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!

I'm still here!

It's been a busy while since I last posted. I'd love to say that my skin has been perfect but that would be a lie.  I still face flares of eczema and the occasional break out.  But every time I look back at my original photos on this blog I am reminded of how far I have come and how much better things are.  People who haven't seen me much since the battle began are astounded by the progress, and even moreso by my methods.  Being dairy-free still sucks, I fully admit, but the results make it worthwhile.  I keep thinking that I would love to do a talk and share my experience with others who are suffering and not getting results from the doctors.  Perhaps I will get the opportunity one day.  I continue to hear success stories from people I have made suggestions to and it pleases me immensely to know that I have been able to help others who have suffered like me.

Newest Photo!

Here it is!  It's still not perfect but it's a hell of a lot better than last February!

Hmm...one of these days I need to post a photo of me looking normal!  I've gotten to the point that concealer is just a pinpoint project rather than an allover cover-up.  That is a great feeling, let me tell you!

Ok, well I'm off to enjoy a day for myself.  Reading, mani/pedi, maybe a movie that my husband won't see.  Ahh, I'm hoping some stress relief will help the excema/sebborrheia die down.  Fingers crossed!

Long time, no blog!

           It's not that I haven't wanted to blog or that I haven't had subject matter, life just got in the way!  My face is continuing to improve and my excema is limited to just a few small patches that come and go.  The sebborrheic dermatitis is still driving me nuts but I'm hoping to find a breakthrough soon.  I have a few successes to share and I hope to post an updated photo soon!  I was showing someone my blog last week and I was shocked looking back at the February photo.  I remember it feeling awful but I had forgotten just how horrible it looked.
            Success #1: I have been on the Barlean's Essential Woman for long enough now to really see the improvement in my skin.  My skin all over is so soft and smooth!  My husband started to comment about a month ago.  He even said he can't believe the difference in the texture of my skin!  That's when I really felt like a wondrous transformation had been made.  Not to sound corny but I truly do feel like a caterpillar who has finally become a butterfly.  I used to see women with skin that looked soft and smooth and feel so envious, just knowing I would never have skin like that.  I assumed I was destined to have itchy, dry alligator skin and I am beyond amazed and excited to have the skin I used to dream about!
            Success #2: I've been touting the Barlean's supplement to everyone and there was one woman who I kept urging to try it but she just never did.  She finally decided to give it a try and was blown away by the results.  She said she had an excema patch on her chest that she could not get rid of, just try to control.  She took the oil supplement the first night and in the morning that patch was GONE.  Not better, not smaller, but gone.  I never expected to hear results like that but was delighted to hear her success and excitement.
             Success #3: One of the women I work with has a granddaughter who has been battling cystic acne, tortured by the pain and embarrassed by the appearance.  I told her about my blog and my experience and she passed it all along to her granddaughter.  The granddaughter has been avoiding dairy and using black soap on her face.  My mother works with the young lady and mentioned to me that there was tremendous difference.  The grandmother told me that she gave up all 4 of the prescriptions given to her by the dermatologist to try my method and no longer needs them at all!  I got to see her not long ago and didn't even recognize her at first--I had to double-check with someone that I had the correct person!  She is a beautiful girl and it really shines through now.

          I am so happy that sharing my experiences and newfound knowledge has been helpful to others!  It also helps me remember to stick to the regimen and keep the faith.  Avoiding all dairy is difficult and, honestly, unpleasant but the results can't be argued with.  I actually had someone tell me I had nice skin the other day and that's a compliment I didn't think I would ever get.

A lesson learned

I still stand by the Barlean's Essential Woman oil supplement but I have discovered that figuring out the proper dosage is key.  I had been taking 4 capsules each night but my cycles were a little weird and I wondered if it was the supplement.  I was having NO PMS.  None.  Zip, zilch, nada.  No horrific mood swings or rage issues.  I switched to 3 capsules per night and the PMS anger came back with a vengeance.  Clearly, 3 capsules is not enough.  I have already gone back to 4 capsules.  But I still swear by the stuff.  Even more so now.  If one capsule is the difference between screaming, irrational anger and peacefulness, then the supplement is definitely working!  I have been recommending this stuff to everyone, especially moms of teens with bad PMS.  I really just can't get over the efficacy of a simple oil supplement!

Shea Butter?

I was talking to a friend a week or so ago and mentioned my fear of using shea butter.  Any time I use a product with shea butter in it I get itchy.  I've tried a couple of different body washes containing shea butter thinking they would be great for my dry skin but I just end up miserable.  My friend said she has the same problem.  I now stay away from things containing shea butter but I thought I would mention it.  I'm wondering how common this is.