Mummy, you look like a monster!

[OrmRenewed]

DS#2 - in the playground. I was picking him up and giving him a cuddle while we were waiting for DD. He kept staring at my eyes and then hiding his face and saying that my eyes looked like a monster's. Problem is I have lines around my eyes anyway and for some reason the skin has got very very dry recently and a bit red. It does look awful. But I don't know what to do. It's quite sore too. I'm menopausal and my skin in quite sensitive too.

Made me feel quite sad and upset honestly. Any tips?

Wear shades in the playground (so he can say you look like a film star)? {wink]

Sounds like you need some intensive moisturising around your eyes - could you pop into a john lewis or space nk near you to see what they recommend? Eve Lom stuff supposed to be quite good -especially for more mature skin.

And in the meantime reassure DS2 that you're not a monster - you're the cuddle fairy...

Nowhere like that round here dinky. I keep hearing about Eve Lom. maybe try online.

Have you tried slathering on loads of vaseline overnight? Helps my hands when they get dry and sore.

I would try almond oil - I have v sensitive and dry skin and its v good and pure. Esp if you wipe it on w cotton pad and leave it overnight.

I can understand that you felt sad and upset, Orm, but remember, children do that to us anyway. I have a beautiful long black frock coat with a fur collar - I used to feel really good about how I looked when I wore it. Then DD1 stroked the collar and told me I look like a gorilla in it

Hope you can get your eyes sorted out - they sound sore!

I find most skin creams give me itchy red patches round the eyes, but I thoroughly recommend the Avene range for sensitive skin. I'm using one called Avene Hydrance SPF 20 Riche at the moment, but they're all good, apart from the oil-free day-cream which I didn't get on with.

i had this for weeks and after several visits eventually the doctor gave me some cream, but said it wasn't really meant for the eyes, can't think what it was called though.

Sometimes it flares up again, usually if i have worn eye makeup and i just coat the eye lid in elizabeth arden 8 hr cream.

Where do you put your eye cream? the clinique lady told me only under the eye and the brow bone, not on the eye lid, which i was doing.

Don't you love kids always tell it like it is.

Thankyou everyone.

I put it on under the eyes and on the eyelid- I will remember that miche. I do tend to have sensitive eyes mrsmagoo - it gets worse as I get older.

I haven't tried vaseline but I did give Nivea a go - it seemed to make it worse but it is very scented. I also tried grapeseed oil that I had for when DD has infant eczema but that didn't help. I will get some almond oil.

Much appreciated.

I was telling DH what DS#2 had said - making a joke out of it - DD overheard and said 'Mummy, but you are very pretty. For a 45 yr old'

Doncha just love em?

Rosehip seed oil is far better than either grapeseed or almond oil. Excellent for eczema.

If it makes you feel any better, DS2 (5) was watching me floss this morning (gross...I know.....but he was intrigued) he told me I looked like the Grinch

You have just made me spit my tea across the kitchen Tulpe. Brilliant!

When I get dry skin around the eyes, I love using Dr Houschka eye balm, very soothing. It's a bit greasy like EA 8hour cream.
Hope it gets better soon

Hey Orm - have you tried Eucerin? You can get it in most decent-sized chemists - it's superb for dry flaky skin - has urea in it. I use it whenever I've a dry patch - clears it up straight away.

I am about to go out for lunch - will have a look for any/all of these suggestions.

Orm - Nothing like kids to make you laugh and cry!

I would definitely try Body Shop´s Hemp face protector. You can buy it online on their website and its very resonable, around 7 pounds I think and even cheaper on eBay.

I suggest this as I have tried many different creams (mainly expensive) for my dry, flakey skin (red patches too) and this is the only thing that has soothed and improved my skin - give it a go I am certain you will see results

If your skin is very dry I really recommend buying a water atomiser spray such as Evian or Avene eau thermale (got mine at Boots, about £5.50, lasts ages).
Just spritz your clean face lightly then pat on a little bit of a bland face oil (Bio oil is good). The mist puts moisture on your skin, and the oil traps it. Looks a bit shiny, but you can gently blot.
Cleansing - go easy. Avoid heavy creams or lotions. Use one of the so-called "dry" cleansing oils (Mac is good, expensive at £15, but mine is half-full after 3 months of me using it every night). These rub off dirt and make-up and are very gentle. You rinse off with lots of tepid water. Pat your face dry-ish gently. Apply your mister then the face oil and you're ready! Do it day and night for a few days and you should definitely see a distance.

difference! doh...

My only reservation with Bio Oil is that it contains mineral oils. Mineral oils don't penetrate the skin - they form a barrier over the top and therefore don't benefit damaged skin. I know Bio Oil has been raved about but it's my personal and professional belief that plant based oils are so much better for your skin (I trained as an aromatherapist with Tisserand). They are able to sink into the skin and therefore nourish and nurture rather than simply forming a layer on the outside.

You live and learn, thanks Tulpe! About to put the Bio Oil away in favour of my almond oil . And go searching for rose hip oil.

Then need to think of ways to develop rhino skin for all the things DD will no doubt say to me as soon as she learns to talk.

Orm,

I get eczema on my eyelids and they end up red, dry and flaky. It can be quite sore. It's exasperated by perfumed face washes and moisturisers hence why I only use simple stuff now.

The Doc gave me some very weak hydra-cortisone ointment, not cream, ointment and it works wonders. Obviously because it's a steroid it will eventually thin the skin so not recommended for long term use but it's so effective that you'll only need it for a week or so before it's cleared up. Might be worth a trip to the Doc?

Tulpe, I agree Bio is not necessarily best, lovely aromatic oils will offer more benefits I'm sure and will be just as good as trapping water against the skin.

Thankyou.

I only had the chance to get to a supermarket yesterday in my lunch hour. I bought some Simple Derma intensive cream that can be used on the face. I'm using that for now. it does seem to help a bit.

I will try something a bit more satisfactory at the weekend.