Dry Skin - tried everything

Pippy1976

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right forum but it is to do with appearance so here goes...

...I'm in my mid-30's and recently (last 6 months) developed dry skin patches on my forehead and under my eye and on my lip. I've tried everything from medicated creams, eczema creams, natural remedy cures and now I'm taking Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin E and B6... also, applying Coconut Oil throughout the day.

I'm not sure what else to do. It's not clearing it up but keeping it at bay. Any help would be great appreciated. I've always had great skin - during my teens and 20's. My diet hasn't changed and I'm drinking loads (water / natural juices).

What am I doing wrong?

Chocoholic84

I was at the Dead Sea a few years ago and I purchased Lavender & Patchouli body & massage lotion from their shop - It's amazing! I suffer from a couple of dry patches as well, and I found this stuff worked wonders!

http://deadsealive.com/p/25/sea-of-spa-classical-body-massage-lotion-kit

You may be able to find it on Ebay or Amazon as well...

x167346

I find coconut oil really good, you can get it in most health food shops

Pippy1976

As mentioned above, I use this (Coconut Oil) a few times daily. It is really good but it's not clearing up the problem.

It started on my lip. Then my forehead and now it's under my eye so whatever I'm doing it's not working! I should point out that I try not to touch my face during the day, I clip my hair back off my forehead and I've changed my tinted moisturiser (I'd started to use a different one a few months back) and also use Liz Earle cleanser and bio oil as a moisturiser.

All natural ingredients... which stumps me a bit.

x167346 wrote: »

I find coconut oil really good, you can get it in most health food shops

offroadannie

Go into a Health Food Shop and ask them for the:

Tissue Salt Combination for Skin

I can't remember which number the skin one is but they'll know what you are talking about. You can take these for weeks if needed

And they are really cheap - maybe 5 or 6 euro for a tub of 500

Hope this helps

gillapino

Have you tried the Trilogy rosehip oil? or the Trilogy everything balm ? They both worked really well for my super dry skin. All natural ingredients too.

clearodara

My younger brother had similar problems, went to see specialisits and all but nothing worked. Had the problem for six months or so, then one day a friend of my mum's pointed out that he should drink 2/3 cups of herbal green tea a day, couldnt believe it myself when I saw it but basically cleared everything up in a matter of weeks.

Penny Dreadful

OP are you sure its just dry skin as opposed to some other skin condition such as psoriasis or eczemam, etc?

No matter how much you spend on your lotions and potions if you're not treating the right thing it won't make much difference.
Have you noticed that the skin anywhere else on your body has changed?

Has your day to day environment changed e.g. did your office get air con recently? It dries skin out like nothing else.

SmokeyEyes

Weleda's skin food is amazing for dry skin!

Pippy1976

Used that but broke out in body rash... Allergic to it

Quote=SmokeyEyes;81227471]Weleda's skin food is amazing for dry skin![/Quote]

Cheat Meal Master

What's your hydration levels like? Also do you take a fish oil supplement?

Pippy1976

I take vit b complex, cranberry capsules, evening primrose oil and flax seed oil capsules.

I drink pints of barley water throughtout tge day, don't drink tea and may have a cup of coffee about 3 times a week. So, I'd say my hydration levels are pretty good!

Cheat Meal Master wrote: »

What's your hydration levels like? Also do you take a fish oil supplement?

Penny Dreadful

Pippy1976 wrote: »

I take vit b complex, cranberry capsules, evening primrose oil and flax seed oil capsules.

I drink pints of barley water throughtout tge day, don't drink tea and may have a cup of coffee about 3 times a week. So, I'd say my hydration levels are pretty good!

Your diet is good and you drink a lot of water so your skin shouldn't be dehydrated all things being equal.
If it were me I'd go to see my GP and get their opinion on it.

Pippy1976

I did. She prescribed hydrocortisone cream. However, prolonged use of the cream thins the skin.

Also, I'm of the opinion that your skin is your 3rd eye - if there's something going on in your body it'll show on your skin. As well as that I'm of the belief that I'd rather fix what's wrong by doing it the natural way rather than applying medicated gunk over the problem. When I asked the doctor about it she didn't really have an answer but prescribed a cream anyway - having not diagnosed the problem really.

As recommended by Clearodara and Offroadannie I purchased Tissue Salts for skin on Saturday and have also started drinking Green Tea. Within 24 hours my skin is noticeably different... dryness on forehead and under eye has almost 100% cleared. The patch on my mouth is slower to heal but definitely not red raw or stinging, as before.

Amazing what natural / herbal remedies can do. Delighted I didn't spend more money on a useless doctors visit.

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

Your diet is good and you drink a lot of water so your skin shouldn't be dehydrated all things being equal.
If it were me I'd go to see my GP and get their opinion on it.

SmokeyEyes

La Roche Posay is probably a great bet so

shopaholic01

Are you using any new products - hair colour, shampoo, skin care, make-up, washing powder etc?

Do you have any other symptoms - e.g dry hair, weight gain, intolerance to cold? It could be an underactive thyroid gland, or another hormone imbalance (early menopause is also a possibility).

It might be worthwhile having an allergy test, you can also develop an allergy to something you have used problem-free for years and a blood test to check hormone levels.

eedie

try elizabeth ardens 8 hour cream. it really works.

Pippy1976

I am using new products but I've had the dry skin developing since before that. I did change my tinted moisturiser in the last 6 months. I have gone back to using the one I've been using for years in the last 2 weeks.

I don't use alot of make-up, cleanse and moisturise every night. I've not changed my hair dye nor my washing powder.

I don't have any other symptoms - the dry skin on my forehead and under eye is a new development. I've always had a patch of dry skin, coming and going, on my lip. I do have an intolerance to the cold, a syndrome called Raenauds, that I am managing well - although I get bad chilblains every winter, I've even got a couple already!

I did an allergy test a few years ago and they identified I was allergic to nickel. I've managed this over the years but it could have something to do with it... I'd forgotten about that diagnosis 'til now!!

shopaholic01 wrote: »

Are you using any new products - hair colour, shampoo, skin care, make-up, washing powder etc?

Do you have any other symptoms - e.g dry hair, weight gain, intolerance to cold? It could be an underactive thyroid gland, or another hormone imbalance (early menopause is also a possibility).

It might be worthwhile having an allergy test, you can also develop an allergy to something you have used problem-free for years and a blood test to check hormone levels.

stargazer 68

OP while all these suggestions are useful I find simple vaseline at night clears up any dry patches. You can get the one with Aloe Vera in it too. Simply put it on the patches at night going to bed for a few nights - believe me it works!

Pippy1976

Thanks Dovies but I've tried all of these remedies with creams, lotions and potions... that's why I'm on here looking for something that can actually clear up and get rid of the problem.

As mentioned a few posts ago, I'm trying the Tissue Salt for skin pills and green tea a couple of times a day and there's SUCH a huge difference already I'm surprised and delighted.

Homeopathy is the way to go!

Dovies wrote: »

OP while all these suggestions are useful I find simple vaseline at night clears up any dry patches. You can get the one with Aloe Vera in it too. Simply put it on the patches at night going to bed for a few nights - believe me it works!

Gormal

Well this was an interesting thread. I must try these Tissue salt for skin tabs, hopefully they will help with my problematic skin

I've been prescribed enough creams to open my own pharmacy.....lol none have worked really.

I use Aveeno moisturisers as it is recommended for ppl with nickel allergy. for the super dry flare ups I use glycerin & rosewater till the patch clears.

Can I ask what is the right name for the Tissue salts?

Blingy

Have you tried silcocks base. It's around a long time and people swear by it. Or emulsifying lotion.
Also check your bed sheets, pillow, duvet. Have you changed washing powder recently, bought new sheets?
My hubbie had awful dry patches on his face years ago turned out to be the washing powder. Good luck.
Not sure if mentioned before but make sure you drink lots of water, hydrate from the inside out.

Pippy1976

These tissue salts really are amazing. Whilst I still have a little patch on my lip (it was bad so will take a while to heal) their healing powers are unbelievable!

The ones I got are New Era Tissue Salt for Skin (Calc. Sulph.) Number 3. The lady in the shop (Health Matters) knew exactly what I was on about. Aveeno moisturisers are good but while they make the area look good they don't heal / fix the issue.

Seriously, get some Salts - let us know how you get on.

Gormal wrote: »

Well this was an interesting thread. I must try these Tissue salt for skin tabs, hopefully they will help with my problematic skin

I've been prescribed enough creams to open my own pharmacy.....lol none have worked really.

I use Aveeno moisturisers as it is recommended for ppl with nickel allergy. for the super dry flare ups I use glycerin & rosewater till the patch clears.

Can I ask what is the right name for the Tissue salts?

Pippy1976

Again, Silcocks Base hasn't fixed the issue... it soothes it for a while but doesn't clear it up longterm.

I drink plenty too and haven't changed my washing powder recently. See my post a few posts back! Thank you.

Blingy wrote: »

Have you tried silcocks base. It's around a long time and people swear by it. Or emulsifying lotion.
Also check your bed sheets, pillow, duvet. Have you changed washing powder recently, bought new sheets?
My hubbie had awful dry patches on his face years ago turned out to be the washing powder. Good luck.
Not sure if mentioned before but make sure you drink lots of water, hydrate from the inside out.

pwurple

Pippy1976 wrote: »

As mentioned a few posts ago, I'm trying the Tissue Salt for skin pills and green tea a couple of times a day and there's SUCH a huge difference already I'm surprised and delighted.

Homeopathy is the way to go!

Tissue salts are minerals, and green tea is, well, tea. Neither are homeopathy.

Glad it's working for you. I got dry skin as well, green tea and Ren skincare products seemed to work for me.

Pippy1976

"New Era Biochemic Remedies are homeopathically prepared" - that is written on the tub!

And what I meant by homeopathic was a general use of the word to describe a system of alternative medicine.

Thank you.

pwurple wrote: »

Tissue salts are minerals, and green tea is, well, tea. Neither are homeopathy.

Glad it's working for you. I got dry skin as well, green tea and Ren skincare products seemed to work for me.

gingernut125

Oh my goodness,homeopathy:
From wiki--

Homeopathic remedies are prepared by repeatedly diluting a chosen substance in alcohol or distilled water, followed by forceful striking on an elastic body, called succussion.[7] Each dilution followed by succussion is said to increase the remedy's potency. Dilution usually continues well past the point where none of the original substance remains.[8] Homeopaths select remedies by consulting reference books known as repertories, considering the totality of the patient's symptoms as well as the patient's personal traits, physical and psychological state, and life history.[9]

The low concentrations of homeopathic remedies, often lacking even a single molecule of the diluted substance,[10] lead to an objection that has dogged homeopathy since the 19th century: how, then, can the substance haveany effect? Modern advocates of homeopathy have suggested that "water has a memory"—that during mixing and succussion, the substance leaves an enduring effect on the water, perhaps a "vibration", and this produces an effect on the patient. However, nothing like water memory has ever been found in chemistry or physics.[11][12]Pharmacological research has found, contrary to homeopathy, that stronger effects of an active ingredient come from higher doses, not lower doses.

Pippy1976

I'm not sure where you're going with that - whether you're agreeing or disagreeing with me or the previous poster.

I was just reading what was on the tub of pills I bought, which are prepared homeopathically. Not knowing anything about it I can neither comment either way, only use the information that is presented to me.

Cheers for the insightful information though. p

gingernut125 wrote: »

Oh my goodness,homeopathy:
From wiki--

Homeopathic remedies are prepared by repeatedly diluting a chosen substance in alcohol or distilled water, followed by forceful striking on an elastic body, called succussion.[7] Each dilution followed by succussion is said to increase the remedy's potency. Dilution usually continues well past the point where none of the original substance remains.[8] Homeopaths select remedies by consulting reference books known as repertories, considering the totality of the patient's symptoms as well as the patient's personal traits, physical and psychological state, and life history.[9]

The low concentrations of homeopathic remedies, often lacking even a single molecule of the diluted substance,[10] lead to an objection that has dogged homeopathy since the 19th century: how, then, can the substance haveany effect? Modern advocates of homeopathy have suggested that "water has a memory"—that during mixing and succussion, the substance leaves an enduring effect on the water, perhaps a "vibration", and this produces an effect on the patient. However, nothing like water memory has ever been found in chemistry or physics.[11][12]Pharmacological research has found, contrary to homeopathy, that stronger effects of an active ingredient come from higher doses, not lower doses.

gingernut125

Pippy1976 wrote: »

I'm not sure where you're going with that - whether you're agreeing or disagreeing with me or the previous poster.

I was just reading what was on the tub of pills I bought, which are prepared homeopathically. Not knowing anything about it I can neither comment either way, only use the information that is presented to me.

Cheers for the insightful information though. p

I'd just be very sceptical using a homeopathy product that's all, but placebos are proven to work for various conditions so whatever works for you. I do think its a good idea to know a little bit about homeopathy if your paying for it, so you know what you're buying

Conrach

I tried these products on recommendation and love them but my sister who has psoriasis tried mine and they have have worked wonders on her skin in a very short space of time.

She doesn't have psoriasis on her face but her skin was very course, rough with dry patches and redness.

The dry patches and redness have gone and her skin has become much smoother.

http://www.avene.co.uk/

kerash

I had a serious skin flare up and had to stop using all products on my face, just water. And several days without even moisturiser, then a little touch of this moisturiser when it began to calm down.

tan11ie

What's your diet consist of? What is your overall nutrient intake like?Do you eat enough oily fish? lack of nutrients have a direct effect on the skin.If there's no underlying medical condition then you should really have a close look at your diet.

Potions and lotions will ease the dry skin but they won't cure it.

Pippy1976

kerash wrote: »

And several days without even moisturiser, then a little touch of this moisturiser when it began to calm down.

Where did you get the recommendation for this moisturiser? It looks good.

Pippy1976

tan11ie wrote: »

Potions and lotions will ease the dry skin but they won't cure it.

Hence my preference for going down the holistic / natural remedy route. All the creams mentioned here with mask the condition but they don't clear it up.

My diet is good. I was a vegetarian but finished with that at the beginning of the year (I didn't have any skin problems when I WAS one). I eat various meats during the week and suppose would eat fish once a week. I take Flax Seed oil instead of Cod Liver Oil (or similar) and that's a throw-back to being a veggie. I eat veg every day with dinner, eat a healthy breakfast with greek yoghurt, honey and flax seed. For lunch I'd have something small and then a proper meat & 3 veg for dinner! I've a pretty normal / well balanced diet I'm guessing ... probably could do with more fish in there though.

kerash

I got a sample from glossybox, a good size so im still using it and find it great.

Pippy1976 wrote: »

Where did you get the recommendation for this moisturiser? It looks good.

tan11ie

Pippy1976 wrote: »

Hence my preference for going down the holistic / natural remedy route. All the creams mentioned here with mask the condition but they don't clear it up.

My diet is good. I was a vegetarian but finished with that at the beginning of the year (I didn't have any skin problems when I WAS one). I eat various meats during the week and suppose would eat fish once a week. I take Flax Seed oil instead of Cod Liver Oil (or similar) and that's a throw-back to being a veggie. I eat veg every day with dinner, eat a healthy breakfast with greek yoghurt, honey and flax seed. For lunch I'd have something small and then a proper meat & 3 veg for dinner! I've a pretty normal / well balanced diet I'm guessing ... probably could do with more fish in there though.

Ok your diet looks good but I don't think you are consuming enough fatty acids.If your diet is lacking Omega-3 fatty acids it will show on your skin.

From reading your posts and everything that you have tried/ looked into, I really think you should up your intake of Omega-3 and see if things improve.
Flaxseeds are a great source, but this alone won't be enough.Try adding walnuts,wild Salmon,Sardines,Halibut, Soy-beans ect to you diet daily. I would replace the meat you're having with your main meal daily with one of the above fishes.

You have ruled out any underlying issues that maybe blocking the absorption of vitamins?

Another thing to look into would be air conditioning, do you use it full blast in the car? Does your job use it? Your home heating ...these are outside factors that can be very drying on the skin.

Pippy1976

This is really interesting: thank you very much.

Firstly, how do I go about upping my intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, other than the fish you listed, obviously.

Do you know of anything that would be inhibiting the absorption of vitamins? I definitely never use air con in the car... as a greeny I believe it consumes greater quantities of fuel... I don't use it in the house and use the heating sparingly as my house is quite toasty as it is... it is on in work the odd time but nothing excessive : we try to leave it off as much as possible which is great.

Again, thanks for your suggestions. I really would like to increase my fish consumption so it's a good excuse to do this.

tan11ie wrote: »

Ok your diet looks good but I don't think you are consuming enough fatty acids.If your diet is lacking Omega-3 fatty acids it will show on your skin.

From reading your posts and everything that you have tried/ looked into, I really think you should up your intake of Omega-3 and see if things improve.
Flaxseeds are a great source, but this alone won't be enough.Try adding walnuts,wild Salmon,Sardines,Halibut, Soy-beans ect to you diet daily. I would replace the meat you're having with your main meal daily with one of the above fishes.

You have ruled out any underlying issues that maybe blocking the absorption of vitamins?

Another thing to look into would be air conditioning, do you use it full blast in the car? Does your job use it? Your home heating ...these are outside factors that can be very drying on the skin.

tan11ie

Firstly, how do I go about upping my intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, other than the fish you listed, obviously.

If you do a google search it will throw up lists of foods...remember fish & sea food is one of the highest sources, then you will have seeds & nuts so on...but in lower sources.You could add a daily supplement also (don't use it as a replacement for food sources though) 


Do you know of anything that would be inhibiting the absorption of vitamins?

Lack of fat in the diet, Vitamins A D K & E need fat in order to be absorbed by the body, enabling them to do their job.Lack of fat = lack of absorption = nutrient deficiencies. But as I said earlier if you feel your diet is sufficient then get checked out by a doctor.

Smoking is another culprit.Drinking tea or coffee straight after a meal is another.


For moisturisers you should look at ones that contain vitamin A,E,D.

I hope this helps, PS I have a 3 day skin care boost diet at hand, if you want to take a look at it to give you ideas I have no problem posting it up or pm it to you.

shopaholic01

Pippy1976 wrote: »

Hence my preference for going down the holistic / natural remedy route. All the creams mentioned here with mask the condition but they don't clear it up.

My diet is good. I was a vegetarian but finished with that at the beginning of the year (I didn't have any skin problems when I WAS one). I eat various meats during the week and suppose would eat fish once a week. I take Flax Seed oil instead of Cod Liver Oil (or similar) and that's a throw-back to being a veggie. I eat veg every day with dinner, eat a healthy breakfast with greek yoghurt, honey and flax seed. For lunch I'd have something small and then a proper meat & 3 veg for dinner! I've a pretty normal / well balanced diet I'm guessing ... probably could do with more fish in there though.

Maybe it's the change in your diet that's causing it? Try cutting out one type of meat (chicken/beef/pork) for a month and see if it improves. Gradually reintroduce it and see if the problem returns.

Pippy1976

tan11ie wrote: »

I hope this helps, PS I have a 3 day skin care boost diet at hand, if you want to take a look at it to give you ideas I have no problem posting it up or pm it to you.

Thanks a million... that 3 day skin care boost diet would be really cool to have a look at. I suppose you could post it up here... Mod, would that be ok? Other posters might benefit from it...

Also, I don't smoke and rarely drink... I do treat myself to a cup of take away coffee now and again but don't drink tea / coffee at home.

tan11ie

It's a 3 day healthy eating plan specifically tailored to improve your skin, it will give you an idea of what nutrients you should be consuming daily to keep your skin healthy ....pm.

Gormal

Pippy1976 wrote: »

Seriously, get some Salts - let us know how you get on.

Taking the tissue salts for just over 2 weeks now. The most noticeable difference was that the skin heals quicker. I have noticed a very slight improvement in my skin as it have become smoother/softer on patches that were hard and scaly/rough.

On a note, I was wondering if maybe you've developed a slight fragrance allergy when you mentioned that Weleda Skin Food brought you out in a rash since most of the ingreds are from natural essential oils.

I started using Elave instead of soap/cleanser. Might be worth a try going fragrance/soap free for a couple of weeks. Sometimes companies change their ingredients, so something that has been fine for you before, is now poison for the skin .

Pippy1976

Gormal wrote: »

Taking the tissue salts for just over 2 weeks now. The most noticeable difference was that the skin heals quicker. I have noticed a very slight improvement in my skin as it have become smoother/softer on patches that were hard and scaly/rough.

On a note, I was wondering if maybe you've developed a slight fragrance allergy when you mentioned that Weleda Skin Food brought you out in a rash since most of the ingreds are from natural essential oils.

I started using Elave instead of soap/cleanser. Might be worth a try going fragrance/soap free for a couple of weeks. Sometimes companies change their ingredients, so something that has been fine for you before, is now poison for the skin .

Thanks so much for the update. Great to hear that the salts are working for you. As with most routines, mine fell apart for the past week and the dry skin on my lip is back worse than ever. It's itchy now and quite noticeable. I started, with a vengeance, back on the salts today.

I wondered about the Weleda outbreak as I'm not allergic to, or so I thought, to anything. I had put a little bit of this cream on the patch on my lip and holy mother of God I was covered within 24 hours in a rash, it wasn't itchy though but I blew up like a whale!

I use Liz Earle on my face, the cleanser, with no adverse effects and also use Bio Oil to moisturise so I don't know what EXACTLY was in the Weleda cream but definitely one of the natural ingredients was bad for me. Would love to find out which one.

Lastly, I never use soap on my skin. Haven't done so in years in fact and use Faith in Nature shower gel in the shower, only.

Gormal

you know just remembered (God how could I forget!), that I had a bad rash which started with an itch on the lips, which spread to under my nose and towards the corners of my mouth as well as my eyelids. Twas red dry and itchy and drove me crazy, I did get creams and they helped a little. Green tea & coffee seemed to make it worse, but later found that they weren't anything to do with it.
After multiple attempts of excluding this and that. I finally ditched my lipstick (I only ever used it once a week) I don't know that this was the definate cause, but I've not had and problems since.

xzanti

Udo's Oil

vibrantblue

This is a very interesting post!

My skin is dehydrated rather than dry. But I had a weird dry skin episode early this year. The only products I could use during that time was Cetaphil Cleanser, Avene Skin Recovery Cream, La Roche Posay Cicaplast and Vaseline. Even Avene's Cream Cleanser for sensitive skin, which I usually love, was burning on touch.

Although some of these are mentioned before, here are the things I love for dry and sensitive skin: LRP Cicaplast B5, Silcocks Base, Mineral Oil for make up removal, the whole Toleriane line from La Roche Posay especially Toleriane Ultra, Salcura cleanser and moisturiser, Trilogy Rosehip Oil, Elave Cleanser.

Some natural ingredients such as certain oils may be distressing your skin. I remember trying Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and my skin wasn't happy about it. I think it has eucalyptus oil and that can be an irritant for certain skins.

Sunshineboo

I have dry skin from time to time especially in Winter. I find E45 cream really good for it and the Benefit skin care range is brilliant but it's a bit expensive!

CiaraaWerea

I had really dry skin a couple of years ago on my forehead and I used savlon antiseptic cream. I just used it when my skin got really dry and was painful and sometimes even bleeding, it really helped and sometimes even now I use it along with my moisturiser.

Pippy1976

CiaraaWerea wrote: »

I had really dry skin a couple of years ago on my forehead and I used savlon antiseptic cream. I just used it when my skin got really dry and was painful and sometimes even bleeding, it really helped and sometimes even now I use it along with my moisturiser.

Wow, amazing! I have some of this and will be giving it a go. I've also ordered Pevonia dry skin oil as I had a facial last week and the girl recommended this, + other expensive products that will have to wait 'til I've healthier budget to purchase!