January 04, 2006 | It was a very itchy year...
Ah, 2005. It was a good year. Let's review, shall we?
It was definitely a year of walking and hiking. Also, my first camping adventure (which sadly coincided with me breaking the G2). It has also been the year of Flickr addiction. I joined a little over a year ago, and I can't stop adding photos. The fact that I broke down and bought a digital SLR this year probably contributes to the flickr factor. What else? How could we forget BlogHer! I met some lovely people and am so glad I went (one regret on that front - that I was too shy to say hi to some of you - Tracey, for example). And then I packed up all my stuff and moved (a lot of work, but totally worth it). And there was all sorts of fun stuff involving my favorite cousin's wedding. All in all, a lot of ups and a few downs. But as far as years go, I have to say, I don't have very many complaints.
Except...maybe...one.
My skin totally FREAKING OUT. Possibly due to many factors: climate, elevation (I live on a mountain, kind of up high), stress, etc. I've always had sensitive skin, but it's gone a little bit nuts this year. I need help. I am now taking suggestions and advice for: deodorant, body lotion, and body wash. Despite the fact that I use 'sensitive skin' formulas for most things, my skin is still unhappy. The itching was so bad the other day while I was at the gym that I found myself nearly clawing my underarms to make it stop. I looked like a monkey. SO NOT ATTRACTIVE. Yes, I will make it to the dermatologist eventually, but until then, HELP!
I second everything about Dove. This too was the year for my skin to freak out. I have always had somewhat sensitive, yet oily-in-a-healthy-way skin. Now (not just in the winter)...dry. Dry, dry, dry. Pah. But I'm working on it. Good luck with yours this year!
I'm pretty sensetive to lotions and soaps, I use Dr. Bronner peppermint soap (it's not a detergent at all). And the very unsexy Curel unscented body lotion is the only one that doesn't make me itchy - it's a bit waxy feeling going on but soaks in surprisingly well. They have apparently changed the packaging and I hope they didn't change the formula. For my face I use Cetaphil for oily skin, and a DDF moisturizer.
Thanks gals!
This actually started out as a laundry detergent issue (new front loading washer required special detergent), but we've switched brands, so that's helped.
I've been using Dove's sensitive skin body wash and deodorant, but it's possible I've developed a reaction to it. Maybe I'll try the unscented versions. I'm definitely going to look into the Kiehl's deodorant though.
Try Kiehl's deodorant/anti-perspirant. I use it because it doesn't leave those nasty white stains on my clothes (it's more of a lotion than a stick or spray) but I have noticed that it's ingredients are more natural and it doesn't sting if I use it right after I shave. It is a little pricey, but it lasts for quite some time. I like that it is both a deodorant AND an anti-perspirant (although it contains no nasty aluminum byproducts). Go to www.kiehls.com and type in deodorant in the search.
I've found that sometimes a person's skin just freaks out and there's not a lot to be done. Think about your laundry detergent, too. One time I went through a horrible skin thing and it was because of the detergent we were using at the time.
I tend towards bitchy skin and here's what I use- Dove soap, unscented. I find Dove's sensitive skin formula to be too harsh. I started using Cetaphil to clean my skin at night. I just tissue it off and I like it. I use Clinique products for mosturizing (SuperDefense) and toner. I know toner isn't really necessary, but I like it all the same. I've had good luck with Ban roll-on unscented deodorant, but now I'm using Dove solid- something to do with silk.
Good luck!