Dove soap

Aveda Dry Remedy shampoo and conditioner

(I also use Oxo Bioton shampoo and conditioner and the coconut one as well)

I use Eucerine Q-10 anti wrinkle day and night. I dab a little Vaseline where needed after moisturizing

i Vasaline Intensive body lotion

Lac-Hydrin lotion for my feet (perscription)

Dove shower gel. When I used bar soap I also used Dove.

OGX sulfate free shampoo. There are many varieties, depending on the type of hair you have, so check the website for what is recommended. But I do recommend getting something sulfate and paraben free. Game changer. Same for anything you put on your face, should be paraben free.

Curel body lotion. The fragrance-free one for dry skin. Aveda Foot Relief.

For my face I use Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base over a CE Fereulic serum for day. A richer night cream at night.

Shower: Right now I have Dove bar soap in the shower. I have an aisle full of soaps and body washes so I'm working my way through them all, including the pretty "gifty" ones, before I buy anything new! The pretty ones make me smile :)

Hair: Clarifying shampoo to wash out the product, then John Frieda Volumizing shampoo.

Redken 06 Thickening Lotion, and I like a brushable hair spray like Sebastian.(I learned about the Redken here, maybe it was from MtnRd?)

Body moisturizer: well, now it's the Jergens tanning moisturizers, otherwise I like what's on sale or what I have, like Aveeno, St. Ives, etc. They all are pretty similar, to me.

Facial moisturizer: Pond's Dry Skin Cream. Tried and true.

Specialty: well, I have a bit of psoriasis so I use squalene oil on those areas.

All over moisturizer: drink water! Makes a huge difference, though I don't notice it in my hair; I'm not that patient.

I thought it was the soap, until I realized the water softener wasn't working. Perhaps softened water might help you?

I've been using Nivea Foaming Oil body wash. https://www.niveausa.com/products/foaming-oil-body-wash--721400234780079.html

I started using Cerave as my soap and it’s the only thing other than Noxema that doesn’t dry my face right out.

I order Mad Hippie face cream online. I find it rich but doesn’t make me break out like most heavy lotions. I also like that they have a limited but effective range of products - too much choice makes me crazy.

And what path says about water. My stylist, who is my age, was just telling me I should drink more water if I want my hair to be healthier. Worth a try. It’s cheap anyways ;)

The honey goat milk soap from Heavenly Soap Company is amazing. I got it in a Christmas stocking; I wouldn't normally spend that much for soap. I'm using their Dead Sea salt soap right now; it's a pretty amazing exfoliating bar.

I use a free and clear shampoo that doesn't have any name on the label other than "Free and Clear."

I don't moisturize.

I use only artisan soaps ,commercial stuff irritates my skin. But I did order some shower gel and body lotion from Beekman Farms-it's made with goat milk and is super yummy. I also have a bar of it but haven't used it yet. They have a website, but I ordered off OVC. Beekman 1802

Cetaphil for body lotion is by far my favorite. Drinking lots of water makes a huge difference in my skin.

What is your super gentle, moisturizing bar soap ? I've used Noxzema liquid (pump), for the past 5 or 6 hundred years now.

what’s your gel/hair product? Kerastase in the pale green tube but my hair is fine and straight & yours is curly and thick so YMMV

what’s your daily moisturizer? Neutrogena Hydraboost, recommended by my derm

I was blessed with normal skin and hair so I get to experiment with different brands just for fun. I have no favorite and I stay away from creme rinse.

I also use Neutrogena Hydraboost and Oil of Olay, the classic pink.

Robo, have you been checked for Type 2 Diabetes? Dry skin is a symptom.

Check your products' ingredients. Among those to avoid are fragrance and Methylisothiazolinone, a preservative that often causes dermatitis. What helps skin repair its moisture barrier: moisturizing when skin is damp, ingredients like glycerin, lanolin (if no allergy), squalene, ceramides and B vitamins... I like Bioderma Atoderm balm for body and face moisturizing. Just discovered Ouidad curl quencher for hair styling cream. Lovely! Sometimes, the change is hormonal and we can only do so much. I'd talk to my doctor if my efforts proved fruitless. Good luck!

Dry skin and hair can be a sign that you’re not hydrated enough and/or may need to look at taking a good Omega 3 oil supplement. My favorite is a 1,000 mg of Krill Oil. It works well and doesn’t cause the stomach issues that fish oil can cause. The one I use from Research Labs also lacks a smell that is overwhelming and a big turn off.

I’ve also heard that another cause can be from a deficiency of vitamins in the B Family.

Lastly our bodies change a lot after child birth and depending on how severe it is, it could be a sign of something else like a hormonal issue.

While changing up your soaps and shampoo might help, you might still want to consider having it checked by your doctor or dermatologist.

I also would encourage you to consider underlying causes of your dry skin and hair.

I use argan oil daily on my face and neck, elbows and ankles. The rest of my body doesn't get dry, but I occasionally use a salt scrub.

I also use just a tiny bit of argan oil on the ends of my hair. I also only wash my hair every second or third day. The type of shampoo doesn't impact my hair--it's more the frequency and using a bit of argan oil that makes a difference.

I use Dr. Teal's soap on my face and body.

I'm older than you but I've found at a certain point, my skin did become drier, and no, it was not due to any health problems. My hair is not curly like yours but wavy and I think sometimes thick/curly hair tends to get dry. Coconut oil is great for your hair! I use cerave cleanser. They also have a cream I like for body. I use rosehips oil, yes oil, as face moisturizer. I put it on wet skin and let it soak in then pat my pace with the washcloth so there's no oily residue. It's been great for my skin. I too am one that will not use certain ingredients on my hair or skin. I agree with drinking lots of water and an Omega 3 supplement. Also B-vitamins are good for your skin and hair (and your energy!) but I'm not sure how much they do for dry skin/hair. Your nails will thank you. (Oh! I will never, ever be without John Freida gel for my wavy hair!)

Tinam61, can I ask which rosehips oil brand you use? I've been wanting to try it, but cannot find it locally. I'll need to order online.

• dove cucumber green tea bar soap - love the fresh scent and while I wouldn't call it a super moisturizer, it doesn't dry my skin further. (I also love Ivory soap-- but I've been using this for the last 3 yr or so)
• Pevonia phytogel cleanser - have been using this for a decade-- but considering changing to the dry skin cleanser which is creamy instead of a gel. I don't use it daily-- and I use this with my clairsonic
• Pevonia gentle exfoliating cleanser on my face - this is a recent addition(1 month) and I've had super results. It's not drying, it's fine on my sensitive skin and my old lady breakouts have stopped since I started using it.
• Chanel Hydrabeauty Camellia Water Illuminating Hydrating Fluid - also a new addition. So far I like it but not yet ready to rave or recommend. I switched from Cerave because I prefer very light, wet facial moisturizers but most aren't moisturizing enough. If I don't love this one, I'll go back to the original oil of olay.
• SHAMPOOs I swap around between - John Frieda Sheer Blonde which is creamy and nice scent, John Frieda Beach Blonde which is light and fresh spearmint scent, Aveda Blue Malva to brighten up and remove brassy tones in my highlights. I really need a new shampoo that better moisturizes. I did try an OGX Biotin Shampoo based on recommendations here and I thought it made my hair feel terrible. I removed it from the shower that day. I just ordered Pureology Nano Works Gold to try.
• CONDITIONERS - Oway hair mask, Pureology Hydrating (NOT the sheer formula) or John Frieda Sheer Blonde. I really like the Oway products and I think they do the best to moisturize my hair. They are expensive but a *very* small amount goes a long way.
• Aveda Volumizing Tonic e - tried some of their other leave in conditioners-- this one works the best for me (thanks to a recommendation years ago from Mtn). '
• Aveda Voluminzing Tonic

Sorry, hair products are very much geared toward my specific hair type (fine, straight, color-treated) so not likely to work for you...

Coconut oil is good for all parts of you...out and in (wink wink) Just get it in the grocery section. I loved emu oil, but don't use it any more...squalane is just as effective.

When I'm like a raisin, I'll lie with a wet washcloth on my face for a bit, slather the oil on my face, then keep a hot washcloth on my face (just keep warming it in the microwave and lay it back on your face). The heat helps the oil soak in and you'll have a face like a baby :))

Also second Omega 3's, for dry skin (plus other physical issues and mental, too...ymmv of course).

Get a humidifier for your bedroom....

What is your super gentle, moisturizing bar soap ? Jergens. It's hard to find, but we buy it on Amazon now. DH has super sensitive skin, and it doesn't bother him, so we stick with it.

what’s your gel/hair product? Dove hairspray, I also have a Redken pillow protect for heat styling.

what’s your daily moisturizer? Olay sensitive daily

Shampoo/conditioner: L'oreal color save volumizing

Nature-girl here ; )

Trader Joe's all-In-one facial cleanser and tea tree body wash, mainly. I use Dr. Bronner's liquid castile for hand soap - mixed with water in a foaming pump bottle. Hubby likes to collect various fancy soaps from the health food store, so there's always a bar of that too, which I only use for underarms and feet in the shower.

And for moisturizing, I do that faithfully - all over - with "all-natural" body lotions and face creams, and home made olive oil & beeswax balm for hands & feet. I avoid things containing petrolatum or mineral oil. I don't have a single brand, I find all kinds of different things at TJMaxx and Marshalls for discounted prices.

One thing that's true for me is that Soft Soap - which seems to be everywhere - dries my hands out terribly - makes them feel like sandpaper. I cannot stand that stuff!

I don't use product in my hair other than shampoo/conditioner - Giovanni is my brand - and a very tiny bit of olive oil/beeswax balm just to smooth flyaways. I often use a drop of conditioner rubbed between my hands for that as well, and I also use a very small amount in a spray bottle, mixed with water.

I use Philosophy's Purity to wash my face followed by Jodi Marin’s Pure Argon Oil or It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. I use Philosophy 's shower gel for the rest of my shower, followed by Jason's Coconut Oil when done. For my hair I use L’Oréal Everstrong.i buy all my Philosophy on QVC

I use lavender goats milk, or Prebiotic face wash....overnight rehab cream made with coconut milk, and I don’t use gel, but my husband uses the unscented boy icing as gel....all from Lemongrass Spa Products. No artificial fragrances, harsh preservatives, nor gold foil lined boxes to run up the price or fill up the landfills.

After I posted I remembered a hair mask I heard about,

Pantene Hair Mask

Pantene makes great hair products and with the low price and great reviews, I'd start with this for your hair.

I’ve been reading all these recommendations with much interest! Thanks so much for sharing your beauty secrets with me. I find it interesting how much overlap there is!

I have to get blood work done fairly often for all my fertility stuff so I don’t think I have type two yet. Blood sugar and thyroid problems run in my family, so far I’ve been lucky to escape them but it’s always worth thinking about.

However your points about adequately hydrating did land with me! I’ve had an absolutely rotten couple weeks of work and I’ve been neglecting anything that wasn’t coffee and sleep. I can particularly notice it on my arms with my keratosis pilaris, it’s really flaring up where are usually it calms down in the summer.

I have my last ever! embryo transfer in six weeks. Either way will be done with fertility after that and looking forward to settling into my regular hormones for the first time in....5 years!

Good luck to you Robo.

Wishing you the best, Robo.

Sending you good thoughts, Robo.

Wishing you the best luck, Robo. And lots of hugs.

Yes, positive thoughts!

Re facial moisturizer: I know many have recommended Neutragena Hydro Boost. I'm working on a jar now of the gel and I'm not impressed. Doesn't really moisturize as much as I need and I do not like the smell...to me it smells like glue. I prefer their Moisture Rich Day Cream instead. Nicer smell and better moisturizing. And I recently bought a small travel size of Ponds and I liked that too.

I'm using Dove bar soap now but in the winter I like Nivea Care and Coconut liquid soap..seems to moisturize a little better.

Shampoo? No favorites...they all do the job, although I will look into sulphate free when I need to replenish. In the last year or so my hair has gotten frizzy and John Frieda anti frizz has helped. I work a small amount through my hair after shampooing.

Body lotion? No favorites here either. Right now I'm using Vanicream and it's fine. I never notice much difference among brands.

Hair products? Specifically volumizers and root lifters....I've tried too many to count on my thin, fine hair and have finally come to the conclusion my hair hates them all and I hate them for not keeping their promises!

Wishing you the absolute best luck robo. I hope things settle and they treat you right. Big hugs sent your way.

Joanie, Funkyart mentioned it and I know we, with the fine thin hair, have talked about it in a long-ago thread. Aveda’s volumizing tonic is the best. I use their Phomollient first (about 3 pumps) and then about 3-4 spritzes in my hand of the tonic and work each into my hair individually, then brush or comb through. Seems to work well. I have used them for many years on the advice of my hairdresser. I branched out and tried some others a few times but always came back to this combo.

I used to use Aveda shampoo and my hair started getting dry and flat. I randomly selected Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo and fell in love. My hair is softer and has more volume. I like their Coconut Conditioner but it feels a bit too heavy at times so I switched to Alba Coconut Conditioner. I generally don't use any other hair products, so I can't make any other recommendation. My hair is very long, has a bit of wave to it, lots of hair but the hair is moderately fine.

I use Paula's Choice One Step Face Cleanser when I need a gentle face soap. I also use Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion as a face moisturizer. Very gentle and no SPF (which might be good or bad depending on your preference).

I also recently started using Image Vital C Anti-Aging Serum under my daily moisturizer. And Image The Max Stem Cell Creme for night time moisturizer.

Robo, I had extremely dry skin in my 30s that was, in fact, due to a health condition. You'd be on top of that if this were the case, I think.

Yes, stay hydrated! It's so easy to get on that coffee cycle that makes it difficult to drink water on top of it.

Plus... it could just be all the hormonal stuff you're going through. If this is the cause, I hope some dry skin and hair end up being worth it! Best wishes.

Do not overlook getting a good amount of healthy fat in your diet as well....

Thanks outside....I'll give the products you mentioned a try.

I second Outside's experience. I didn't know how much I liked it until I ran out a month ago! I use it after my keratase ciment thermique.. I use 4-5 sprays in my hand and then work it all in. I finger it through but tend to focus the keratase on the ends and the Aveda voluminizing tonic on the top and roots.

Feathers. right now I have Kate Blanc rosehip seed oil. Be sure it's certified organic. I forgot to mention that I also periodically use a charcoal soap (Young Living Brand) to really deep clean. I also use an exfolliater every week or so but I can't think of the brand.

Good luck!

I have horribly dry skin. I get the best relief from alternating Aveeno Daily Moisturing Body Wash (olive green cap) and Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash. I know they are not what you asked for, but I cannot use bar soap.

I use L’Oreal Ever Pure Sulfate Free shampoo for colored hair, and the matching conditioner.

My body cream is Aveeno Eczema Therapy. My moisturizer is Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50 and I also use Burts Bees Renewal Smoothing Eye Cream. Before the moisturizers, I use No B.S. Vitamin C + E serum.