For the last couple of years I’ve battled with dry facial skin, and I’ve tried everything under the sun. From all sorts of lotions, potions and creams, to oils, tablets, vitamins and Vaseline. No stellar results. Finally, I succumbed to making an appointment with the dermatologist and I’m really glad I did.

The dermatologist said to stop using the products I was applying to my face. He prescribed an ointment called “locoid lipocream”, and an over the counter moisturizer called “Impruv”. That, plus my normal cleanser and sunscreen is all that I’m allowed to use daily. I came home with the Impruv but had to wait for the prescribed ointment since it was out of stock.

Right away, I started to use Impruv twice a day. You won’t believe it, because I didn’t either, but my dry skin started to dramatically repair without the prescribed ointment. I fetched the locoid four days later and used a little of that too. But I soon stopped because Impruv alone does the trick.

Apparently, the moisturizers I’d been using contain skin drying ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinol for exfoliation. Ironic, but in my case the expensive moisturizers were drying out my skin. Impruv does not have these ingredients. Amazing. And all for under $13. As you say in the US, I’ll be darned.