out.

Janey.

Emergency over. Face returned to normal, and skin soft as bum of baby. :clap:

All I have to do no is nappy my head, and get my clothes on! :hihi:

Thanks to all

K x

What sort of moisturisers do you guys use on your face (what brands)? My skin is very dry, I think I'd benefit from this, esp. at this time of year.

Originally posted by Funky Dave
What sort of moisturisers do you guys use on your face (what brands)? My skin is very dry, I think I'd benefit from this, esp. at this time of year.

I always use Clinique - it's fragrance free and perfect for sensitive skin. If you've got really dry skin I'd recommend you use Clinique M-Lotion.

Originally posted by JonJParr
I always use Clinique - it's fragrance free and perfect for sensitive skin. If you've got really dry skin I'd recommend you use Clinique M-Lotion.

Strangely, I'm allergic to Clinique moisturiser! Maybe I have a sensitive skin and don't know about it!

K x

Yeah, I've got very dry skin, I have fairly bad eczema and have to use a prescription moisturiser, but it's a bugger getting the repeat prescrition every month. Just wondered if there's a decent moisturiser out there for extremely dry skin that I could use when I run out of the doctor's stuff (or perhaps I should just be more organised about collecting it on time, huh!)?

Draggletail gives face a good rub down with grade three sandpaper everyday whether it needs it or not. For facial treatment before a really important night out, I find a good rub over with rusty barbed wire beneficial - Brings a healthy blood flow to the cheeks:hihi: :hihi: :hihi:
Ooh, Strix - I think I'm getting back to normal:thumbsup:

Oh, seriously - Johnsons baby lotion for the mush.
But don't tell anyone:heyhey: :heyhey:

Originally posted by Funky Dave
Yeah, I've got very dry skin, I have fairly bad eczema and have to use a prescription moisturiser, but it's a bugger getting the repeat prescrition every month. Just wondered if there's a decent moisturiser out there for extremely dry skin that I could use when I run out of the doctor's stuff (or perhaps I should just be more organised about collecting it on time, huh!)?

Have you tried Keri Lotion?

http://www.familymeds.com/froogle/product.asp?sku=31981030066

It's wonderful for dry skin, and it comes in several different formulas (unscented as well). I personally have used this stuff for years. It's also given out to all patients in the hospital. I wash my hands alot (I'm a nurse) and my skin would literally crack from being so dry.

If you are using regular soap. Stop. It's way too harsh. Try Johnson's baby soap. Be careful about the frangrances they put in even the mildest soap. Some perfumes or fragrances can be very irritating to dry skin, or if you are prone to get rashes. Aveeno products are also good.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/physlabs/skin-care--more-aveeno.html

I once had a plastic/reconstructive surgeon tell me he advised his patients to shower or bathe, then, while they were still wet, slather themselves with either the Keri Lotion, or if even that was too irritating, just use plain old baby oil. No special brand, the cheap stuff will do. Wait a bit, then pat dry. (I do this myself, especially after I've been in the sun) Be careful so you don't slip. The important thing is, if you've got dry skin, you need to put water back in.

Try not to soak for long in very hot water, as that will dry your skin as well.

Perhaps the next time you see your doctor, you can ask him or her what soap/lotion they can recommend.

Good luck.

:) Sierra

Originally posted by Sierra
Have you tried Keri Lotion?

http://www.familymeds.com/froogle/product.asp?sku=31981030066

If you are using regular soap. Stop. It's way too harsh. Try Johnson's baby soap.

:) Sierra
I wouldn't use johnsons baby soap or baby lotion, it full of chemicals, so much so that midwives and health visitors are now reccomending that we dont use it on our children as they are worried about a link with exzema

Originally posted by Funky Dave
What sort of moisturisers do you guys use on your face (what brands)? My skin is very dry, I think I'd benefit from this, esp. at this time of year.

Don't buy a moisturiser! They are full of parabens which toxify the system (take a look on any label) you will find butyl paraben/methyl paraben etc etc which are toxic and from my perspective should be banned.

Use a good quality oil e.g grapeseed, almond (not if you have a nut allergy) coconut etc or even my favourite pure vitamin E oil. This is a natural source and keeps the moisture locked in the skin. You can even use it on oily skins. If you want a nice fragrance and something to help with fine lines then pure essential oil in the form of lavender or geranium ( which is great for crows feet and wrinkles).

I have been using toxin free beauty products for years, making my own mainly and I have a blemish free skin, it really works. I get asked to make chemical free preparations for friends and family and was even going to start up my own company but haven't got around to it!

So for a healthy skin and body stay toxin free!


Janey.

Originally posted by scoop
I wouldn't use johnsons baby soap or baby lotion, it full of chemicals, so much so that midwives and health visitors are now reccomending that we dont use it on our children as they are worried about a link with exzema

I wouldn't use Johnsons either, not very 'vivesection' friendly!

Here in the states, Johnson's sells a chemical free, fragrance free product, and that's what I use.

Maybe it's unavailable in the UK. They also have NEVER tested raw materials on animals, and have not tested their cosmetic and toiletry products on animals for at least ten years. They use volunteers.

http://www.co-op.co.uk/ext_1/Development.nsf/504ca249c786e20f85256284006da7ab/e3690c4f140a79cf0025672e002ef6af?OpenDocument

I suggested baby oil because of the recommendation of a plastic surgeon, and because it's cost effective. Make sure you choose a brand without mineral oil or fragrance.

I had a bout with eczema in my twenties, and it itches like hell, and can be miserable. Most prescription creams/lotions for eczema contain some form of steroid. Frankly, I found changing my diet had more of an effect on it, but the moisturizers helped.

Again, ask your doctor. I'm assuming you are seeing a dermatologist? My eczema only really cleared up after I started seeing a dermatologist and he recommended the diet change. My general physician would prescribe the steroid cream which was very expensive, and only worked as long as I used it. The minute I stopped, it flared up again.

And Chord, you SHOULD start your own company. Really good skin care products are hard to come by!

Good luck.

:) Sierra

Originally posted by Sierra
Here in the states, Johnson's sells a chemical free, fragrance free product, and that's what I use.

Maybe it's unavailable in the UK. They also have NEVER tested raw materials on animals, and have not tested their cosmetic and toiletry products on animals for at least ten years. They use volunteers.

http://www.co-op.co.uk/ext_1/Development.nsf/504ca249c786e20f85256284006da7ab/e3690c4f140a79cf0025672e002ef6af?OpenDocument

I suggested baby oil because of the recommendation of a plastic surgeon, and because it's cost effective. Make sure you choose a brand without mineral oil or fragrance.

I had a bout with eczema in my twenties, and it itches like hell, and can be miserable. Most prescription creams/lotions for eczema contain some form of steroid. Frankly, I found changing my diet had more of an effect on it, but the moisturizers helped.

Again, ask your doctor. I'm assuming you are seeing a dermatologist? My eczema only really cleared up after I started seeing a dermatologist and he recommended the diet change. My general physician would prescribe the steroid cream which was very expensive, and only worked as long as I used it. The minute I stopped, it flared up again.

And Chord, you SHOULD start your own company. Really good skin care products are hard to come by!

Good luck.

:) Sierra

Hi Sierra,

Baby oil is unfortunately mineral oil.

I know what you mean about eczema, it's horrid, my other half get's it when sytress rears it's ugly head but soon finds and oat bath clears it. So much better for him than the steroid cream.

Johnson and Johnson, I don't really like the companies they invest in or associated with so they're on my boycott list I'm afraid.

Janey.

I forgot to add - J&J DO still test on animals, though they say they 'try' to use more humane methods, they then go on to say that all animals used for their tests are treated humanely, this policy is a contradiction in terms.

Here is the company policy:

http://www.jnj.com/community/policies/animal_testing/statement.htm

I have said enough on the subject as I think you will know my stance on vivesection for cosmetic research.

Janey.

I'm with Draggletail except for the Johnson's baby lotion bit.

Tablet of Tesco soap, hot water, good lather (not forgetting the ears and neck), rinse off and dry on a towel. Cheap but effective, and this old face still works.:thumbsup:

Originally posted by Chord
I forgot to add - J&J DO still test on animals, though they say they 'try' to use more humane methods, they then go on to say that all animals used for their tests are treated humanely, this policy is a contradiction in terms.

Here is the company policy:

http://www.jnj.com/community/policies/animal_testing/statement.htm

I have said enough on the subject as I think you will know my stance on vivesection for cosmetic research.

Janey.

Oh dear,

I was under the impression they didn't test on animals! Well, guess they won't be getting any more money from me, as I also don't agree with this sort of cruelty.

Thanks for pointing that out Chord, it certainly is a contradiction in terms.

:) Sierra

Hi you guys with dry skin,tip from an old un, try some
Skin Therapy from Boots, it is their own brand own brand.

Does not give of any odour.......... so you will not get chatted up by the wrong sex.

Thanks for the ideas guys - all help is very much appreciated. Just a few questions:

Sierra - my dermatologist doesn't seem interested in links to diet. What worked for you? I'm interested in exploring this side of things, as I'm convinced diet does have some effect (eg: I'm normally worse after drinking alcohol).

Chord - about oats, I've heard this before. Is it your normal "run of the mill" oats? How do you does that work?

Also, where would I buy the oils you mentioned? Being male, I'm somewhat illiterate in skin care products. Is this stuff you can buy down town?

Funky Dave -

The best place is Culpepper in Orchard Square, for almond or coconut oil but you can also buy a 'base' oil of 'grapeseed (you can buy this at the supermarket for about £2 that's all) It has no aroma whatsoever then mix about 2 teaspoons full in a little dish add 2 drops (thats all you need) of 'geranium' essential oil- never put this directly onto the skin though) mix and apply to the face, it'll do your skin no end of good. For the initial use I would recommend leaving it on for half and hour to soak into the pores then washing off. When your skin has got used to it then you can use it every day (make it up and put it into a little bottle) after you have washed or had a shave, much better than aftershave, no alcohol you see.

My other half swears by it, and I'm sure he wont mind me saying he looks years younger than he really is! So summats working!

Oats - yep normal oats work a treat but try to get organic ones, available at all supermarkets, also good eaten too to relieve eczema.

If you need to you can PM me and I can make you a small bottle up adn send to you, free of charge of course, just to see how you go.

Janey.

Chord,

I had not realised J and J still did animal testing.

I will never buy anything of theirs' again! :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant:

K x

Funky Dave, have you been in Lush on Fargate? They used to do a great moisturising cream which also soothed eczema, etc and was good for sensitive types like yourself.... I've not been in there for a while though, so can;t remember what it was called (sorry!).

Funky Dave,

My eczema started with a pea sized itchy spot on my left hand. Despite my best efforts NOT to scratch it, AND using prescription steroid cream, it spread past my wrist, and up my arm. Soooo very attractive!

The doctor told me to cut out all junk food, soda, caffeine, coffee, and alcohol. Also fried and very salty foods. (probably not bad advice for anyone)

I think the culprit for me was the soda. I drank diet soda, but I drank ALOT of it. I was young, and stressed about money, school, work, boyfriend troubles. I used to drink diet Pepsi for breakfast. I know, yuck! But I didn't have time to brew coffee, Starbucks didn't exist yet, and it was loaded with caffeine.

Hell, it was BETTER than coffee!

My diet wasn't the best at the time, so he advised lots of fresh, nutrient dense foods high in protein and low in fat. Lots of salads made with spinach instead of lettuce, no bottled salad dressing (he advised lemon juice and olive oil), lean chicken, fruits, vegetables, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

Some people with eczema have trouble with fish, or tomatoes, but I never did.

Here in California, we are blessed with wonderful produce almost year round. So I really had no excuse.

My eczema did improve with the diet change. I had a hard time weaning myself from the diet Pepsi, but when I finally managed to cut it out completely. The eczema vanished. Occasionally, if I drink a diet soda, or the weather is really cold and dry, I'll get an itchy patch. When I go back to the diet, and cut out the soda, it goes away.

Good luck to you!

:) Sierra