I was born with skin allergies eczema. I hate it. When I was little my mom tried everything from vegetable oil to baby powder mixed with water to wrapping my hands in mittens at night to keep me from scratching myself to the common non-prescription creams (e.g., Cortaid). Finally in the middle of high school, I received the prescribed cream, Elidel. But a tube of Elidel only lasts so long before it runs out and I’m on the verge of itching again. Refilling a prescription can get expensive, so I turned to trying out different lotions.
I normally switch between Aveeno’s moisturizing lotion with menthol (because I’m a menthol junkie when it comes to taking care of my eczema) and this lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Body Complexion.
One day at lunch, my friend pulled out a small container and started rubbing it on her hands and arms and gave me a try. I was attracted by the smell, first, which reminded me of citrus, but there was no citric acid or anything of the citrus stuff (orange, lemon, etc.) in it.
When I went to Wal-Mart, I saw that the Vaseline product claimed on the front to “even skin tone and improve texture” and that it contained alpha hydroxy and vitamins A and E (among other ingredients) — these ingredients, especially alpha hydroxy and vitamin E were supremely appealing to me, mainly because I knew that vitamin E is a big helping factor to controlling eczema and alpha hydroxy really did help improve skin texture (as I had experience with other facial care products).
I always read the back of products, and for your convenience, here’s how Vaseline sells their product:
Help even out your skin tone to reveal a radiant, healthy looking complexion all over.
– Improves skin’s texture
– Evens out skin tone and diminishes the appearance of blotches with regular use.
Its non-greasy formula, containing Alpha Hydroxy and Vitamins A&E;, absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling comfortable.
Directions: Use daily as necessary.
Warning: Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
Sunburn alert: this product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product for a week and afterwards.
Ingredients: water, glycerin, dimethicone, potassium lactate, stearic acid, sodium hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, mineral oil, glycol stearate, lactic acid, PEG-100 stearate, glycine soja (soybean) sterol, lecithin, petrolatum, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate), retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, sodium PCA, sodium stearoyl lactate, urea, collagen amino acids, mineral water, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, magnesium aluminum silicate, fragrance, stearamide AMP, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, corn oil, methylparaben, DMDM hydantoin, disodium EDTA, xanthan gum, BHT.
You don’t really need to worry about the slur of ingredients, unless you are allergic to something specific or are trying to avoid using products with a certain ingredient.
So let’s get down to evaluating the different main aspects:
Improving skin tone and texture:
I would say that it does a fairly good job. The lotion definitely diminishes the appearance of blotches (which I’ve had from healing eczema rashes and clumsy scars) as long as you use it regularly — I use it everyday after a shower. Now, your blotches/blemishes aren’t going to go away 100%, but the lotion definitely improves skin texture. As long as I had eczema on my legs, I couldn’t wear shorts or anything other than long pants; but with the regular use of lotion, my skin has improved dramatically. The only reason most of my blemishes (especially on my legs) are still there is because my skin is so pale: my legs haven’t seen the sun in who knows how many years. I’m sure with a tan, the blemishes will be close to invisible. With a discipline to regularly use this lotion, your skin will become noticeable smoother.
Non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly:
I don’t deny it. Apply liberally! I can re-apply this lotion as many times as I want throughout the day and my skin will never tire of it; my skin just takes it in and loves it. The lotion will not build up and will not feel heavy. Especially after applying the lotion after a good shower, the lotion absorbs very quickly and leaves your skin feeling refreshed.
The scent of a healthy body complexion:
Depending on your nose, you may or may not get accustomed to the smell, so pop the top and smell before buying. I happen to like the fragrance. It’s one of those fainter fragrances that just says “I’m clean!” It’s not strong, either, and won’t push people away fanning their noses.
Sunburn alert?
The sunburn alert on the back description is most likely for people with fairer or more sensitive skin. On my recent trip to Florida, I had my arms and skin exposed in the humid weather and heat for a good five hours (and more) and did not experience sunburn. But then again, I’ve never had sunburn in my life. So, depending on your skin (which you should be familiar with), take care to note this “sunburn alert.”
Note to those who suffer from eczema:
This is not a cure for eczema. There is no cure for eczema. If you need to seriously care for eczema almost out of control, then consult a doctor for prescribed treatments first. However, with regular use of this lotion, you can keep your eczema under control, depending how disciplined you are. This is just one of several skin care products I use to keep my eczema under control, but this is one product that does the job well. However, you have to keep your discipline of daily use if you still have open rash wounds due to eczema — applying this lotion on open wounds will sting (and I mean sting)! But don’t give in! It will help the healing process once you suck it up and apply it regularly on your rashes. For the most part, this particular Vaseline Intensive Care lotion keeps me from itching and scratching. The fact that the lotion has alpha hydroxy and vitamin E as some of the major ingredients definitely helps control eczema. I still haven’t stopped the use of this even though I no longer have open rashes due to eczema and the amount of blotches I have has significantly decreased, thanks to this lotion. Controlling eczema is more about self-control and self-discipline than anything else, and always remember what you are allergic to and what causes the eczema.
The big 24.5 oz pump/contained runs around $5-6; and for trial or travelling purposes, there is also a 6.8 oz. container available (usually about $2-3).
Recommended:
Yes!
