Winter is well underway in many places around the world. This season is all about the holidays, snow, and chronically dry skin. Through my life, I have used many skin care products. I have had seasonal eczema since childhood, it is basically a winter habit at this point. The dry, scratchy, and crackling skin returns every winter, especially on my hands and fingers. The minute winter packs it's bags and spring enters, the eczema vanishes without a trace. But, during the winter I use many products and home made concoctions to keep the eczema at bay. Having your skin voluntarily peel off can get painful very quick. This list of products is real and honest. This is not a list of fancy, fragrant, Bath & Body Works type products. These are real nitty gritty items that go a long way.
Hydro-cortisone Ointment 1%
This ointment is available over the counter at numerous pharmacies. It usually comes in a tube form and has a greasy/waxy texture to it. This ointment works within days and you will significant healing just from one use. The best time to use it is at night before bed. That way your greasy skin will not have to interact with anything. By morning it will be absorbed and the results will be there. This ointment has been my holy grail since childhood, it can be used all over the body. It is really good for inflammation, cuts, scrapes, peeling skin, and blemishes. But, keep in mind that it is a steroid, so try to not to use it all the time like an ordinary hand cream.
Nature Well Coconut Moisture Cream
This cream was a new discovery for me. This cream is available at department stores and online. This is not your run of the mill coconut cream. This one actually works! It doesn't just moisturize, it forms a protective layer over your skin. The cream dries quickly and is non-greasy. But, you can tangibly feel the soft layer of moisture over your skin. That layer acts as a barrier to cold weathers and harsh dry conditions. This is one of those products that you need to try to understand. It also very soothing and quite addictive in terms of reapplication.
Betnovate Ointment
This ointment is not available in many stores or pharmacies, you can find it online. It is popular in countries other than the United States. This ointment is also waxy and greasy. This ointment does what Hydro-cortisone does but far faster and efficiently. This ointment is my last resort. Since it is very strong, this should be your last resolution. After the strength of Betnovate other products may not work. This is the product you use when your skin is falling apart and your getting cracks accompanied with blood. This ointment is the boss level of dry skin products.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a popular home remedy. It is used for many causes. Castor oil is sticky, greasy, and heavy. This one might be the toughest out of the list to actually where out and about. Use it when you're at home and you'll be fine. Simply rub it onto the damaged skin and you will see results within days. It is hard to go wrong with this oil. Other oils don't do what this one does for the skin.
Cetaphil Moisture Cream
This cream is actually popular and well known. This cream is more for first level dryness. But, unlike the others on the list, this cream is probably the best for facial dryness. It is not as effective with chronic dry skin on the body. But, it gets the job done for the face. This cream is easy and practical. It can be worn causally.
Mometasone Fuorate Ointment
This ointment is in the same ranks with Hydrocortisone and Betnovate. It is the intermediary between them. This one is tougher than Hydrocortisone, but weaker than Betnovate. A con to this ointment is that it is a prescription ointment. Your doctor will have to write this one down for you. This ointment is waxy as well and works amazingly for crackled skin. If you are about to visit your doctor any time soon, make sure to mention this one.
Important Dry Skin Tips
There is a bit more to mention on this subject. Do not use fragrant creams/lotions. Do not use the Bath & Body Works or EOS lotions. People tend to carry these in their bags and use them ritualistically. These products are not suitable for chronically dry skin! The fragrance and chemicals in these products to made them "scented" and "pretty" are very rough for dry skin. They can worsen your skin condition and irritate it even further. I am mentioning this because of the sheer volume of people who use these products because of the brand name.
Another tip is to wear gloves and bandages. I tested this one out this year and it works! It cuts the healing time in half. When you go to bed, put on the ointments or oil and put on disposable gloves. This way all the goods stay locked in to your skin. During day when going out into the cold, wear winter gloves to avoid loss of moisture.
Wearing regular band-aids on cracked skin helps lock the moisture in. I typically apply an ointment and wear a band aid on that spot. It "bakes" the ointment into your skin in a way. Not only that, dry and open skin is susceptible to germs. So, band-aids offer a plus side of protection.
Keeping these few tips in mind can help you survive winter. Stay hydrated and moisturized!
Thank You For Reading!
-ISBAH xoxo
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