As the autumn air grows colder and my body continues to age, I find myself drier and drier these days. The air conditioner is in the off position and the heater is turned on, but that’s not the only reason my body is drying up from top to bottom.
My Eyes: “Your eyes are very dry,” said my ophthalmologist Dr. V during my last visit. “It comes with age, as do the floaters that you are experiencing in your left eye.” Thankfully, my retina was not detached and my floaters are much better, but my eyes are still dry, dry, dry.
According to WebMD, dry eye is a natural part of aging, especially after menopause. (There we go, the ‘m’ word. I knew it.) “Computer use can also contribute to dry eye. I suggest you use eye drops three times a day,” said Dr. V. She recommended I buy Systane, which are artificial tears. I put a few drops in each eye – morning, noon and night time . Ah, I can see clearly now.
I’m using a variety of moisturizers to keep my body less brittle during my life after 50.
My Face: “Your face needs a good Vitamin C replenishing mask,” said my esthetician D as she examined my dry skin. My face was glowing after my facial, just glowing. I bought Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque to use at home – can’t wait to try it. I also like the new RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Daily Moisturizer that I received from the Johnson & Johnson PR account executive. (Psst…I think the breakthrough HEXINOL Technology is breaking through my face and providing added moisture back into my skin. Such incredible technology! Now if it could quickly get rid of all my wrinkles, that would be a good thing too.)
My Hair: “My hair is very dry from the hair dryer,” I said to my hairdresser. She suggested I use Moroccan Oil after I wash my hair. I bought the Morroccan Oil and recently tried Redken Diamond Oil as well. I usually put a few drops of oil on my finger tips and rub the oil all over my hair and scalp. Don’t use too much oil or you will have bed head – flat, flat, flat.
My Vagina: “Your vagina is very dry,” said my gynecologist as she examined me during my yearly checkup. WebMD says that vaginal dryness is another common symptom of menopause — and close to one out of every three women experiences it while going through “the change.” It becomes even more common after menopause. (There we go again, the ‘m’ word. I knew it.)
“You won a free bottle of new Trojan Lubricants Continuous Silkiness,” said the PR representative at the BlogHer Conference in July. I hid it away in my suitcase as I feared it might not make it through airport security – didn’t want any guard shouting “menopausal woman here, menopausal woman here with lubricant in her suitcase.” (No, no, no. My lubricant was going home with me and my dry vagina.)
My Legs and Feet: Dry and flaky, dry and flaky. The Perimenopause Blog says that “A little moisture goes a long way. Particularly if you’re inclined, to take really hot showers. The heat extracts moisture and makes a bad case of the itches even worse.”
I have tons of good moisturizers to choose from thanks to the swag bag I received from CVS. It was filled with a variety of new creams including Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream, Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion, and Garnier BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector. In fact, I have more moisturizers and skin cream than I could possibly use in 2013 or 2014. That’s why my autumn giveaway below includes a selection of skincare products.
Like the brilliant colors of the leaves, I’m staying vibrant during my life after 50.
So dear autumn bring on the chill. I’m ready for the change of seasons. Menopause may have dried up my body, but it’s far from brittle. Like the brilliant colors of the changing leaves, I plan on keeping my body (and my mind and spirit) as vibrant as ever during my life after 50.
How about you?
Judi
A few years ago, I discovered L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, a body wash that is fabulous for combatting dryness in the winter months. Don’t let the word “oil” deter you, it is not greasy. I feel so pampered when I use it in the shower.
Cathy, thanks so much for the recommendation. I’ll have to try that oil.
Hi Judi,
Thanks for sharing all your “keeping moist” finds! I will definitely go out and get a bottle of Systane today. All these hours in front of my computer screen are being felt. And glad you liked the RoC Multi Correxion moisturizer. I have been using this and the earlier version of the product for a number of years and like to think that it’s the reason for my few visible wrinkles.
Anne-Marie, good to hear that the RoC helps with wrinkles too. And yes, try the Systane to ease your dry eyes from the computer.
I’m lucky so far. I guess because in my younger years I had oily skin, it now it is approaching normal and I only need a light moisturizer. I do have to be careful with my hands, though.
Helene, you are lucky. I’ve always had dry skin and eczema when I was a kid.
The very best oil for your skin/hair is Grapeseed Oil. Every night you put it on your face after a shower, then also on your hands/feet or any dry areas. Apply a small amount to hair after washing. It is the secret of the beautiful Hungarian women with great skin. I mixed in some lavender oil to make it smell good. My face looks so good!!!!!!!!!!
Cindele, Thanks, I’m going to have to add the Grapeseed Oil to my skincare routine. Have you tried diluted Apple Cider Vinegar as as an astringent on your face. I heard it is also could to drink a few teaspoons a day for digestion.
you’re too funny… i love that you keep it real… we all need help in these areas 😉
PS: I love using coconut oil on my face, neck and chest at night after I wash it. in the morning everything is supple and replenished
Cindy, coconut oil too. Wow, so many oils to try. I’ve used coconut oil in my hair.
For me, it’s adding hyaluronic acid serum back to my facial skincare regimen to combat the dryness in the air. And pulling out the ponchos and shawls I’ve crocheted. PS When you run out of Systane, you may want to try Refresh in single use tubes because it has no preservatives. The preservatives in Systane, a brand I used to love, make dry eye worse. 🙂
Allison, thanks for the tip about Refresh. I’ve seen that brand as well. Will have to try it next time.
Dry skin, dry vagina. Check. Have I done anything about it? I’m admittedly LAZY in taking care of it. I should use all of the moisturizers you speak about (and from my swag bag), but rail against spending a lot of money on something I’m unsure will work. Calgon, take me away! No, seriously, I really should take better care of it. Thanks for the reminder, Judy!
Cathy, you have lovely skin. I have so much skincare swag that I will stay moist for many years. I don’t really purchase that much and am lucky that my daughter works for a beauty company.
I’ve been using Restasis for years, but after a little eye incident in September I have added artificial tears to my regimen. I think we’re on the same checklist.
P.S. Caudalie facial serum is a wonder worker.
Will have to try that facial serum. Hope it is not too expensive. Thanks for the tip Carol.
LOVED today’s post!! Very nice to have you testing products. Ironically, I just bought a huge bottle of Amlactin @ CVS today (my body’s dry skin savior). It exfoliates and moisturizes @ the same time — saving me time and money.
Elizabeth, great suggestion. I have never tried Amlactin. Will have to check it out at CVS.
Using 30 sunscreen/moisturizer daily on my face instead of 15, at my derm’s suggestion. was getting too many age spots. need a good brand suggestion though;the one I bought caused acne
Beth, I would suggest SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen which has SPF 50. It is water resistant and also tinted so you don’t need extra makeup, especially in the summertime.
All, here’s more feedback from reader Jane B. : Believe me, I am an expert on dry skin, living in the desert and then the high altitude mountains. Good idea to use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30, if possible. You get more sun even in your area than you think. And, melanoma is a very dangerous form of cancer.
I am going to try getting a perm and highlights — see if that improves things any! LOL. Also adding facial serum to my moisturizing regime — I was told that, along with toner, is very important.
Carolsue, definitely agree on the highlights and perm. They will give body back in your hair, especially at our age. I just had my color base done today. My highlights last about 2-3 months.
Hello all, I’m new to this site but I’m beyond dry! This is coming from someone who used to have oily/norm skin. Now I feel the wrinkles jumping onboard. I’m 50, I use Shea butter, coconut oil…all the good stuff and yes they temp work but is there something we can do from the inside out to replenish what is no longer being made?
Lisa, I’m sure there are hormones you can take that may help with dryness. However, there may be side effects from the inside out. You should consult with your doctor.