Help -my poor skin

Hi all

I know I posted something very similar a few months ago but the situation has got worse!

My doctor took me off my HRT last September as he was concerned that the HRT was causing some of my endometriosis to grow. I am happy coming off the HRT but my skin which has always been sensitive ( I also suffer from rosacea) is even more sensitive then before.

Everything I seem to put on my face causes it to feel sore and it burns even the gentle skin care that I have been using for the last eight years.

I seem to be having an increase in the number of thread veins on my face too so with the hot flushes I look permanently red! I have never been able to use foundation or powder as I have reacted to everyone I have tried to the point that I have given up. I can't waste any more money on trying skin care and make up that doesn't work.

Please can anyone give me any suggestions or advice. I'm sorry for my rant today but I am so depressed

Will your insurance cover a trip to see a dermatologist? That's what I would try.

Ditto here on the dermatologist. I had everything removed as well due to an elevated CA125 (blood test for Ovarian Cancer) and other issues. Because of my family history of Breast Cancer, I decided not to take hormones either. I've never had a dry skin issue, but I do now. It's not severe so, I've been able to handle it to this point. But go see the dermatologist if you can. good luck!

Hi, Thanks for your replies. I know a dermatologist would probably be the best thing but unfortunately it is not an option at the moment.

I live in the UK and a referal to a dermatologist would take months and to be honest I don't feel I can take any more time off from work at the moment. I am having appointments soon for accupuncture to help with my constant pain and I am also seeing my endometriosis specialist too soon and I know my employer is getting a little fed up with my time off with my health issues. Nothing is ever said directly but I feel the vibes!

So in the meantime I would like to find something that I can try myself before I go down that route but if needs be that might be the way I need to go.

Thanks again for your replies - it is nice to have the support x

I am having a similar problem with dry skin on my face, as well as acne breakouts, since my hysterectomy in November. I am not taking HRT at this time, my choice not my doctors. Everything I used seemed to make my face burn or dry it out even more. I visited with my dermatologist and she recommended a moisturizer for my face that her clinic promotes called Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream. I've found it works very well. It is free of any chemical irritants, doesn't clog pores, and is great on sensitive skin. If you can't find it in your area, she also recommended Neutrogena products. I've tried Neutrogena in the past but wasn't as pleased with the outcome as I've been with the Vanicream.

Do you have Cetaphil in your drug stores there in the UK? My dermatologist recommended the cleanser and the lotion for sensitive dry skin.

s

Ah, life with the NHS! I used to live in the UK and know how frustrating it can be to see a specialist.

Can your GP suggest something?

My skin is not as sensitive as yours, but I have some of the same issues as you do. I use Cetaphil to cleanse...it is brilliant. It is the mildest cleanser available and you could order it online.

Vanicreme is good, too. If it is the cream I'm thinking of, I have used it in the past; I believe it is put out by the Mayo clinic. I don't know the name of it, but it is a "base cream" in that it is used as the base for other creams in which different ingredients are added. I'd bet you can order it online, too. Hell, you can order just about anything online. I'd bet, though, that something just like Vanicreme is available in the UK. Perhaps you could ask the chemist...why not pop into Boots and ask them what they might suggest?

Both Cetaphil and Vanicreme are very inexpensive.

Have you changed your diet? Grains are implicated in rosecea and I find a big difference in mine when I don't eat them. My skin is also very sensitive and it makes a big difference for me to stay away from them.

Cetaphil is a very gentle and effective cleanser. For moisturizing, you might try the Aveeno products. They are natural and I believe they even have special formulations for sensitive skin. They are widely available here in the US and are not expensive.

Hi Smartie42,

La Mer.. I LOVE it , yes it's pricy but so what, a little goes a LONG way .

I also have rosecea around my nose and no what I had for that isn't working from the Derm., BUT just using La Mer.. my skin looks and feels great.. if I need to go out , I put some on before makeup.. and let it dry ( can take awhile) then I just use a tinted moisturizer.. you'd be amazed at how well it works !!

If you don't want to pay full price and just would like to try La Mer, ( Crème de La Mer )check eBay and make sure the seller offers a guarantee for it's authenticity, I'm telling you , you will LOVE it !!

Best of Luck !!
Cita