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Original poster

Flexitol is also very good for keratosis pilaris (red bumps on arms)

103 replies

otchayaniye · 11/04/2011 08:51

The hoof thread reminded me.

It basically contains a high percentage of urea which can dekeratinize the plugs.

A derm doctor friend told me this.

It's much cheaper and easier to get than lacHydrin, dermadoctor KP et al.

OP posts:
TheGirlWhoIsBootilicious · 18/04/2011 23:21

Bet the manufacturers will put the price of Flexitol up and/or reduce the percentage of Urea in it...

WhatsWrongWithYou · 18/04/2011 23:33

That's a good point, actually - we should start stockpiling it.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 19/04/2011 07:11

Ok I admit I am slightly obsessed by this cream now, but I also get really bad eczema in between my fingers and usually have to resort to hydrocortisone cream but I've been putting this cream on at night for the last couple of nights and again the eczema has just about gone!

WhatsWrongWithYou · 19/04/2011 08:16
Shock
NinkyNonker · 19/04/2011 09:39

Arse, I was only in boots yesterday. Will have to go back.

TrillianAstra · 19/04/2011 09:49

So... lots of people excited by the revelation - have any of you now tried it and has it made a noticeable difference?

Flakes · 19/04/2011 12:15

Tried flexitol and has made a big difference. Still red colouring on upper arms but skin lovely and smooth.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 19/04/2011 22:35

Lots of people have also confirmed the revelation - including me. Must get to work on them again, actually - it's starting to come back.

JaneS · 20/04/2011 13:43

Hmm. I bought Eucerin because it's what there was in boots - not sure it's making any difference at all and I've been using it every morning and evening for about a week now. Sorry folks.

Should I hunt down flexitol to see if a different brand makes that much difference? Or has anyone else had a so-so experience?

HollyBollyBooBoo · 20/04/2011 20:10

My understanding (and by no means am I an expert!) is that Eucerin at worst has 5% urea and at best 10% whereas Flexitol and the Boots equiv is 25%. With Urea being the 'magic' ingredient then I imagine it will take longer with Eucerin to see any results.

JaneS · 20/04/2011 20:59

It says it has 10%, but that makes sense if flexitol is 25%! Thanks for explaining Holly.

mcfee · 20/04/2011 21:32

So if its worked for you, how many times a day and how many days before you noticed a difference?

justaphasejustaphase · 20/04/2011 21:37

just bought the boots version today.
really hope it works.
my school days were hell because of the skin on my arms and legs.
thanks OP

WhatsWrongWithYou · 20/04/2011 22:35

I used it once a day in the evening last year, and I noticed a difference pretty much straight away afair.

mcfee · 21/04/2011 21:37

Have used it mon night, tues night & wed night. Think it has made it worse....but that should be a good sign because then it'll clear up right?

Original poster
otchayaniye · 21/04/2011 21:44

It may make the bumps more pronounced as it's moisturising your skin properly.

Try a bit longer, and use scrubs (either mitts or grainy stuff) for a few days and let your arms get the sun and see how it goes.

If you've had a lifetime of this you don't have much to lose!

Some people don't like intense moisturisation as it makes the red inflammation around the keratin plug more red.

OP posts:
redandyellowandpinkandgreen · 21/04/2011 21:55

I'm going to try! I hate my arms and always cover them up. Interestingly, the KP practically disappeared when I was pregnant but is back now and I am breastfeeding.

I have been dry body brushing for about 10 days now to see if that does anything and my skin's a bit smoother but no dramatic results.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 22/04/2011 08:05

It's amazing how pregnancy affects women so differently - mine got worse and came onto my forearms whereas it had always been just upper arms!

lulalullabye · 22/04/2011 08:08

We are in oz and it is apparently made here and we can get heel balm 'gold' !!!!!! Have no idea what the difference is but am persevering with dd2.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 22/04/2011 08:13

Heel Balm 'Gold' - now that's just showing off! [busmile]

lulalullabye · 22/04/2011 08:49

I know! It probably attracts rogue kangaroos or something Grin

Lightshines · 04/07/2011 11:17

Hi - this is an older thread, but just wondered if those of you who tried the Boots own version 25% Urea heel balm decided you should have paid more for the 'real thing'/Flexitol?!

willybreeder · 04/07/2011 22:35

I bought the Boots one - not much difference except for smoother arms - they were still that patchy red way - not the best. Now I'm trying a heel balm with urea that I bought in the £1 shop, it doesn't say the % of urea in it so I'm guessing it's low with the cheap price but it caught my eye so I got it. So far it's ok-ish. Next stop Flexitol, but I'm going to be watching this thread for any further feedback!

CakeandRoses · 05/07/2011 08:45

OP - slightly off-topic but investigated Paula's Choice on your recommendation earlier (was looking for a cruelty-free anti-ageing product which actually works and i think this might be it). Which moisturiser/serum do you think's worth a try please?

MackerelOfFact · 05/07/2011 09:20

I have the 99p shop cracked heel balm, called Pedical or something? I might try this on my arms - it works well on my feet.

I used to suffer with bumps terribly but on closer inspection they seem to have mostly gone now. Not sure if it's a post-children thing or just because I always exfoliate them vigorously with a shower puff? But I will try the urea cream and see if this gets rid of the rest.

I just wish I could get rid of the red flush on my upper arms, particularly after a glass of wine.