It’s been an interesting few months over here on the skin care front. Some massive allergies that left my eyes swollen shut the week of Thanksgiving had me rethinking detergents, creams, make-up and lotions. I feared it was our new pup who doesn’t shed (which does NOT mean she is hypo-allergenic I have learned!), but thankfully a bunch of scratch tests at the allergist assured me this was a “topical” response and not the itchy watery eyes and sneezing that usually comes with a dog allergy. I also worried it might be my detergent we use to wash clothes – so we immediately shifted to a “free” detergent with no fragrances or dyes. Below is my new regime. It seems to be working so far. Now I just have to slowly reintroduce make-up and face creams one at a time to see how my skin handles them. I’m thinking Honest and Beauty Counter, but am open to any recommendations from those who have been through sensitive skin issues in the past. I’m all ears so send your ideas my way!!
My new skin regimen:
- For the last 6 weeks I have given up all face creams and make-up and have been washing my face with nothing but water. I then apply Aquaphor to my lips and face, eyelids included. The allergist said Aquaphor is what they recommend for babies with eczema and very sensitive skin. If feels a little greasy at first (for lack of a better word), but it really has kept my skin from drying out and I don’t feel tingly or itchy after I use it.
- I also know that water is the best way to flush any irritants off your face, so I have taken to splashing cold water on my face 2-3 times a day, especially if my eyelids are itchy and I want to avoid scratching them. I took this process one step further after reading that models often use ice cold water to tighten their skin and give themselves a natural looking glow. I figured this too might decrease the histamines causing my face to itch and feel swollen. Boy did it work! I fill a large bowl with cold water and two handfuls of ice. Once the ice is almost entirely melted I hold my breath and submerge my face for as long as I can handle it. I do this 2-3 times in a row. I do this process every few days or as needed.
- And lastly I have started using a dry brush on my skin. Dry brushing is known to be a stress-reliever. It also increases circulation and decreases the appearance of cellulite. (Yay for no cellulite!) It removes dead skin cells for bright, smooth skin, and stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes detoxification. I try and do it once a week. You simply strip down and rub the brush in circles on every square inch of your body, avoiding the face. It takes about 10 minutes. I then pop in the shower and moisturize with Eucerin skin cream after. Eucerin is also a cream used on newborns so I find it doesn’t irritate my skin.
And there you have it! A few easy ways to make your skin feel brighter, smoother, and less irritated during the cold dry winter months.
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