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Original poster

Allergic to all moisturisers, what can I use?

128 replies

bellropes · 22/04/2021 21:32

My skin, including face, is very dry, but I seem to have become allergic to everything I try. My skin becomes itchy with a rash and my eyes water and become dry and itchy. I have a damaged right cornea and can't let it be affected so I've given up trying different products.

I've tried all the hypoallergenic stuff to no avail. I'm even allergic to Avene stuff and the ultra hypoallergenic creams from Boots. I can't use Diprobase, Aveeno, prescribed eczema stuff etc. I can't wear any makeup as it affects my eyes. I can use Cerave moisturising cream on my body, but not my face.

I've been putting organic coconut oil on my skin, including face, but it's not that moisturising. I'm absolutely at my wits end. I can't afford to waste money on products that I try once then they end up in the bin.

Please can anybody recommend something? My husband made me an ointment from olive oil, beeswax and lavender which is okay, but I don't think you're meant to use olive oil or coconut oil on the face all the time.

OP posts:
TheGirlWhoLived · 25/04/2021 08:59

[quote wingsnthat]@TheGirlWhoLived almost every ingredient listed after Parfum in that is a fragrance. Limonene and linalool can be particularly problematic[/quote]
Oooh I didn’t realise! This is the unfragranced one but it still contains the oils and things Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

Bythemillpond · 25/04/2021 09:59

Vaaseline keeps moisture in the skin. It isn’t a moisturiser

Any dermatologist telling you it is should go and do more training.

Fozzleyplum · 25/04/2021 10:05

I have very sensitive eyes which severely limit which moisturisers I can use. I splash on glycerin and rosewater then use carrier oil ( eg argan) or blue pot Nivea over the top. The Nivea might not suit you, but the glycerin and rosewater has made a real difference for me.

JinglingHellsBells · 25/04/2021 11:31

@bellroped

Echoing other posters comments.

You really do need a referral to a dermatologist.

There are so many possible reasons for this skin issue.
It could even be diet- intolerance to foods etc, or lack of omega 3 in your diet, or dust mites, or pollen, or washing powders.

They would do skin patch tests.
They would also possibly prescribe medication to stop the flaring of your skin and get it under control.

Is there a reason you aren't willing to see a dr about it?

Woulditbeworth · 25/04/2021 11:52

I would agree with everyone saying Child’s Farm. It’s the only SPF my DS can tolerate. I use it occasionally to calm my skin when it flares up after the heat of the swimming pool changing rooms (DS swimming lessons) or a windy walk.

Not too expensive and available in Tesco and Asda.

Lavender is a massive no for me.

Qwertyguerty · 25/04/2021 12:03

Hi!

I don't have sensitive skin but a year ago I had a real bad bout of eczema round my eye area. It was painful and sore and stayed for almost 3 months. I tried EVERYTHING and the only thing that soothed it and helped it go away was lush Dream Cream

Now I still use it as a deeply moisturising cream for hands and body

Good luck!

Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:30

My skin isn't the problem, it's my eyes. I have found products which my skin doesn't react to so I just use them. It's my eyes I'm struggling with. The dermatologist won't be able to do anything about my eyes.

All I want is some cream for my face. My skin on my arms and legs gets itchy if I use the usual products, so I just avoid them. On a day to day basis my skin is fine.

OP posts:
FindingMeno · 25/04/2021 12:32

Have you tried any serums to try to reduce sensitivity?
If you could tolerate a hyaluronic acid serum that would help improve moisture.

FindingMeno · 25/04/2021 12:33

My eyes are super sensitive even to stuff for sensitive eyes. I get away with Simple products.

JinglingHellsBells · 25/04/2021 12:39

@bellropes

My skin isn't the problem, it's my eyes. I have found products which my skin doesn't react to so I just use them. It's my eyes I'm struggling with. The dermatologist won't be able to do anything about my eyes.

All I want is some cream for my face. My skin on my arms and legs gets itchy if I use the usual products, so I just avoid them. On a day to day basis my skin is fine.

That's not what you have posted from the start of your thread! :) You said you whole face was dry.

My skin, including face, is very dry, but I seem to have become allergic to everything I try. My skin becomes itchy with a rash and my eyes water and become dry and itchy. I have a damaged right cornea and can't let it be affected so I've given up trying different products

You have spent 5 pages telling us that your face can't is dry and itchy (which sounds like eczema.)

Dermatologists deal with everything to do with the skin including the eyes.

I don't understand why are you so anti seeing one?
Almost all my family have seen one over the years for acne, eczema and other things and they have had marvellous help.

But one other point- if you don't use make up, why are you using anything other than water in the shower on your eyelids? They don't get dirty.

Please see your GP and ask to see a skin specialist. It's crazy not to.

FindingMeno · 25/04/2021 12:45

Lavender is a definite no no for sensitive eyes.
The eye bean bags I was using in a class during relaxation were infused in Lavender, and my eyes were so sore.

Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:46

Yes, it's dry, but that's because of menopause and ageing. I don't think a dermatologist would be interested because I can manage day to day. My face is the problem because I can't use any moisturiser because of my eyes.

OP posts:
Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:47

I have to use blepharitis cleaning gel on my eyelids because I have blepharitis. I only use that and water.

OP posts:
Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:51

I used to use moisturiser, foundation and powder until I discovered they were making my eyes sore, gritty and dry. I've cut back and back on my facial products and am now down to blepharitis gel, water and coconut oil. I'd love to be able to use a moisturising cream.

The rest of my body skin I keep under control with Healpsorin cleaning stuff and Cerave moisturiser. They're all I can use.

I hate the feeling of the coconut on my face as it feels oily rather than moisturising.

OP posts:
Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:55

I don't have eczema or breakouts or psoriasis or anything like that. There's nothing to see on my skin. If I use products, it becomes very itchy and I scratch it until it goes red. I then have to take a Fexofenadine and wait a few days until it goes away, which it does. I accidentally used a roll on deodorant with aloe vera in a few days ago and my arms, neck and upper chest went all itchy. I realised what I'd done and I've calmed things down now. Deodorant went in the bin. This is how I manage, by avoiding things.

OP posts:
RHOShitVille · 25/04/2021 12:56

I have a similar issue (but can use Aveeno at least!).

I use the dermalogica ultracalming range - the gel cleanser and calm water gel to moisturise. I buy from Lafantine which seems very nice - they might send you samples if you contact them.

OwBist · 25/04/2021 12:57

Have you checked The Ordinary? They have quite a range of 100% oils, and some other items in squalene. Their moisturiser is also good, and they tell you what is, and isn't, in their products, e.g. oil, water, alcohol etc..

FindingMeno · 25/04/2021 12:57

I would hate that on my face too.
I'm assuming you've tried Simple. I was surprised such a cheap solution worked for my eyes.
I cannot go near Nivea, Garnier etc but unlike you I find CeraVe is OK too.

Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:58

I don't want to take up a Dermatologist appointment just to complain that I can't wear makeup or moisturiser. It's more of a lifestyle problem. All I need to find is a natural face cream that I can use and for my eyes not to react to. I can't afford to go private to see a Dermatologist.

OP posts:
Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 12:59

I've tried Simple and can't use any of their products.

OP posts:
OwBist · 25/04/2021 13:00

Sorry - just checked the website for The Ordinary, and they now offer pure squalene, so if you're ok with that, it's another source to price check.

Original poster
bellropes · 25/04/2021 13:01

I'll look at The Ordinary, thanks.

I've ordered some of the Elenas day moisturiser as well.

OP posts:
JinglingHellsBells · 25/04/2021 13:05

@bellropes

I don't want to take up a Dermatologist appointment just to complain that I can't wear makeup or moisturiser. It's more of a lifestyle problem. All I need to find is a natural face cream that I can use and for my eyes not to react to. I can't afford to go private to see a Dermatologist.
Not being able to put anything on your face to keep your skin moisturised is a reason to seek specialist help. It could be argued that ALL skin conditions are a lifestyle problem. You have possibly spent as much on creams that aren't helping as an appt privately might cost. Ask your GP for a referral.
Kelpie78 · 25/04/2021 13:21

I have bad eczema and have to be careful with what I use. I have used Simple's rich moisturiser for years and it's great.

LongHotSummerJustPassedMeBy · 25/04/2021 14:12

@bellropes

I don't want to take up a Dermatologist appointment just to complain that I can't wear makeup or moisturiser. It's more of a lifestyle problem. All I need to find is a natural face cream that I can use and for my eyes not to react to. I can't afford to go private to see a Dermatologist.
It could be that you are going to need antibiotics, or steroid eyedrops or other treatment before your skin and eyes can start tolerating any other products better. Please consider seeing a dermatologist, your GP should be able to refer you to a private one for a consultation if NHS appointments are like gold dust.