For the first time in my life I've encountered 'dry' skin. My dry skin is not in anyway paralelled to that of somebody suffering the torture of eczema, or worse. To these people I bear a monumental conscience for whining atall. Generally, my 'dry' skin erupts after a bath, and left unattended, it has interferred with sleep, and drives me mad! The incessant itching and scratching, slowly graduating to soreness.....I count my blessings even so.
My 'dry' zones are my hands, in between the fingers especially. The outer boundaries of the base of my feet, and worst of all, down the curvature of my spine. Worst because, I can barely reach it! Why weren't we fitted with double-joints all round??
Not being accustomed to this condition, I was at a loss as to know the best thing to use (or NOT use, for that matter), in order to rectify this. The cause is one bemusement, to find a panacea, another.
Like with all un-expected, medical complaints;
whether my own, or family's, I always turn to known sources or brand names. I trialed the Nivea lotion I use for my face and hands, but it barely scraped the surface. I would've tried, perhaps one of the 'Oil of Olay' range, but I've never been quite reconciled with the fragrance they use. I appreciate it's popular, but just not for me.
Hence, I found myself loitering amongst many a skincare aisle, daunted by the masses of products on offer. In 'Superdrug' my eyes 'homed-in' on the 'Vaseline' labels. Immediately for some reason, I thought of 'petroleum jelly', the name of which itself, is not entirely appealing. I remember my grandma having a little tin/tub of it in her bathroom cabinet, for little shaving 'nicks'. She swore by it, and at this present time, her recommendation came flooding back to me.
Amongst the different-coloured bottles and tubes, sporting the 'Vaseline' logo, I noticed a pale yellow group, sub-titled, 'Essential Moisture'. Beneath the dark-blue lettering were the words, 'Hand & Body lotion', for 'dry skin'. It also stated that it contained a 'multi-vitamin complex.' (Well, nobody's perfect! Sorry, couldn't resist that one). Diagrams on the reverse,showed it was a versatile product, and suitable for all minor causes and occasions our skins might take a disliking to. Further impressive boasts were, assurances that it was 'easily absorbed' ,and that it was 'non-greasy'. No stained laundry then,hopefully. Reading this was like 'music to my ears', a 'last night at the Proms', in fact.
Not wishing to dive straight into the heady heights of parting with approximately £3.00 a 400ml bottle, I opted for the 75ml tube, at the princely sum of £1.19. Quantities and comparable prices from three different stores are at the foot of this review.
After a hot bath that night, before I'd even finished 'towelling' myself down, the infernal itching and irritation began. With hope and added haste, I got out the 'Vaseline'. The pale yellow, creamy fluid, evacuated the tube with ease. Emitting a non-clinical, un-invasive, delicate aroma. To be honest I wasn't instantly smitten with the smell, until my hubby walked into the room. He enquired what the smell was, then totally out of character, said, 'That's nice'. Blimey, and it wasn't even my birthday! The fragrance had suddenly grown in stature. More importantly, the relief from the itching was almost as soon as it was applied. Absorbency was rapid, and it left no residues. My skin did have a welcomed 'sheen' rather than a 'shine' afterwards, along with feeling soft and soothed. The fragrance did not wane into unpleasantness, and at no point did my skin feel sticky. In fact nothing other than 'peaceful'.
Inspiring confidence, I now purchase the large 400ml bottle. I do not have to re-apply more than once a day, but obviously individual needs will determine this. If used once a day, I find this generally lasts about a month. However, this can vary depending on whether it's been 'pilfered' by other members of the household.It seems to have universal appeal, bridging gender and age gaps. I make a point of keeping it with MY stuff, lest they forget who it belongs to!
I wholeheartedly recommend this product, as a versatile, moisturizer for all the family, and pacifier of minor, dry skin irritations. For people with chemical allergies sometimes found in lotions and creams, there is a comprehensive list of ingredients on the back of the bottle, plus a freephone helpline: 0800 591720.
Accessibility is excellent, and is easily found in all good chemists and supermarkets.
Below is a small list of suppliers, quantities and prices, correct as @ 04.04.04.
Tesco: 400ml £3.48 200ml £1.44 75ml £1.19
Boots: " £2.99 " £1.69 " "
S/drug: " £3.25* " £1.99** " "
* = or x2 for £5.00 ** = or x2 for £3.00
With very best wishes.
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I like this product, I have a dry, itchy skin too and it is wonderful for rehydrating and soothing. Good review x
tekin21 18.05.2005 10:13
Sounds like it did the trick – I tend to go through phases with body lotions and I more often than not just forget about it unless my skin actually feels dry – must get back into the habit before the summer arrives – can’t be revealing scaly legs to all. Jane x
Apr 4th, 2004
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (98%):
