Some Simple Skincare Items That Simply, Work

You . I love Cetaphil:

I have a friend whose skin is so sensitive, almost everything makes it bumpy, red, and itchy. But one brand she loves is Cetaphil. It’s easy to be a Cetaphil fan because while their skincare products are housed in simple plastic bottles, without fancy fragrances of skincare gimmicks, they are effective and affordable.  Some detractors complain that there are chemicals in the formulas, but Cetaphil is gentle and therefore is often the choice of dermatologists, even for babies.  I’m sure these doctors feel confident that whatever is in Cetaphil products won’t harm their patients’ skin.

Dry or sensitive skin is one thing, but if you have a skin condition such as eczema, you really need to use something that is guaranteed to work without causing more harm than good.

For those with Eczema

Cetaphil® RESTORADERM® Skin Restoring Moisturizer is endorsed by the NEA (National Eczema Association). It is good for all skin types, especially for those who have eczema or atopic-dermatitis.

This unscented moisturizer, free of parabens and nut oils, has patented Filaggrin technology™ and ceramide technology to effectively and safely hydrate and soothe very dry, atopic skin.

I had never heard of Filaggrin, but without too much “tech speak” Filaggrin is formed from the breakdown of profilaggrin. That is a protein contained in the granules found in the granular layer of the upper epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Filaggrin is vital for skin cells to mature properly. Therefore, the lack of it can cause eczema and other skin conditions you don’t want.

But back to Cetaphil. This moisturizer is easily absorbed –a good choice as part of a daily skincare routine for the management of eczema.

Body Wash

There is also a Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash that is also just $14.99. But you don’t have to have a specific skin condition to enjoy the hydrating benefits.  This 10 fl. oz. pump bottle of goodness can help deal with the residual of Winter dryness. It’s not a sexy product that you’ll necessarily want to display as a work of art on your dressing table, but it works. It’s available at most major drug stores and mass-market retailers.

Dickinson’s Products

Not the sexiest skincare products, but possibly one of the most versatile and effective, are Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner 16 fl. oz $4.99, 8 fl. oz $3.99, and the new, Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling towelettes $5.49/20 towelettes.

What is Witch Hazel?   

Witch-hazel helps to shrink and contract blood vessels back to normal size. Therefore is the active ingredient in many hemorrhoid medications. It is even used to treat acne and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions psoriasis and eczema.

You might have noticed Witch Hazel is sometimes found as an ingredient in eye drops. Witch Hazel is so useful and you can even eat the seeds!  It’s an anti-inflammatory (used on skin conditions such as diaper rash, razor burn, and bug bites).

Use can use it for anti-microbial purposes ( to soothe poison ivy, treat chicken pox and heal bruises and cuts, all caused or irritated by viruses and bacteria).

Dickinson’s is a 100% natural witch hazel formula that has been around since 1866.  A non-drying and good for all skin types product, it’s ’s a good thing to have on hand for the entire family.

Pore Perfecting Toner

Dickinson’s calls its Pore Perfecting Toner a “Cleansing Astringent” but it’s not really a cleanser (you need to wash your face as well), it is more a post cleanser.

What it does do is go back over your cleansed skin and remove the last traces of make-up, soap residue, and excess oil – without the use of artificial ingredients that may over-dry your skin. It will leave your skin feeling softer and smoother, and ready for moisturizer and foundation.

When excess oil is an issue, it can help with that too, but it won’t make your skin tight and dry. I really like the new,4” x 6”  towelettes (they are also great for travel).

They feel cool and refreshing on your skin, and are great for a pick-me-up (take some to the beach on your vacation) as well as the final step in cleansing, morning and night. You can get these products at drugstores and mass-market retailers, and also more information at www.dickinsonusa.com

CeraVe SA

If you read my columns regularly, you know I’m a real fan of CeraVe skincare.  The products are not fancy, but they work extremely well, and they’re a favorite of dermatologists, too.

In fact, when I had my Fraxel  Halo and Pico Genesis laser treatments the CeraVe moisturizer with SPF 30 is what I used post-treatments.

Banish Chicken Skin

CeraVe has a number of products that deal with moisturization and cleansing. Their latest product is unique: CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion (Srp. $14.99 8 oz. pump bottle). The ingredients in this product work on something that is a common and tough to treat problem — rough, dry, bumpy skin often called “chicken skin.”

You can see chicken skin anywhere on your body, or in multiple places. It is not life-threatening but it looks ugly. It’s basically incurable. This is particularly problematic if you’re hoping to wear cut-out clothing and sandals. 

SA Renewing Lotion

You can get it under control with the new CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion. Used regularly and over time, it can actually smooth down the bumps and handle the dry spots. This is thanks to a patented “Multivescular Emulsion (MVE)” technology. It provides a controlled, steady release of various ingredients (including salicylic acid — the “SA”) to loosen dead skin cells and exfoliate them.

Nourishing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin D help smooth and soften even extremely dry, rough, bumpy skin.  Over time, this amazing moisturizing product can really help renew skin as well as smooth out those rough patches.

Even better, the product is lightweight on the skin, but will continue to deliver the “good stuff” while you go about your day.  There’s no smell, no stickiness, no stinging, and even those with sensitive skin can handle it.

Great to know that it’s also non-comedogenic. Even if you don’t have “chicken skin,”  this product is new, nifty, and benefits dry skin.

Shaving Comfort

While we’re on the subject of sensitive skin, women whose skin is very dry or sensitive have special challenges when dealing with something as irritating as shaving.

One pampering but affordable shave cream I really like is Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave $3.99 8 fl. oz.

I reviewed the “Revitalizing” formula back in 2010. However, there are two others. There is a Dry Skin with a formula including olive butter, soy, and antioxidant white tea.  Extra Gentle is a mild and dye-free formula that has olive butter, soy, Vitamin E and aloe vera.

Another thing I really like about Skintimate is that it’s shaped for a woman, with a little flower pull-top to dispense the non-foaming cream.

The cream stays put on your skin and helps to hydrate it until you wash it off. I like the way the cream doesn’t stick in your razor or cause any drag on it.  The Extra Gentle scent smells light and powdery. The other two formulas have a very light, fruity floral scent.

These are so girly, no guy is going to want to break into your stash (let him use his own).  Visit your favorite food, drug, or mass-market retailer. For more info please visit the Skintimate Web Site

Razors, Matter!

…and the razor you use matters too, especially when your skin is irritated.  The Schick Quattro for Women $8.99 feels luxurious but it’s affordable.

There are four, ultra-thin blades with nifty, conditioning strips featuring aloe on one, a duo-vitamin complex on the other.  I like the curvy handles that are ergonomically designed with a rubberized grip.

The design allows the razor head to lie flatter against your skin. The compact, pivoting head shapes to your curves gives you a closer shave with less irritation.

You can get these in a variety of sizes, types, and packaging.  Visit your favorite mass-market retailer or drug store, or visit the Schick Quattro For Women Web Site