This blog follows my journey as I quit topical steroids for my eczema. I will chart my observations during the weeks that follow.
The blog is not intended to give medical advice. If you are concerned about a medical condition you should consult a doctor for advice.
Monday 6 January 2014
What Happens When You Stop Moisturising Your Skin? (photos)
Today marks exactly one month since I stopped using moisturisers on my skin...
Mixed feelings really. The first two weeks were incredibly hard, but it did start improving in the third week. The flakes got smaller and more powdery. I really thought I was starting to see some progress.
Unfortunately, a couple of days ago, this current flare hit and I've been like this ever since.
I'm staying off the moisturiser still because I don't want to make the flare any worse.
I look like a normal person today. I have reduced moisturisers loads and things seem better as a result, though I have not completely given up. I've dumped petrochemicals though. I think Im asking too much of my skin to give up everything at once, so I use a bit of moogoo in the evening and morning if necessary and only on my face as that's what I have to present to the world and I am sick to death of looking ugly (its not as though I can hide behind my hair, is it?!). Of course, the good skin can't possibly last. It never does. Back to the derm next week. Still on ciclo too. Hair grew back a bit .... then fell out again. Bummer. Take care xx
Brilliant news Elaine, nice to see you are finally getting a break.
I like the sound of your strategy of less moisture rather than cutting them out completely. I've heard a lot of good things about jojoba oil recently, so may get some and see how I go with it. Apparently it mimics the natural sebum in skin and is better tolerated than other moisturisers.
I'm also planning to give the tanning booths a go soon after seeing how much it has benefitted Tracy S.
I think the tanning would be a great idea. I also think weaning off moisturiser is a more tolerable strategy. My top lip was a mess when I didn't use moisturiser - then a small amount for a couple of days and it was perfect. I have now cut down again to twice a day and it seems to still be fine. I can see the logic of giving up completely, but its far too drastic for me to totally withdraw like that. I mean, dry hands and arms are one thing, but the face? Nah. Things are hard enough as it is. I have used no moisturiser on my neck, however and its doing quite well (though its hidden under a silk scarf all day - cant do that with yer face, eh?)Good luck. Hope to see a happy post soon! x.
I am also off of moisturizer. I still flare, but the flares seem to also be balanced with full break days--as in mornings and afternoons with zero itch. The redness i s gone from my face though I am still dry. I do have even tone. While I don't think it is perfect, I do absolutely believe I scratch much much less off of moisturizer than with it. I wonder if what you see today will be mostly gone in the next 2 days? Thank you for posting photos! -Ruth
Ruth, I totally agree with you about the skin tone. My skin has been a lot less red since stopping the creams and I'm hoping the flare will be short lived and I can go back to the way my skin was last week! It already feels a bit better today, so I'm hopeful.
Elaine, your comments are balanced and sensible. I think a little adjustment to my current routine may be beneficial.
7 comments:
Hi Louise. Do you think its getting any better?
Hey Elaine!
Mixed feelings really. The first two weeks were incredibly hard, but it did start improving in the third week. The flakes got smaller and more powdery. I really thought I was starting to see some progress.
Unfortunately, a couple of days ago, this current flare hit and I've been like this ever since.
I'm staying off the moisturiser still because I don't want to make the flare any worse.
How are you doing?
I look like a normal person today. I have reduced moisturisers loads and things seem better as a result, though I have not completely given up. I've dumped petrochemicals though. I think Im asking too much of my skin to give up everything at once, so I use a bit of moogoo in the evening and morning if necessary and only on my face as that's what I have to present to the world and I am sick to death of looking ugly (its not as though I can hide behind my hair, is it?!). Of course, the good skin can't possibly last. It never does. Back to the derm next week. Still on ciclo too. Hair grew back a bit .... then fell out again. Bummer. Take care xx
Brilliant news Elaine, nice to see you are finally getting a break.
I like the sound of your strategy of less moisture rather than cutting them out completely. I've heard a lot of good things about jojoba oil recently, so may get some and see how I go with it. Apparently it mimics the natural sebum in skin and is better tolerated than other moisturisers.
I'm also planning to give the tanning booths a go soon after seeing how much it has benefitted Tracy S.
Take care. X
I think the tanning would be a great idea. I also think weaning off moisturiser is a more tolerable strategy. My top lip was a mess when I didn't use moisturiser - then a small amount for a couple of days and it was perfect. I have now cut down again to twice a day and it seems to still be fine. I can see the logic of giving up completely, but its far too drastic for me to totally withdraw like that. I mean, dry hands and arms are one thing, but the face? Nah. Things are hard enough as it is. I have used no moisturiser on my neck, however and its doing quite well (though its hidden under a silk scarf all day - cant do that with yer face, eh?)Good luck. Hope to see a happy post soon! x.
Hi Louise!
I am also off of moisturizer. I still flare, but the flares seem to also be balanced with full break days--as in mornings and afternoons with zero itch. The redness i s gone from my face though I am still dry. I do have even tone.
While I don't think it is perfect, I do absolutely believe I scratch much much less off of moisturizer than with it. I wonder if what you see today will be mostly gone in the next 2 days?
Thank you for posting photos!
-Ruth
Thank you both for your comments.
Ruth, I totally agree with you about the skin tone. My skin has been a lot less red since stopping the creams and I'm hoping the flare will be short lived and I can go back to the way my skin was last week! It already feels a bit better today, so I'm hopeful.
Elaine, your comments are balanced and sensible. I think a little adjustment to my current routine may be beneficial.
Will keep you all updated. X
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