Monday, December 10, 2007

Help! Winter Is Attacking My Face!

Seriously, I need some honest to god suggestions for excellent face creams and dry skin remedies. Some combination of trying a new cleanser (Murad's Clarifying Cleanser - think it was too drying for my right now), the crisp 50 degree weather, my heater, and my acne medication (Retin-A Micro, Rx only) has turning my face into a red, dry, scaley mess! I can't even wear foundation or powder, cuz they stick to the dry areas more than the not dry areas and I look like a clown!

I have been slathering on The Body Shop's Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream multiple times a day, since it's the thickest face cream I have on hand. But it doesn't seem to be cutting the dryness, only creating a layer of moisture over it. I am only washing with Cetaphil, the super gentle one, but its doesn't seem to do much either.

I think I need to exfoliate all this dry skin off, but I'm scared to get a worse reaction. My face is already kind of red and irritated, I can't imagine having to walk around with it any worse.

Help me! If you have any suggestions on products that have helped you in the past, please let me know. I made an appointment to see my dermatologist, but the earliest I can see her is Thursday... I can't wait that long.

Advise lovely!

Stumble Upon Toolbar

5 comments:

nilla cookie said...

Yikes Beth!

If you have sensitive skin and need a gentle exfoliator, I would actually try the Microdelivery Peel from Philosophy. I think it's really gentle, not scratchy on my face at all. You can probably ask for a pre-made sample down at the Philosophy counters - that's how I got to try it first.

I also know what you mean about moisturizers that feel like it's just sitting on your skin. What I really like lately is Chanel's Precision Hydramax line. It's kinda chi-ching for the pocket book, but if you get a chance to try it, you should. I feel in love immediately :)

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Beth said...

Nilla~ I asked for the Microdelivery Peel for christmas! But maybe I'll try and score a sample on my lunch break!

Ohhh... Chanel is so fantastic, but soo not in my price range right now. I need a job with a stipend for all the beauty products I buy. That would be a dream!

Make-up Junkie said...

Hey Beauty Junkie in SF!! Thanks for your comment! I LOVE your blog as well! So glad to add another fave! Yah, exfoliating more can irritate already red and sensitive skin. Maybe try a calming mask or mix brown sugar with your cetaphil! I learned this from another makeup artist. It's really gentle and non-abrasive. Let me know if you try it out! :) Keep in touch!

Unknown said...

Hi there, I know this is an old entry, but I thought I would share what I do. I also use retin-a micro so I know all about the dry irritation it can cause. Since I still like to wear foundation, and prefer to not go sans makeup. I start off my cleaning my face with jojoba oil to remove makeup -- it gets everything off. Jojoba oil is great because its moisturizing, but does not clog the pores. After this I use sugar to exfoliate, in my case white sugar but you can also use brown sugar as a scrub. I usually will get it damp first and dissolve a bit before I apply it. It will also slighty dissolve while you are scrubbing. If my skin is really flaky and dry I will mix the sugar with some honey and Vitamin E oil. I can't say enough about this scrub, this really eliminates the flakiness and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry. My skin usually feels nice and supple. After all of this I usually just swipe on a bit of Cetaphil cleanser and rinse. Anyway, I totally recommend trying it out. You can find Jojoba oil at Trader Joes, and sugar at your grocer. ;)

Cheers,
your friendly SF Neighbor

Anonymous said...

There is a very special category of lotions called "shielding lotions". A shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin preventing the loss of natural oils and moisture and protecting the skin from irritating substances and harsh weather. It enhances skin's own natural protective abilities and helps with healing dry skin from eczema, relieves pain, itching and redness.

I use a shielding lotion instead of moisturizer and even a lip balm to help the skin stay hydrated when it is too cold outdoors and central heating is used indoors. Additionally to retaining skin's own moisture, it provides protection from irritating substances you come in contact with (like allergens that can be encountered in makeup products). Works great for me:)