I'm
regularly asked to recommend skin
care products
for delicate and sensitive skins.
I, too have always shared this problem
- my skin has been dry and sensitive
from teenage years and I know what
a long haul it can be to find something
that suits. It can also prove expensive
to buy products only to find they
irritate and end up in the bin.
If your problem is just a dry skin
but not sensitive then there are
many good creams on the market -
I would recommend using the 'night-cream'
version of a product even during
the day as these tend to be richer
, although they don't contain a
sunscreen so be careful. But if
you're skin is sensitive, possibly
itchy, maybe with high colouring
you really need to use products
that don't contain petro-chemicals.
Don't be taken in by products which
simply say 'natural' or 'suitable
for sensitive skin' - you really
need to check out thoroughly that
the product does not use chemicals.
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Avoid
products containing sodium lauryl
sulphates as although they are not
'toxic' they can really irritate
a sensitive skin. Look out for ranges
such as Liz Earle's naturally active
skincare range which is suitable
for almost all skins.
If your skin is really extra sensitive
or sore, or you suffer from eczema
then it would be better to use the
most simple product of all, aqueous
cream. Not very glamorous it comes
in large tubs from a pharmacy and
is often available on prescription
from your GP but is really inexpensive.
It is purely an emollient and eases
itching, flaking, and dryness without
adding any irritants. It can be
used all over the body, including
the face and is best applied in
several thin layers during the day
for very dry skins or in a thicker
layer before going to bed. Also
sensitive skin types need to be
aware that strong biological washing
detergents used on laundry can cause
skin sensitivity so look out for
liquid soap, which is less harsh.
If you regularly suffer irritation
on your forehead or around the ears,
check your shampoo. Again, you may
need to use one that does not contain
sodium lauryl sulphate. And remember,
most perfumes contain high chemical
content, so if you're very sensitive
you may need to save it for special
occasions. |
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Hooray
for Marks and Spencers! I
have finally found a suitable pair
of jeans that actually do come right
up to the waist! Many of their lines
recently have claimed to 'sit on
the waist' but fail to reach mine
by a good 4 inches. But on further
investigation of their website I
finally managed to track down a
pair that suits. I have no idea
why they are not on sale at my local
store but not to worry, their site
is easy to use and delivery is swift
and inexpensive.
I also love the fact that the fibre
has Tencel, a gorgeously soft material
that wonderfully comfortable to
wear and really easy to care for
yet still looks great. I love designer
ranges as much as the next woman
but it is reassuring to know that
you can still find everyday, wearable
pieces on the High Street.
I also love their 'Value' range
T-Shirts on display at the moment
as it lets me indulge my favourite
hobby at the moment - tie dying.
Yes, you name it and I've tie dyed
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Everyone in my family are locking
their wardrobes whilst I'm going
through this phase, as they come
home to find yet another garment
tied up with string soaking in bleach
in the sink. I'm absolutely hooked!
Every time I undo the bundle I marvel
at the fantastic effects on an otherwise
boring T-Shirt. I've got one in
every colour imaginable and I've
even gone the whole hog and sew
a row of multi-coloured buttons
around the neck of one. I think
I must be a secretly frustrated
designer at heart - I lie awake
thinking what colour combinations
I can think up next.
All joking apart, I really do like
the finished effect and as it's
in fashion right now I'm really
pleased. I wonder what I can take
up when this craze passes - I might
start a spot of weaving or crochet
some hats if I can find out how
to do it!
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I've
never been very adventurous in the
tea drinking line
and have always preferred the good
old-fashioned variety to any of the
exotic flavours. But aware that I
do drink a rather large quantity of
tea each day I though I'd spread my
wings a bit and try some of the fruity
varieties on offer.
I really didn't expect tot like
them much but have been pleasantly
surprised. I absolutely love Twinings
fruit teas, especially the Echinacea
and Raspberry, and also the Blackcurrant
and Vanilla - they remind me of
my childhood when we used to drink
hot Vimto on cold days after school.
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I must admit, I find Green Tea and
the more 'herby' flavours a bit
too challenging and some of the
citrus ones are a little drying
on the throat but all in all I think
I could be persuaded to trade a
few cups a day of my regular brew
for something a little more exotic.
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