Keeping it smooth

By Ann

 With many of us now into the long, post-holiday winter stretch, this is a good time to talk body products.

 I’m in the market for a gentle shower gel and a gentle, very moisturizing body cream (preferably unscented, but not a must) that I can slather with abandon on my very dry, sensitive skin, if anyone has any suggestions. I’ve been using Philosophy’s When Hope Is Not Enough Omega 3-6-9 (a gift), and like it, but because of the cost, when the tube’s gone, won’t be replacing it. And I used to love Neutrogena’s unscented bath and shower gel, but it’s devilish hard to find these days, so would be thrilled to have a replacement.

    So share with me, what are your favorites? Not so much high-end, scented products, but good everyday stuff that keeps the dry patches away without breaking the bank. Thanks!

 

  • CM says:

    I know I’m late in the game, but thought I’d throw out a few suggestions. I like jojoba oil as it closely mimics sebum in your skin so it absorbs quickly. Look for unscented version at Whole Foods or similar stores in beauty isle. This is good for hands, elbows, and even your face if you are not acne prone.

    But my favorite trick is to slather on baby oil (or any oil) BEFORE a shower. I really like the new baby oil gel formulas that don’t drip. AFter showering, pat dry. This soothes chapped skin and that moisterized feeling lasts a long time (days, even!) and feels like instant relief. Because you shower after applying, there’s no oily residue. The heat of the shower helps the moisterizing power seep in and seal your skin.

    Just be careful you don’t slip in the shower!

  • Catrinka says:

    Late to the party, but I had to add: Waxelene. Horrible name, wonderful stuff. Soybean oil, beeswax, vitamin E, rosemary oil – that’s it and it is all organic. Comes in a 9 oz jar at Amazon for about $16 and lasts forever. We use for dry skin, hair, and feet.

  • Vasily says:

    Shower gel: Old Spice original, because I love the smell of Old Spice in the morning.

    Lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion. Lightly scented, inexpensive, effective. As I’ve gotten older, I find I increasingly need to use lotion year round to keep my skin flexible and avoid that creepy dry feeling.

    I also keep a bottle of Johnson’s Baby Lotion in the shower for very dry winter mornings we get here in northern Illinois.

  • Joan says:

    Cetaphil is a heavy, unscented body lotion that works great on dry skin. Johnson & Johnson Lavender and Chamomile lotion is great too.

    I don’t know about shower gel. I use Nubian Heritage African Black Soap. It smells great, but it comes in a bar and is purple. Not sure if that’s what you had in mind.

  • Kismet says:

    Hi Ann –

    My skin has become progressively drier as I’ve gotten older, and my current “go-to” body moisturizer is Sephora’s Super Supreme Body Butter (store brand). Thick-n-goopy, not really expensive, and comes in a big ole’ tub. I slather it on damp skin after bathing and it really works.

    For washing my face, I LOVE Aloepure Essential Cleansing Oil by Aloette. It’s lightly rose-scented and leaves my very dry skin smooth and soft. Not affilliated, BTW, just been using it for years.

    Good luck!

  • ericgmd says:

    Ann,
    Are you located in the US? If so go to any drugstore like CVS or Walgreens and buy “Cerave”. It is unscented and contains ceramide 3 which helps restore the cutaneous barrier especially in winter.
    If you are in Europe, buy PhysioGel instead.
    Trust me the MD in my name is real and I’m a dermatologist (and a perfume lover!)
    ericgmd

  • hongkongmom says:

    Hey there Anne
    I was told by a nutritionist that the best way of treating dry skin is by what we eat first. Making sure i have 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil (easy if you dip bread into it..sooo yummy) Also 2 brazil nuts a day…great for nails and dry hair…The olive oil is great for the whole digestive system..
    For body products I use a dead sea salt scrub by premier…great for excema/psoriasis and just dry skin. The neutrogena sesame oil is great and easy to apply whilst wet and I use cetaphill for my face. My mom uses alba from whole foods.
    BTW…I finally bought some bottles…I haven’t forgotten, just a LOT going on

  • tammy says:

    Aveeno Daily Moisturizing and Gold Bond Ultimate Healing are my go-to lotions, with Crisco on hand for the bad patches and winter time.

  • dissed says:

    CeraVe, lotion or cream. The end.

  • Janet in California says:

    I swear by organic virgin coconut oil. It is wonderful, a good Omega 3 and melts in easily.

  • maggiecat says:

    Shikkai and Burts Bees products are readily available and wonderful.. I also have dry sensitive skin and avoid parabens and mineral oil (which actually promotes dry skin since it can’t be absorbed. On the pricier side, L’Occitane’s shower oil is also wonderful.

  • Flora says:

    I will second rosarita’s endorsement of CeraVe products for sensitive skin, with budget-friendly drugstore pricing, and it WORKS. I keep tubs of the cream around in winter, while the lotion is great the rest of the year. It is the only thing that really works against my winter eczema, and it is utterly unscented, so no matter how much I use, it never clashes with my perfume. They recently came out with a line of facial-specific products, but the original lotion is also fine for using on your face in dry weather.

    The Trader Joe’s house brand extra rich moisturing cream in the pump bottle is great too, it’s always on my counter to use after handwashing or doing dishes.

    Of course, I also like to use scented products, especially at bedtime. I keep several things handy for that; right now I am loving my big new pump bottle of Rochas Alchimie body lotion. I also just ordered some “handmade” pure shea butter scented with mango from eBay, I can hardly wait for it to arrive! :-)

  • Violette says:

    The Eucerin lotion with 10% urea is the best thing if you have really bad spots of dry, cracked skin. A beauty therapist friend recommended it when I worked years ago in food service, washing my hands 300 times a day. These days I just use it on my heels, so a bottle lasts like 6 months.

    I’m so trying the Crisco now!

  • AnnieA says:

    Curel is cheap and good, and the anti-itch version works even with eczema sufferers….

  • Gina says:

    I’m a nurse and my hands get so painfully dry and cracked in the winter. There are many good lotions, but my current fave is Gold Bond. That said, every night before bed, I slather with 100% shea butter and it has been a lifesaver. I also have to endorse the Salux towel, love it!

  • Julie says:

    My skin isn’t terribly dry, but it is sensitive and I also prefer unscented stuff. I recently switched to more “green” body products (no animal testing, no parabens/phtalates) so I started using Alba Botanicals Very Emollient Unscented Body Lotion. It is reasonably inexpensive and can be found at health food stores and sometimes even at Target. I get mine on Amazon since they have a huge jug of it for cheap. Used to use Aveeno and it’s my favorite, but is not so green : (

  • Thalia says:

    I have horrible dry skin, and Eucerin Advanced Repair is the best thing I’ve found for it. Inexpensive, available at any drugstore, and moisturizes like crazy.

    To wash, Cetaphil (or the various generic versions of the same thing) is the best — but even then, the less you expose your skin to it the better. Most body parts get clean enough just being in the shower; I save the Cetaphil for feet and pits and that sort of thing. Aveeno makes a GREAT gentle exfoliating facial scrub for dry skin, so I use that on my face once or twice a week.

  • Barbara says:

    I just bought some Lansinoh 100% pure lanolin to try on this stubborn dry patch on my eyelid. It’s sold in the breastfeeding section at Walmart (I know, I know!!) 1.41 ozs. in a box and it’s in a purple tube that you could carry around without anyone even knowing it says for sore nipples on it. Am trying it out since I’m off from work and not going anywhere! It is very greasy but if it works I’ll be ecstatic! Good luck!

    • Ann says:

      Let us know how it worked, Barbara …

      • Barbara says:

        Worked great! Walked around with a greasy eyelid for a day and a half but it is totally healed for now!! Put the lanolin on 3 times one day and in the morning before the kids left for school and my shower and I’m very pleased!

  • Sherri M. says:

    I should have typed “Butter London” in the black, cute packaging. :-)

  • Sherri M. says:

    My skin is very sensitive (lots of products give me hives), and I still have the best luck with Lady Primrose products. They’re scented, but are light and between those three are versatile enough to get along with any perfume I own. I use the shower gels and tons of lotion.

    I’ve also liked Butter Stiletto Stick for dry heels. It’s really thick (kinda greasy) and I love that I don’t have to touch it with my hands but it still gives the feet the heavy duty moisture they need.

  • Antje says:

    The Neutrogena body oil seems to be the way to go – it is available on drugstore.com if you cannot find it locally. They currently have 20% off and a $1.5 coupon.

    I completely forgot about the Urea lotions May mentioned. In the US they are available under the brand names ‘aqua care’, ‘rea lo 30’ or ‘nutraplus’.

    Another option is a lotion with 12% lactic acid called ‘amlactin’ which is recommended for cracked feet.

  • FragrantWitch says:

    Hi Ann,

    I love Neutrogena as well and did the lanolin thing whilst breastfeeding ( serious serious cracked nipples second time around …omg…) I am also a big fan of Weleda, particularly the Calendula and Regenerative Pomegranate ranges http://usa.weleda.com/ A bit dearer but still pharmacy- level pricing and it is excellent, with a little going a long way. I discovered the calendula range my oldest was born and then started using it myself- particularly the lotion and the skin balm. I keep the tube of balm in my handbag and use it as lip balm, hand balm, face balm for the girls on cold, windy days (and in a pinch for me). The Pomegranate a friend introduced me to and it is fab- smells lush and soaks in quickly. Also, Weleda’s Skin Food is just wonderful. Hope you find something that works!

    • Ann says:

      Hey, Ms. M! I remember hearing about Weleda somewhere but wasn’t sure how widely available it was. Love those multi-use products. Thanks for the info and the link, and glad it helped you with your sweet girls. BTW, how did the move go? Will PM you later …

      • FragrantWitch says:

        The move was relatively painless actually, thanks. The only downside is we’ll have to do it again soon as this is a rental- we sold our house but couldnt find one we wanted to buy! Given the economy, we thought it best to take the sale whilst we had it and then be in a ‘cash’ position when we come to purchase.

        If you can’t find the weleda let me know- I can be your supplier! ;-)
        Hope you and your family are all well and re-settled after your pod-people experience!

        • Ann says:

          Doing very well and are greatly enjoying the revamped 1/2 bath and kitchen/breakfast area, despite all the trouble. Thanks, sweetie, I may take you up on the Weleda. :)

  • Dionne says:

    I live in Alberta, which is a bastion of cold, dry air. I thought Edmonton was dry until we moved to the Calgary region just east of the mountains – holy cow! those chinooks suck all the moisture out of the air. My first winter here the skin on my arms got full-on scaly, and my teenage son started getting cracks in his feet and hands.

    We’d tried just about every drugstore product: Aveeno, Cetaphil, Glysomed, Eucerin, Udderly Smooth (yup, that desperate), the whole Vaseline-with-socks-to-bed thing, even local stuff you’ve probably never heard of, like George’s Special Dry Skin Cream.

    Finally I stumbed on Vaseline’s Problem Skin Therapy. It’s 30% petroleum jelly, but somehow they figured out how to make it non-greasy and quick-absorbing, which was a real problem with many of the other products I tried. Combine this with Neutrogena Body Oil – like the others said, put it on damp skin right out of the shower – and I’m smooooth. TeenageBoy no longer has cracks. If you’re not sensitive to petroleum products, it’s worth checking out.

    Other stuff that’s made a big difference: only showering every second day, and drinking LOTS of water.

    • Ann says:

      Wow, Dionne! Sounds like it can get pretty rough where you live. Those cracks are the worst, aren’t they? But I’m so glad you found something that works. Will have to try it with the oil, as you suggested.

  • Eldarwen22 says:

    I usually use Neutrogena’s Norwegian formula on my fussy, very dry skin. I’ve noticed that the scent of it doesn’t interfere with my perfume too much.

    • Ann says:

      Good idea, thanks. I have used their Norwegian hand formula in the past, so need to revisit that branch of their line.

  • karin says:

    Hi Ann! I also use the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream – comes in a tub. And you don’t need much. A little goes a long way. Aveeno is good, too.

    As for moisturizing shower gels, I highly recommend ShiKai. Don’t think they have an unscented one, but the scents don’t last on skin if you’re worried about that. For winter, I use both the vanilla and sandalwood scents…

    • Ann says:

      Hi, sweetie. Thanks for stopping by.
      So the Cetaphil comes in a tub, eh? I don’t know why but I love skin stuff that comes in tubs — maybe it just seems like you’re getting more. That ShiKai sounds good; where do you get it?

      • karin says:

        Hi Ann – I get the ShiKai at Whole Foods. Looks like there’s a store locator on the ShiKai website so you can find where it’s sold near you.

        • Smellifluous says:

          Oh, yes–I second the ShiKai gels! They’re great. I get mine at the local healthfood coop.

  • SMY says:

    I’ve also have very dry skin all my life. I like the combo of Neutrogena body oil – someone mentioned this above. I love the smell of the scented one, and it doesn’t interfere with any perfumes I choose that day! Very easy to find at your regular drugstore and sometimes sold in bulk size at Costco. I put this on right after I shower to lock in moisture (according to my mom who is a doctor, it’s important to do this right after bathing). I also don’t towel off before I put on the oil (but I make sure I’m not dripping) – and then I lightly pat dry afterwards. Then I like to using Curel body lotion after that. I always use the 2 steps of body oil + moisturizer in the winter. I’ve also used Aveeno and Keri lotion – both work well, Keri is a little greasier.

    I love niche perfumes and the smell of fancy body washes, etc., but for moisturizing, I’ve found that these drug store brands have been the ones to be the most reliable for me all these years.

    • Ann says:

      Sounds like the oil after bath and then lotion or cream is the way to go for us very-dry folks. I’d forgotten about Curel and Keri, so thanks for the reminder on those, too.

  • Lavanya says:

    My favorite creams and lotions are from this small one-woman owned company called cocoapink.net. I especially love the unscented goats milk and honey lotion. It is very moisturizing and doesn’t have any base smell so it is great under perfume. I also love their coco-mango butter, but the unscented has a slight smell which wears off in a few minutes, so I’d recommend waiting a few minutes before applying perfume.

    • Ann says:

      Thanks, Lavanya. Someone else also mentioned cocoapink, so I’ll definitely have to investigate. That coco-mango butter sounds divine, by the way.

      • Lavanya says:

        Oh- I just saw Ann’s comment about cocoa-pink! I love the VBB (Voluptuous Body Butter) that she mentions too- though lately I’ve preferred the texture of the coco-mango butter but that might have just been a batch-batch variation (coco-mango butter basically uses cocoa butter instead of shea butter. It was originally made for people who had latex allergies and therefore couldn’t use shea butter). If you like gourmand scents you will love their scent collection. I am not too much of a straight up gourmand fan (though some of the scents are very yummy), so I stick to the Jo Malone and SL dupes and a few amber (‘Black’) scents..Off-late, I’ve started getting the unscented because it is just so much convenient to use with perfume.

        Also I adore their hair care..:D

  • Smellifluous says:

    Adding my vote to the body oil contingent…it’s wonderful for dry skin. Coconut, olive, jojoba, sesame–they all work. I also like all-natural blended body oils from companies like Essence of Vali (least expensive, about $20 for 4 oz, which doesn’t sound inexpensive but they do last a while), Tallulah Jane, Evan Healy, Mandy Aftelier (some of these are upwards of $40/4oz). Here’s one, $20/4oz, I have from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pangea-Organics-Massage-Body-Oil/dp/B000YAACFO

    My technique for using them: I get out of the shower and DON’T towel off. While skin is still wet, I put the oil on. This helps it go on much more smoothly, plus you use a lot less. (If your skin isn’t still wet, the oil goes on very thick–rather unpleasant.) I started doing this last spring and this is the first winter in about 20 years that my skin hasn’t been a dry, itchy, flaky mess. Eureka! :)

    All of the body oils I mentioned do have a scent, but the scent wears off very quickly. That’s a nice combo for perfumistas: you get the “hit” of a pleasant fragrance as the oil goes on, but it wears off so quickly that you can put on perfume shortly after without, uh, clashing.

    For relatively inexpensive but great body products (soaps, shower gels, lotions, etc), try Bubble & Bee Organics (bubbleandbee.com). Great stuff, great customer service, good prices. No affiliation with any of these companies, by the way…

    • Ann says:

      Great tip on the oil application, thanks! That’s quite a testimonial. And I’ll be checking out those products you mentioned as well.

  • Sapphire says:

    Hi Ann,
    I have had great luck for years using Aveeno Baby Soothing Moisture Relief Cream (NOT lotion) on my younger son’s eczema in the winter. Soaks right in and really keeps him from getting itchy. Creams have a higher fat content, and lotions have more alcohol. Aquaphor and Eucerin creams have had a pretty good following in my medical practice, too. Cetaphil is always popular. Another big fan here of Dove soap.

    • Ann says:

      Good to know, Sapphire. And I’m glad a medical professional is weighing in here. I’m all for anything that prevents that awful itchy skin. I’ve heard about Aquaphor and am a fan of Eucerin for my face already, so those are on my list, and the Dove, too. Thanks!

      • Aparatchick says:

        The Aquaphor lip repair is a lifesaver for those of us with dry, chapped lips.

      • mary says:

        Hi Ann! Sorry to be late on this. Eucerin Calming Cream is terrific for my itchy, sensitive dry skin. Highly recommended. The unscented dove for sensitive skin gets another vote here.:)>-

  • rosarita says:

    What a great thread, you guys are all so smart! I am definitely going to do the Crisco thing.

    Out here in the Walmart Wasteland, where there’s no cool shopping places at all, I am big on drugstore products and am another fan of the Dove bar. I can also highly rec Eucerin Calming Body Oil for showering, and a big tub of CeraVe cream (I prefer it to Cetaphil.)

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Rosarita. I’m thinking there’ll be a run on Crisco in stores in the next day or two, tee-hee! I’ve used Eucerin products for my facial rosacea and it never occurred to me (duh!) that they might do body products. And I have a sample of the CeraVe around here somewhere that I need to try. Thanks!

  • pam says:

    Hi, Ann!
    I agree with the Cetaphil suggestion. And Walmart has a generic like it. And it’s unscented and helps your scent last longer in winter when you use it first. (That’s initially why I started using it, and then found out how good it is.)
    The Crisco thing I’ve never tried, but have heard about for years. Especially if the drying is so severe that the skin cracks.

    • Ann says:

      Howdy, Pam! Another vote for Cetaphil (and thanks for the generic tip, too, I’m all about saving money). Glad to hear it works well with fragrance, always a plus!

      • Musette says:

        I used the generic version, until it disappeared from the shelves! :(( – it was the Very Same Stuff only about $4-$5 less expensive.

        xo >-)

  • Olfacta says:

    I’ve had good luck with Neutrogena’s Unscented body oil — you put it on while your skin is still damp from showering. Fractionated coconut oil, which is available from some essential oil sellers and Perfumer’s Apprentice, is wonderful, too, gives the skin a sheen, but is more expensive.

    • Ann says:

      Hey, lady. Thanks for stopping by. Is the Neutrogena oil hard to find? I know their unscented bath and shower gel seems to have disappeared off shelves.

    • Elisa says:

      Thirding the Neutrogena body oil, which is not hard to find. And I love virgin coconut oil but it does make you smell like a Mounds bar.

      Lately I’ve also been liking Lubriderm Advanced Therapy lotion — rich but not so much that it takes forever to rub in. Has a very light smell that fades quickly.

  • May says:

    ooops! sorry, Ann, got your name wrong…

    • Ann says:

      Not to worry, May. Thanks for all the suggestions. And olive oil and salt — now that’s a great combo!

  • May says:

    Hi Anne,

    Winter in Switzerland can be quite hard on the skin but we are lucky to have BodyUrea from Garnier available. This body lotion with 5% Urea is very good in keeping skin well moisturized and lavishingly smooth. The best thing is it is unscented, so it doesn’t interfere with my perfumes :d
    For showering the best thing I found was cream-oil body wash from Dove. It is only very lightly scented and the smell washes off.
    A good body scrub once a week works wonders on dry skin. My Italian friend reccomended using a bowl of normal olive oil with a big handful of salt, and I havn’t abandoned this ritual since I got the tip in my early teens…

  • March says:

    Wait, what happened to my smiley face? :-w

  • Ann C. says:

    I’ve learned a lot by hanging around the Bath and Body board on Makeupalley. They love an etailer called CocoaPink. I bought a fragranced “voluptuous body butter” that is rich and moisturizing, and she threw in a small tub of body scrub as an extra. The scent of the scrub is light but I love it–London Lemon Curd. The products are great.

    Here’s a link to the website: http://cocoapink.net/home.php

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Ann, that sounds scrumptious. And now I’m craving lemon curd and a nice afternoon tea to go along with it :)

  • Madea says:

    Okay–Yes, it sounds gross. I get that. And it is, but hear me out. (How’s that for an opener?)

    If you have really dry patches that are *NOT* on your face, I suggest Crisco. Hospitals use it for Psoriasis. I use it primarily on my feet during the coldest months, when my skin cracks. I’ve also used it on my hands in the past.

    Firstly, get a large tub of the plain white Crisco. Open it–there’s a smell but it’s not strong and it fades quickly–and scrape the contents into a mixing bowl.

    Next take some oil (I use olive oil) and a handmixer. Mix them together well. This makes the Crisco easier to spread. If you want to, you could mix in some perfume oil or essential oils.

    Whip everything together until it’s fluffy. Pack it back into the tub.

    *Prepares to run* Are we cool now? Should I take my things and hit the road?

    • Francesca says:

      That sounds like a truly fantastic remedy for seriously dry skin problems. Thank you so much.

    • March says:

      Don’t run. I think that sounds great. I almost never bake or cook with Crisco, but the few times I have I’ve noticed how soft my hands were afterward. And slathering it on the skin is probably healthier than eating it! :d

      • Ann says:

        I second March, no need to run. I think I’d heard something about using Crisco, especially for cracked skin. As I said before, sometimes the simplest and most obvious things can be the best …

      • jen says:

        When I make tamales and knead the masa with lard, water rolls off my hands. I call it the tamale hand facial.

        • Musette says:

          Madea,

          You are in good company here. Crisco is great! And yeah, jen, totally on the tamales. They will have to pry my can of Crisco from my cold, dead hands before I give it up! [-(

          xo >-)

    • tammy says:

      I was just coming on to sing the praises of Crisco. Very commonly used for this purpose in the Deep South. I keep a tub in the bathroom.

  • Antje says:

    I started using my son’s Aveeno baby daily moisturizing lotion (fragrance free). I was looking for something safe for babies and found it highly recommended on the EWG website (they rate cosmetics for safety.. Anything with fragrance is automatically downgraded there..). For seriously dry winter skin I like Lush Dream Cream. Not a bargain and it does have a herbal smell but it really works without being a thick ointment type product.

    • Antje says:

      Second the Dove bar- I like the cream oil or the nourishing shea butter ones best for winter.
      One more thing: I sometimes layer lotion and oil. The oil helps to seal in the moisturizer.
      I am checking out the exfoliating towel, that sounds like a great idea!

  • lala says:

    I like the TerraNova line. It’s relatively inexpensive and some of the scents are heavenly. I’m partial to Rain and White Ginger.

    http://www.terranovabody.com/

  • Naie says:

    I’ve found nothing works as well as plain Cetaphil.

  • Joanna says:

    When I worked the Crabtree and Evelyn counter years ago we had a rep come and do an inservice on the products. She said any glycerin based lotions/creams will form a layer on the base of your skin but will not penetrate or heal. Lanolin based lotions/creams are absorbed and do have a healing property. Anhydrous lanolin is best for people with sensitive skin or allergies. I also have very sensitive and painfully dry winter skin. I’ve found that other than lanolin based products organic coconut butter/cream works well and is cheap. Both lanolin and coconut butter have a scent though. I like to use Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Cream during the day and Now Foods Pure Lanolin or any organic coconut butter or oil at night.

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Joanna. Thanks for all the good info; that will really help as I look at products. Another reason I love this blog — such generous, smart readers and I always learn something!

    • mals86 says:

      Oh, I remember that anhydrous lanolin cream from when I was breastfeeding. Helped enormously with painfully irritated, sensitive skin.

      • Ann says:

        Mals, glad you found something that helped with that. We adopted, so I never had that particular problem, but I can certainly sympathize. I’m wondering now how hard it is to find such products, if they’re on the skin-care aisle or are more of a pharmacy-type item. Will have to get researching …

        • Joanna says:

          Ann, they shouldn’t be too hard to find and if nothing else Amazon has all of these products for cheap, less than $10. I usually have to order the coconut butter but I can find the lanolin easy enough. Actually I keep a tube of the stuff for breastfeeding in my purse for my hands and arms and I use it on the rest of my body a few times a week. Any drug store or Target/WalMart will have it. A good health food store would probably have the coconut butter.
          I forgot to mention earlier that on Oprah a few years ago she had a dermatologist who suggested once a month, (Or more) to wash your entire body with a dandruff shampoo. It helps to slough off dry skin.

    • Cheryl says:

      Lanolin. LOVE! It’s hard to work with, but great stuff. I also use jojoba oil and coconut oil.

    • Musette says:

      J,

      You need to move to Miami. I need to move to Miami with you!

      😉

      xo >-)

  • March says:

    I use plain old Desert Essence jojoba oil from Trader Joe’s, although I am sure you can find it or another at a local co-op. I use it on my dry hair, face, body… non comedogenic on my sensitive skin. For thick cream I use TJ’s Midsummer Night’s cream. Note that neither of these has SPF.

    Also I’ve been known to use olive oil in a pinch (guest at someone else’s house). The scent wears off.

    Can’t get much more economical than oils if you have super-dry skin.

      • Ann says:

        Hey, sweetie, thanks. You’re right — sometimes the simplest thing is the best and oils are hard to beat. Trader Joe’s, here I come!

    • (Ms.) Christian says:

      I second what March says.

      First, do not scoff-Dove Unscented Bath Bar. Amazing.

      Trader Joe’s also carries a lavender bath oil or spray (I just take the top off and pour) and I use that very happily. The smell is pleasant but not lingering, it’s a heavy combo of oils and I use it just before I am ready to rinse off totally and exit the shower. I pour a quarter size of the oil into my palm, spread it on my legs, feet, heels and elbows and then do the other side-all this while the water is running.

      I HIGHLY recommend this exfoliating towel if you are dry and flaky-

      http://www.saluxshop.com/

      Amazon and Ebay always have them, too, they are a few dollars and they are incredible. You can easily get your whole back with one, they make anything (like the Dove bath bar) lather like a dream, and once you have all that flakey dry skin off, whatever you use will just soak in. I even use the Salux on my face.

      • March says:

        Oooh, I’m going to try the bath bar!

      • Musette says:

        We really were Separated At Birth, weren’t we?

        I have backups of my backups of Salux. I get them in Chinatown in Chicago, bless them all, those little shops. If I had to run from Zombies, I would make sure to grab a Salux or two, along with my sword and heavy leather jacket (to keep from getting bitten – apparently the morongs on The Walking Dead have never heard of leather or ballistic nylon outerwear!

        xoxo

        • (Ms.)Christian says:

          Yes, Musette, I am now certain you are my long lost sister!

          Aren’t the Salux incredible?! I even have one for the cats. All my felines are elderly (the “youngest” is 9) and they get their faces gently washed twice a week with a warm damp Salux that has been soaked in a strong chamomile solution. Gets rid of the eye and nose stuff that they can’t/don’t always wash away on their own, elderly dodderers that they are.

          One year when I was very poor, everyone on the holiday list got a Salux and a very nice bar of a good, nicely scented soap. Yes, there was some pouting from folks who expected more, but to a person everyone reported back in a few weeks that next year, they were going to be giving a Salux to all the folks on THEIR list!

          Good to know about leather jackets.

      • Antje says:

        Just got my Salux towels – Thank you for the recommendation. They really work!

    • Francesca says:

      Yeah, I’ve got a big vat of some unscented Trader Joe’s thing that I put on 15 times a day after cleaning up after the dogs.And I agree with March: In a pinch, just rub good olive oil all over your face.

  • Bryan says:

    Ann,
    Go check out Paula Begoun’s website. I’ve been using he stuff for 15 years and I just love her. (I have nothing to do with the company whatsoever, btw.). Her products changed my life. She makes a body butter that is fragrance, additive, etc free for very dry sensitive skin. And none of her stuff is overpriced.
    I also adore Frederic Malle body butters, but they’re scented and expensive, so I don’t slather with abandon. : )

    Good luck!

    • Bryan says:

      “her” stuff. I shouldn’t try to type so fast.

      • Ann says:

        Hi, Bryan, thanks for the info. I remember reading her cosmetics/skin-care reports and book, but had no idea she had her own line of products. Very cool …

  • Alnysie says:

    I haven’t tried many moisturizing body creams, and my skin isn’t extremely dry nor sensitive, but after trying a few that were too liquid or greasy, I find Aveeno’s unscented Daily Moisturizing Lotion to be my favorite. I use their scented body washes (can’t help it, even if it messes with my perfume!) but they also make unscented ones.

    • Ann says:

      Thanks! I’ve heard good things about Aveeno, so will give those a try.

    • Francesca says:

      Aveeno products are very good. Soothing and dayum, they work!

      • Ann says:

        Ah, more love for Aveeno. Guess I should’ve spent more time researching on the skin-care aisles.

        • (Ms.)Christian says:

          Aveeno’s Shaving Cream/Gel is SUPER, too. I used to be a shave the legs with soap woman, but this stuff changed my mind. Great for dry, flaking winter gams.

      • Musette says:

        I’m with you, bay-bee! When the stress hits HORD, I go with their lavender/chamomile stress reduction body wash – 5-10 minutes in a very warm shower with that and I can breathe again!

        xo

        • Ann says:

          Howdy, M! I’m gettin’ me some of that ASAP as I need all the stress reduction I can get. I know what a rough time you have with your sinuses, etc., so if it helps you, then I know it’s good. Thanks!

          • Musette says:

            Just to clarify – I meant ‘breathe’ as in ” whew! at least I’m not going to spontaneously combust’ ‘breathe’ – not the ‘ahh, sinii are open’. My stress is so high sometimes, over the dumbest crap, that …well, let’s just say 10 minutes in a hot shower with that Aveeno takes at least the really bitey edge off! 😐

            xo >-)

          • Ann says:

            Ooops,sorry if I misunderstood. But it’s all good anyway!

    • Gail S says:

      Another vote for Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion. I actually buy the one with SPF 15 which actually feels more moisturizing to me and the effect lasts longer. Plus, it has SPF :) Soaks in quickly and doesn’t leave me feeling sticky or greasy and moisturized for hours.