Today’s Featured Comment
I found that the first thing I had to do when my skin felt drier like that, was to switch to a much gentler cleanser. Even many of the “moisturizing body washes” still have fairly harsh detergents in them. I have found the slightly higher end ones – Neutrogena, Aveeno, Burt’s Bees, or even more up there (like Kiehl’s) to make a huge difference.
For moisturizing lotions – which I now use only occasionally, since I no longer seem to dry the skin out getting clean – I usually use Burt’s Bees, or a big tub of Cetaphil I got at Costco. I also like Aveeno products a lot, and when I got dry patches in the winter, Eucerin. I like these because they seem to soak in, and stay put, and not leave me feeling all slick and oily, or stain my clothing.
[This comment was originally posted in this conversation. ~ Eds.]
I LOVE your story.It should be Eat,Pray,Love in England and mine France.I would love to continue chatting with you and encourage you to write about your own experience.SO wonderful....
Michele
To reply to your question - 3 years ago I left the States to live in England after my divorce. I have lived alone here since then, found a pretty good job and have managed to support myself all through that time without using up savings. 
Perfect!
As a woman who wears a full face of makeup to work each day (primer, foundation, blush, eyes, lips) I find that the gentler cleaners don’t always remove that makeup easily and completely. I’m using DHL oil makeup remover that does a great job of cleaning my face and doesn’t leave too much of a residue. But I do often follow that with Cetaphil….and my skin then feels fabulously clean, soft and hydrated.
The pH of a cleanser is vital to whether or not your skin feels dry. You’ll be aiming for something in the 4.5 – 5.5 range to match healthy skin and unfortunately many of the most popular brands don’t fall in that range. Whole Foods has stringent requirements for the product lines that they carry and if you have a store near you – or want to purchase online – you’ll be getting a superior product regardless of the brand. Also look for sulfate-free options. You don’t have to sacrifice suds any longer! The same hold true for facial cleansers – maybe even more so. Even with a face full of make-up, using a cleanser with the right pH and adding in a microfiber washcloth to remove the waterproof make-up will go a long way to removing the make-up easily and gently without leaving residue or exacerbating dryness.
I now use Dove Soap to cleanse my face. It is not drying, suds enough to remove makeup and dirt and my face is clean and moisturized when I am done. I still apply a moisturizer, of course, but my face is much less dry and not dehydrated looking.
I like Eucerin Calming Cream for moisturizing the body. It is not oily, is absorbed quickly, and is nice and thick and goes a long way.
MD Formulations. Without water, as the directions state. There is a sensitive formula you can start with. There is an acid in this product which exfoliates. I also am using a couple of the anti-aging treatments. I am 58 years old and have been a Cetaphil gal for a long time. It was time for something with a little more oomph…and, for me, the MD Formulations line is doing it!