I've always had dry, scaly skin and when I was younger, a tendency to eczema. Menopause has compounded the problem. Soap is a big 'no no' as it dries the skin as do normal shower and bath products. I like washing with Epaderm ointment and moisturising with Epaderm cream. However, they aren't cheap. Aqueous cream and emulsifying ointment are cheaper versions, but most contain SLS, which is an irritant for many people. However, when I wandered through a newly opened Poundstretcher, I saw they saw they sold aqueous cream without SLS, made by the usual company and considerably cheaper. So my shopping bill has been reduced! I moisturise my face with Clinique Red Solutions moisturiser, as I have Rosacea, which my skin seems to like. Again expensive, but with the non SLS aqueous cream, not so prohibitive.
As Suzi has said a good balanced diet should provide all the nutrients we need. However, many of us suffer from digestive issues, which means we cannot absorb nutrients so effectively from a diet or from any supplements. I'm seeing a nutritionist who has advised me on diet and good quality supplements appropriate for me in order to heal my gut. Part of that is a good quality vitamin E which is often recommended for skin. It's early days, but I do feel subtly better. I will carry on taking Vitamin D3 as I don't get enough sun, living in the UK and with fair skin that has to be protected.
