I’m so glad you were able to get this worked out, Angie! I don’t have a problem with dry skin on my face, but my legs and feet can get very dry, especially in summer when they are exposed to the elements. Is this moisturizer something you could use on the rest of your body, or is it just for face? Is it sticky at all?

Angie, isn’t it wonderful to find something that works- and that’s also cheap and easy? My daughter battles with dry skin in the winter, so I’m going to pick up some Impruv to have on hand. Thanks for posting about this- I think skin issues can be some of the most frustrating issues to deal with.

Angie, what were you using before?

I’m definitely going to try this. I don’t really like what I’ve been using.

It’s good that you got this sorted out, Angie. I love it when the best solution is also the easiest/cheapest!

I think most derms agree that women today wear far too many products on their skin, with far too many ingredients. I’ve read a few articles recently where doctors claim that all you really need is the right cleanser for your skin, a good sunscreen, and (maybe) a moisturizer for winter or nighttime, if your skin is drier. I definitely subscribe to “less is more” with my skin.

I’m so happy this worked for you! I also have really dry skin. It makes foundation a bit of an issue sometimes. Unfortunately, my “tried and true” facial lotion has recently been discontinued. Your post came at a perfect time since I’m on the lookout for a new lotion that won’t irritate my sensitive skin. I’m off to the store with fingers crossed.

I’m glad you found an inexpensive, effective, and simple solution!

My current experiment, which seems to be working, involves cleansing/toning with witch hazel and moisturizing with coconut oil.

Thank you for sharing.. this beauty tips are always wellcome!

Thanks, ladies. I take my skin seriously so it gets me down when it doesn’t look and feel healthy. Also, I’ve been blessed with good skin and never had problems with it until a few years ago when it went so dry. It was a shock! Who knows why the dryness started. My daily life and skin routine was just the same. Hormones?

Patience, it’s a question of what I haven’t used on my skin. I’ve linked to a post explaining most of those products in this post. Every conceivable Clarins product, so called “natural” products, cheap drug store stuff, oils, olive oils, Vaseline – you name it. I wish I’d seen my dermatologist sooner.

I now use: Clarins cleanser, Clarins sunscreen and Impruv. That’s it.

I saw my esthetician a few days ago and she was AMAZED. However, now that I’m not using an exfoliant, my skin could get congested. We’ll tackle that problem next. Still going for my monthly facials and at this point, my skin has never looked and felt better. I’m much relieved.

Angie, this is wonderful news!

Have you considered using Clarisonic to help with exfoliation? Do you think that might irritate your skin? I have fairly sensitive skin and started out with the gentlest brush and setting and had no problems. Also, Beta Hydroxy Pads can be quite gentle (Trish McEvoy makes nice ones) and only need to be used a couple times per week…they may not dry you out too much.

Again, so pleased to hear of your skin success!

This is terrific news Angie!

Wonderful, Angie! I’m very happy for you. My face is a combination type warzone. After moving to Florida I go through periods where parts of my face remain quite oily and rest develops really dry patches (the non T-zone areas). I try everything from vaseline to jojoba oil to nivea cream (greasiest stuff) but nothing really helps moisturizing or even containing the scaliness. I am definitely going to give Impruv a go! Much thanks!!!

I’m getting some Impruv today!
I also am going to start getting facials regularly.

This is interesting that you found your solution in a drug-store product… I’ve had the same experience. I have acne skin and for years I would buy the most expensive department store brands (I spent $100 on a jar of some “magical” cream once) and nothing worked. Then under the recommendation of a dermatologist I switched to Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. Cheap, found at the drug store, and so good on my skin. I honestly believe that some (most) department store big brands of skin care good are not worth the price.

I’m so pleased you’ve finally found something which helps and a cheap product to boot x

I am going to try this out next! I am SO glad you found something, Angie! Dry skin is such a bothersome and frustrating thing.

I have been using a Neutragena Healthy Skin product that had AHA in it – that has helped clear out blemishes, but it does tend to sting and make my face red. Yuck! Like San, I’m following in your steps to get a facial every month. Do you go to a salon or a dermatologist’s for a facial?

Well I am going to try this…I also have always had dry skin. Can you get this anywhere like Walgreens or something like that?

So many facial products, such as moisturizers, contain AHAs or retinol and you really have to read the labels carefully to find a product without those things. I recently started using an OTC night-time retinol cream and needed to find both a daytime and night-time moisturizer *without* AHA or retinol so as not to give myself a double dose. It wasn’t easy! I’ve finally found products I’m happy with, but I thought I was going to go cross-eyed from reading so many labels (with ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce!).

Angie, I’m happy you found something to help with your dry skin. And it sounds even sweeter that it was so inexpensive!

Angie, RE: exfoliation without using an exfoliator, what about just gently scrubbing with a nubby washcloth while you are in the shower? I do that most mornings (though since I have large, acne-prone pores I use a chemical exfoliator once a week.) It’s not the same thing but if you are gentle, it can help with buildup.

I am so glad that you found a regimen that works! Dermatologists are great resources, aren’t they? I’m hoping my new insurance plan will allow me to return to mine since she is fantastic.

Taylor, you can purchase Impruv online or at Walgreens.

Kari, I’ll try your nubby washcloth idea!

Let me know what you think of Impruv once you’ve tried it.

The only moisturizer I have found that doesn’t do terrible things to my eyes and skin is a cheap drug store product — Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion – Aloe. It is also the only one that doesn’t smell overpoweringly strong and unpleasant to me. It has a fresh scent that I don’t mind. (Even Cetaphil moisturizer makes my eyes stream, so those who know Cetaphil will know what a problem I have!) I use it for both face and body and it is sooo much cheaper than the expensive creams I have tried in the past and that did terrible things to my skin. Good stuff!

Hi, Angie. My very dry skin was a symptom of my celiac disease and has cleared up since I changed my diet. My doctor tells me that skin problems are very often manifestation of problems in the gut. I’m glad you’ve found some relief!

Angie, I use a tablespoon or so of sugar to exfoliate after I have applied my cleanser – that seems to work better than a washcloth for me because I can’t overscrub- it dissolves! I use the sugar 1-2x per week.

Thanks, LE. What do you mix the sugar with? Your cleanser?

Anonymous, I’m glad your skin and gut were sorted. I’m 100% sure I don’t have gut issues. I have the constitution of an ox! My diet is really good too. But that’s interesting info though.

Angie, I apply my cleanser and get it lathered up on my face, and then pour sugar into my palm, rub it between both hands briefly to get it ’stuck’ to the cleanser on my hands and gently rub my face. That’s it!

I’d suggest California Baby super sensitive lotion to anyone that has issues with reactions to products. I’m allergic to practically everything and have not reacted to this product. Plus, I have combination skin that gets oily in the t-zone so i don’t like products that are greasy- (i find cetaphil a little on the greasy side, but still sometimes use it) i figured a baby lotion might be a good answer to greasiness since they tend to avoid making babies too slippery for fear you might not be able to hang on to them!

Angie- I can imagine that using lotions with alphas and retinol on a daily basis had to make your skin super sensitive to the sun. Even though you wear sunblock, you may notice an improvement with that as well. And as for exfoliation, you will probably be okay reintroducing your old products on a once a week/month basis once you skin is back to normal. Or, just use a toner once a week. Clinique has a mild one but they don’t advertise it. You have to ask for it.