Cheap but effective, non greasy, moisturiser wanted.

[Deleted User]

With all the cold weather at the moment, plus dry centrally heated atmospheres, my skin has gone very dry. Instead of spending lots on expensive cosmetic creams - are there any cheap but effective, non greasy alternatives?

Mrs_Thrift

Well "they" do say that the cheaper versions are just as good as the more expensive brands, but with cheaper packaging and less advertising, when it comes to cosmetics.

I can't recommend anything specifically, but I'd look in the chemists and supermarkets own brands for a plain and simple moisturiser that's oil free and give that a go.

Becles

Try Tesco own brand face creams. They are much cheaper than brand names, and I like it better than the Boots Botanicals cream I used to use. My skin currently looks lovely and fresh and it's keeping the dryness under control. I tend to put it on quite thickly before I go to bed, as I don't really like wearing face cream!

Cheaper still would be aqueous cream from the chemists. It's oil free and keeps skin moisturised. You can get a big tub for around £1, and you can use it all over your body.

catsonic

you can also use aquaus cream as a body wash if you are allergic to soap. it leaves your skin really soft too!! lol

Lelly

Its a bit messy but it really works and its cheap..Use porridge oats..put a tablespoonful in your hand and add warm water, rub all over your hands and then rinse. You can use it in the bath all over but I never tried it. I gets you nice and clean too.

Nile

You could try E45 cream which is unperfumed and non-greasy. It's available in tubes or pots from supermarkets and pharmacies. A friend of mine was advised by her plastic surgeon to massage E45 cream on the operation scar.

tru

I've got very dry skin too, if I don't use moisturiser I itch like mad. The best thing for me was Superdrug's cocoa butter hand and body lotion, it's only 99p, and when I ran out of 'proper' moisturiser for my face I used it and it's fine

I've got some Body Shop cocoa butter too (£10 and no I didn't buy it, it was a present), the Superdrug one is better IMO.

Mrs_Thrift

If you have very dry skin, check if you could be using a different cleanser too, as one that is the wrong type for your skin, or too harsh, can add to the dryness. And some toners can actually help to moisturise, even though I always used to think of them as drying. There is a Rose type one by L'Oreal I think that is lovely, but I now use a glycolic acid based one for my acne scarred skin. It sounds harsh, but it also softens somehow!

I know this doesn't sound very money-saving, but as I say, the cheaper ranges should be just as good, and of course there's always offers to look out for!

Having had acne and acne scars for about 16 years now I've tried everything and anything to help my skin, and spent probably thousands of pounds. So although my routine is fairly expensive now, it is at last one that works for me, so it's cheaper than wasting money trying new things every month!

System

Deleted_User wrote:

With all the cold weather at the moment, plus dry centrally heated atmospheres, my skin has gone very dry. Instead of spending lots on expensive cosmetic creams - are there any cheap but effective, non greasy alternatives?

I am a recent convert to olive oil. I apply it to my face, and wipe it off with a warm/hot flannel. All my dry patches have gone and i dont need a moisturiser.

gremlin

Lelly wrote:

Its a bit messy but it really works and its cheap..Use porridge oats..put a tablespoonful in your hand and add warm water, rub all over your hands and then rinse. You can use it in the bath all over but I never tried it. I gets you nice and clean too.

I also use porridge in the bath too - put a generous handfull inside an old knee high/stocking/tights tie in a knot and pop in the bath when filling.

You're bath is all milky and it leaves your skin lovely and soft. My kids get dry skin and i used to do it for them when they were little.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Today in Asda I bought an own brand moisturiser - very originally named Dry Skin Cream!

£1.98 for a 125ml pot. It is non greasy, fragrance free and - 'specially formulated for dry skin conditions'. Rich in emolliants the effective moisturing action will help replenish itching, flaking and chapped skin. Also suitable for sunburn!

I don't think it's tested on animals either as the label also says 'Asda is against animal testing and funds research into alternatives'

Bargain!