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Post by Sandra

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Hey there APJ! Hope everyone is doing well.

I am beginning to wonder if I have been infected with a new virus – the moisture eating virus that hits early September and then suddenly disappears again at the beginning of June. It had even gotten to the point before I started experimenting that my lips would bleed, the skin on my fingers would crack and bleed and my skin in general looked like an aged snake shedding its skin.

If you will allow me I will take you on my painful journey of being plagued with extremely dry and sensitive skin. It all began when I moved away from home at 18 to attend university. I moved to my first colder climate zone ever and was shocked to learn that I needed not only a warm comforter at night to keep me warm but that my skin would start experiencing dermatitis for the first time. Then I moved to Austria and everything went downhill from there. Not only did my skin worsen but I was also diagnosed with celiac which also comes with a plethora of skin issues. So, if you see me in the heat of summer – baking myself lazyly under the sun like the languid iguanas – it is for good reason – all my issues clear up in warmth and humidity and vitamin D! For the rest of the year I am stuck with spending my money on products that help me look like myself again.

Moisture Eating Virus?

What works for me? Perhaps I can help someone save time and money.

Lips:

Cicaplast Levres – Baume Barriere Reparateur
This lip cream goes on smooth and soft. It takes away any cracks or bleeds and is specifically made for those of us who have autoimmune issues like celiac. Put it on at night and wake up to baby soft lips in the morning. In the winter I carry it with me in case I need it.

Lucas Pawpaw Ointment
I always carry a tube with me because not only do I use it on my lips but everywhere where I have a problem and I put some on and it stops me from looking like a psych patient wanting to scratch non-existent bugs out of my skin.

Body:

Bioderma Atoderm Huile de douche
I buy the 1 litre bottles and the whole family uses this excellent shower and bath oil. My skin in silky smooth after I use this.

 

Bioderma Atoderm PO Zinc
I can clear up almost any dermatitis with this. Not only do I use it on my body but in the dead of winter when my face needs extra moisture I put this on at night.

Face:

La Mer
My face is a tricky one because most creams that I have tried have resulted in a serious dermatitis outbreak. Fifteen years ago I was introduced to the La Mer Creme de La Mer and the La Mer Concentrate, love them and use them daily, and I have to admit that I am quite nervous in trying anything new. If you have any recommendations for me I welcome them because perhaps a newer formula would have even better results.

Neck and chest:

Clarins Face Treatment Oil Santal and Blue Orchid.
Both are wonderful but I reach for the Blue Orchid in the evenings as I find it a bit more nourishing than the Santal which I use during the day.

Do you have dry skin? What do you use? I would be very grateful for more tips as summer is only three months here and then I have to get serious again.