For the Winter

Those who know me have probably already heard me talking about this before. My day job requires me to make daily recommendations to over-the-counter products and a lot of times, our recommendations are more based on personal opinions and experiences than science. After all, everyone is different so what works for one person may not work for someone else. If there was cure-all, works-all kind of product that fits absolutely everyone, it would be flying off the shelves and you wouldn't need me to recommend it to you.

Anyway, one of the most common questions is to recommend a good moisturizer for dry skin. Especially during the dry winter season. I've lived all my life with eczema so I've tried every product under the sun to treat dry skin. From products with urea, vitamin E, shea butter, aloe vera, glycerin... to super expensive products behind the counter at the cosmetics department. Anything. Everything. Seems like I've done it all. I've been to the dermatologist and I've come out with hundreds of dollars worth of prescriptions and other recommendations... and most of the time, it seems to work just... okay. More often than not, products irritate my skin and I'll end up with red, itchy flare-ups. After 20 somewhat years, I stuck with what was okay but didn't bother to find better.

Until one day, I was in my family doctor's office asking for another refill on my corticosteroid creams when she handed me a small sample bottle of Curel. I thought, yah, okay... another one to add to the list of what doesn't work. The small bottle though made it really handy for me to whip out of my purse and use. And surprisingly, with its light and more liquidy consistency, it worked really well. (I was told so many times to use a thicker, much more moisturizing cream for dry skin because it sticks better). I got less flare-ups. I was less itchy. And my skin felt moisturized. It is so easy to lather on right after shower. (Try lathering petroleum like Vaseline... not so pleasant). And because it is light, I barely feel anything on my skin. And the best part? You can buy it at any drugstore. A carry-around size for $4. A big pump bottle for about $10. That's a deal!

I started recommending it to all my friends. I know it's not expensive and it's not fancy, but give it a try. And they all did. And they all use it now. (Which is great when we travel together... we know at least one person must have a bottle of Curel with them). I recommended it to some of my coworkers. I got the same feedback. Then, I started recommending it to my patients. And low and behold, I got people coming back telling me... hey, it works! The great thing is, I could tell them... if it doesn't work, it's only $4. I'm not sponsored by Curel, although it sure sounds like it. Haha. But hey, if it can work for you... then I've done my good deed for the day.