Waiting for the ax to fall

Hello, my name is Allison, and I'm a dairy addict.  I fell off the dairy-free wagon the night before last.  I succumbed to temptation and feasted on nachos and mac'n'cheese!  As usual, the effects are not immediate.  I am waiting to see just how badly I hurt myself.  My digestive system is already sluggish but I'm expecting pimples, an eczema flare, and greasy face.  I have finally drawn the correlation between dairy and my face being oily.  It's awful and washes my makeup off halfway through the day.  Now I have to be extra diligent for the next week or so to prevent further irritation.

I am testing a theory of mine about calcium, though.  I've noticed in the past that when my scalp, or more correctly my seborrheic dermatitis, gets itchy (and I mean drive me to the brink of insanity, not just a little irritating) that calcium supplements help.  I've taken one each day so far so I'm waiting to see if the calcium can somehow combat the dairy flare.

In the mean time, I will be avoiding even the most minute dairy and any alcohol other than my nightly red wine.  Fingers crossed that I don't pay too dearly for my evening of weakness!

New favorite lotion!

I found a new lotion to love!  Since I can't be fragranced at work, I stick with unscented lotion during the week (and because I am very sensitive to scents).  I ran out of the lotion in my gym bag and when I went shopping for a replacement I decided to try Aveeno's oatmeal lotion.  I was amazed!  For one thing, a little goes a long way so it will last awhile.  And even without using gobs I ended up with super soft skin.  I am just about out of the Nature's Gate lotion at home and I will be replacing it with the Aveeno.  I had tried their products in the past and wasn't impressed but now I am!

New find for soft skin

I have recently discovered a new option for topical skin-softening.  I have been using the oatmeal lotion forever and it works very well, but it gets boring.  I took the plunge and tried a new product and I LOVE it for non-workdays!  I have to be unscented for my job but on the weekends I like a little fragrance.  I have begun using Body Dew from Pure Romance (yes, that Pure Romance).  It is a sprayable oil that is fairly light and absorbs quickly.  It softens really well and the fragrance is light but noticeable.  I am using the Pearberry version and love both the smell and feel.  I have learned 2 things about it, though.  1) Spray it before putting clothes on or it will leave greasy spots on your clothes.  2) Use it OR lotion but not both.  I put on lotion the other day and then decided to use the Body Dew and I ended up being a bit gooey all day.

Keepin' on keepin' on...

Well, I'm still trying to stay off the dairy, though I'm learning how much I can handle here and there without repercussions.  My skin is still staying fairly clear, with a few minor bumps here and there (usually when I cross the "too much dairy" line).  I can't believe that it's been 2 years since I've had an acne cyst!  I didn't think I'd ever find a "cure" and now I can barely remember what it was like to be covered in the painful lumps!

I still swear by the Barlean's Essential Woman supplement.  I recommend it to ladies all the time, for both skin and hormone issues.  The feedback I am getting is amazing!  I have had so many positive experiences related to me.  I know it sounds odd that an oil supplement can do so much but it really does!

My facial products are:
Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips black soap face wash
Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn moisturizing toner
Alba Botanics Hawaiian Aloe & Green Tea oil-free moisturizer

I still use the black soap bar on my body. And Nature's Gate Oatmeal lotion.

I also have to give a shout-out to Zija Oil.  The stuff is pretty amazing.  It is great for soothing and healing eczema spots, as well as boo-boos.

I am still drinking my glass of red wine each night and I can definitely tell a difference when I miss it.  I have also discovered that beer makes things flare up worse, and liquor is almost as bad.

Sometimes I see a new product that I want to try but I hate to mess with success.  After much trial and error I have figured out how to get the kind of skin I always dreamed of so I am not about to mess with it!