16 Apr 2012 11 Comments

In The Desert: Fifty-two Years and Counting

I’ve heard it said that the difference between a grape and a raisin is moisture. That statement becomes truer each day that I get older. But I continue to fight the never ending daily battle to keep my skin looking like a grape.

For as long as I can remember I’ve had dry, sensitive skin. Even during my teen years it was fairly dry, which I didn’t mind at the time because I didn’t break out like the other kids did. But ever since reaching perimenopause, and even more so since menopause, I have had find ways to alleviate just how completely dehydrated it’s become. This has not been an easy task.

My first problem was finding the right creams. Since my skin is sensitive, I have to find products that won’t cause reactions. Unfortunately in my case, there were many highly recommended creams and lotions that my skin did not like. Another issue I had was that I needed something extremely moisturizing. Most moisturizers disappear into my skin so quickly, but once they do my skin is still dry. On the other hand, some of the heavier ones just sit on top of my skin leaving it feeling tacky.

I tried everything from drugstore creams to the most expensive ones. What I found that works best for me is Bliss The Youth As We Know It Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion SPF 30 1.7 oz. I also love and use the regular/non SPF Bliss The Youth As We Know It Anti-Aging Moisture Cream as a night cream. This moisturizer goes on so lightly, sinks in nicely, leaves my skin feeling super soft, and my foundation glides over it beautifully. Best of all is that it has anti-aging ingredients. I also never have a reaction or break out from it. I know it’s pricey, but when you’ve wasted money on tons of tubes and bottles that you can’t use, it’s worth it.

My face is not the only place that my skin is parched. My body can get so dry that my skin actually flakes and itches. Fortunately the rest of my skin is not quite as sensitive as my face, so I don’t usually have reactions to those products. What I do tend to have a problem with is that most body lotions still leave my skin feeling dry, but most creams don’t sink in well enough. I’ve tried and liked several different products over the years, but my favorite is Lac-Hydrin Five Moisturizing Lotion. This actually is a lotion, but it is very moisturizing and leaves my skin very soft. It has Alpha Hydroxy lotion in it, which is an added benefit because it helps to slough off all those flaky itchy dead skin cells.

Even with all these creams, during the winters my skin still feels dehydrated. This past fall I did some research and decided to do some internal moisturizing as well. I’ve been taking fish oil tablets for the Omega 3s, and MSM.

MSM is an organic form of sulfur. According to http://www.msm-info.com/, “Sulfur is called nature’s ‘beauty mineral,’ because it keeps the skin smooth and youthful, and the hair glossy. Sulfur is necessary for production of collagen and keratin, protein necessary for health and maintenance of skin, nails and hair. Several experiments have shown, that all kinds of dermatological disorders which are often allergy-related, respond favorably to a diet supplemented by MSM. Oral dosages of MSM have shown to be effective against acne, Rosacea and dry, scaly or itching skin.”

Of course I’m trying to drink more water too. Though I have to admit, I’m not the best about getting in my eight glasses a day. But my skin does feel better on days when I drink more water. You’d think that would be enough to make me more diligent about this. Right?

This past winter I really did notice big difference by adding these supplements to my regimen. Though this was a milder winter, it was extremely dry, but it didn’t seem to bother my skin as much as it usually does. I can’t wait to see how my skin looks this summer when the humidity and heat help it to be a little less dry. I’ll be absolutely glowing…like a summer grape.

How do you deal with dry skin? What has helped you keep  your skin soft and moisturized?

by Newme in Beauty, Makeup-Skincare-Hair, Stuff I Love Tags: Aging, Body care, Creams, Dry Skin, Lotions, Menopause, Midlife, Moisturizers, Perimenopause, Skincare, Supplements, Women's Issues