Frump to Fab - Onwards and Upwards

maddiemay

nilequeen wrote: »

Hi Maddiemay
A really good effective oil I used a couple years back was from Aveda, called balancing oil for blemished skin, I went ott with fresh garlic to fight a cold and ended up with black spots all over my face. It was quite scary, so I used this oil and it had a lovely calming fragrance and really helped clear my skin. I have a tiny bit left which I keep for the smell alone.
Decleor facial oils are quite good to balance skin, they do a different one for every skin type, albeit expensive to purchase a full size, around £30 or £40 roughly, you could go to house of fraser or John Lewis to ask their advice, they may give you a free sample to try, if you ask at their Decleor counter.
Neals Yard may be a little cheaper and are lovely to visit, you may not want to leave, they have very nice soothing creams and oils.
You could google them to see if they have a shop in your town, or go online and get some advice.
Let us know how you get on.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Ps they have some great body temerature regulating tshirts and vests in M&S,
I bought about five, they were reduced, good to wear underneath a top and they keep you warm when it`s cold and vice versa, lovely handle on the fabric too.
I use them to layer under dress or top,so can take my coat off in a store and feel ok.

Thank you nilequeen, some lovely ideas there for when I need new supplies:) I use a lot of Rosehip oil, and I have some Ole Henriksson and a generous sample of a lovely Bobbi Brown one, what I am hoping that LL (who knows about these things:)) can help me with is suggestions for essential oils with anti-bacterial properties that I can blend with above or plain carrier oil to use as a first aid / preventative measure.

I think I may have a little look over at M&S website for those T shirts, sound rather useful:A

nilequeen

maddiemay wrote: »

Thank you nilequeen, some lovely ideas there for when I need new supplies:) I use a lot of Rosehip oil, and I have some Ole Henriksson and a generous sample of a lovely Bobbi Brown one, what I am hoping that LL (who knows about these things:)) can help me with is suggestions for essential oils with anti-bacterial properties that I can blend with above or plain carrier oil to use as a first aid / preventative measure.

I think I may have a little look over at M&S website for those T shirts, sound rather useful:A

You are welcome Maddiemay, I know Teatree oil is antibacterial but can sting but I always use it neat on a spot, so you could mix it with jojoba oil as carrier, Holland and Barrett also do a lotion which you could wipe the skin with, avoiding eyes.
The Christmas markets usually have homemade and unique skincare stalls, organic even. Good place to source some products.
Lavender is also healing. I use oils and they have a great effect on skin.

maman

Welcome Enchilada, lovely bunch on here you're very welcome.


I manage to go three weeks with my shellac nails floss. I find a dark red is what I like best. I tried French manicure but the regrowth shows below the white tips and looks tatty. With a dark polish, regrowth only shows at cuticles so hardly noticeable. I've never needed to do any touching up as nails look immaculate from start to finish.


LL, we've worked out that about 3 p.m. on a weekday is the best time for Ikea. That seems to be the time all the mums have left to pick up children from school. Probably won't be quiet at all in the run up to Christmas but that's our favoured time.


Good idea to have a phased return to work katie. I think having some routine in your life plus the fabbing will help. And make plans for the days you're not in work too. floss had some good suggestions.


I only seem to like really fresh perfumes. Currently I use Clarins Eau Dynamisante. It's an eau de toilette and doesn't last all that long.


Had an enjoyable time with theatre/dinner last night and then stayed over with friends. Another good opportunity for people watching. I really hate that M&S Classic look, hope I never descend to it.;)

lessonlearned

Hi Maddiemay - sorry to hear about your skin problems.

Definitely see your doctor but please be aware that usually skin problems are not a GP,s forte unless they have chosen this as their specialist subject. Most GPs haven't a clue about skin problems.

I was lucky with my cancer in that my GP was also a skin specialist and so he was very quick to spot what was going in.

You really need to see a dermatologist, so ask for a referral.

However your GP will be your first port of call. Do not allow him or her to prescribe you with any kind of steroid creams. This will make matters worse.

I notice you say you think your GP will prescribe an anti bacterial cream, I think you are more likely to need a prolonged course of antibiotics, lasting around 12 weeks.

Some people think that PD is caused by bacteria but then again another specialist will tell you it isn't. Go figure.

The one thing that I will say is that generally all forms of excema are caused by what's going on inside your body, unless it is caused a by a specific reaction to an outside source, ie metals, detergents etc. In such cases the diagnosis will be contact dermatitis.

From now until your face clears avoid all creams, oils and potions and yes I'm afraid make up. Leave your skin alone. Do not use soap, facial cleansers, not even the oil cleansing method. Just wash your face in clean warm water.

Use a fluoride free toothpaste. I'm assuming the worst of the rash is around your mouth, however, even if it's mainly round your eyes I would still avoid fluoride.

Avoid all SLS in bath products, shampoo etc.

You are probably going to have to spend more I'm afraid.

Do you have a problem with yeast overgrowth. Candida can cause Or at Least exacerbate PD. Google how to do the candida spit test, all you need is a glass of water, no fancy kits. Acidophilus will help reduce candida and you will need to avoid all forms of sugars and yeast.

It is thought that diet plays a significant part in all forms of excema and dermatitis, the main culprits being gluten and sugars. So try avoiding all grains, sugars and alcohol for a while and see if there is an improvement.

Try an application of pure unsweetened probiotic yoghurt to Your face two to three times a day. Leave it on for 15 minutes.

Once the skin has cleared then you can try using essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, never use them neat always dilute them in a carrier oil. Hemp seed oil is particularly gooD.

Finally don,t pick or scratch - you'll just make it worse.

Unfortunately there is no actual cure for pd, only symptom management. It will flare up again from time to time.

It will be trial and error but you should eventually find a way of keeping it under control.

maddiemay

LL - thank you so much, I am working my way through a few things as I have horrid digestion problems too, so the Candida spit test is to be done soon (OH brings me a cuppa before I get up most mornings, so it needs to be the first day that I am up before him), although I have tested negative for Coeliac twice, I do think that I have a problem with Gluten and am continuing to cut back even further at the moment with a view to doing a complete GF free trial. I do have problems with contact dermatitis with some products too:(

This getting older business does come with some baggage LOL

Once again thanks for the detailed reply, think I will print it off so I don't forget things.
MM

lessonlearned

Maman - thanks for the tip about going to IKEA around 3pm. That makes perfect sense when you think about it. I will however wait until after Christmas.

I had a good shopping trip - I went to Wilkinsons and did a good stock up on DIY bits and bobs, so much cheaper than B&Q or Homebase.

I took the opportunity to have a little mooch because I could do with a couple of tops. I rather like those mini dresses that you can wear as a longish tunic type sweater. I didn't spot any today so might try Sainsbury's. I usually do ok there, and I could do with some undies and some new nightwear.

I haven't even started doing any real Christmas shopping yet, other than a few stocking fillers for the boys. I just can't seem to get my head round Christmas this year.

I dare say I will get a sudden surge of enthusiasm nearer the time.

Bearing in mind it is the first Christmas without my OH I was a bit uncertain how to approach Christmas. I asked the boys what they thought, did they want to go away or perhaps have a meal in a hotel.

They both shuddered at the thought. DS1 said he just wanted us to carry on as normal in our own home because "that was what dad loved the best." I quote "We can open our presents, stuff our faces and lie around watching crap on TV"

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: Sounds good to me.

lessonlearned

Favourite perfumes ......

I always used to wear either Chanel no 5 or Mitsouko by Guerlain. Unfortunaely they both now give me a splitting headache as indeed do a lot of perfumes.

I now tend to go for much lighter fragrances and prefer unisex ones because they are not as sweet or cloying. My current favourite is CK1 or I "er hem borrow" DS's Jean Paul Gautier, the one in the bottle shaped like a woman.

When I was decluttering the other day I stumbled upon a box of essential oils that I bought from a perfume factory in Egypt in 2002. They have been stored in the dark and are in perfect condition.

Today I bought a couple of travel size bottles so I'm going to make up some body oils.

The essential oils are blends that use the same ingredients as famous brands. Ie there's one called Atun which is the base for CK1' there's another called Houris which is the base for Hugo Boss, there's a really thick luscious sandalwood, and one called "peapermint::rotfl:" which is of course peppermint and which will make a lovely soothing foot balm.

Of course these are all pure oils, not diluted with alcohol so a little will go,a very long way.

I'm going to make some bath oils and body oils for some serious luxury.....:D

I can't remember how much OH paid for them, they were a little gift for me. I think it was the equivalent of about £10 for the box of 4 oils. Translated into perfume prices they must be worth a small fortune.

Anyway when I wear them it will be nice because they will be a nice reminder of our lovely Nile Cruise.

I also looked out all my jewellery, nearly every piece was a gift from OH. I taught him well. When we first met and he didn't know what to buy me I told him the golden rule of gift buying was "the smaller the box, the better the present". He understood the hint. I also explained that I wasn't difficult to please, emeralds or diamonds would be equally acceptable, pearls at a push.;)

When we were in funds it was a piece of real jewellery, when we were skint it was something cheap and cheerful from
A stall on the market called "Jans Jewels":rotfl:

In the spirit of Christmas and in memory of my OH I have decided to keep up the tradition. Each birthday and Christmas I will treat myself to something sparkly and shiny.

I'm sure he will approve.

Floss

LL, that's a lovely plan to perpetuate your beloved OH's treats for you.


Floss xx

katiecat

I agree LL-
lovely idea.


I haven't done anything for Christmas yet either. It will be lunch with me for the boys(men really but always my boys) so I have started to plan that in my mind -we always had presents after lunch but new ways this year so a couple before lunch and a couple after. I know OH wants to spend it with family-the same family he walked away from!!but we shall see-not making any decision on that till nearer the time.


The day has come for my hair appointment. I am scared and excited at the same time. I have never spent much time doing things for myself but make special effort every day with fabbing and what I wear when I go out.
Welcome to all new people posting you will get loads of help on here.
Onwards


Katiecat:)

maman

katiecat wrote: »

butnew ways this year so a couple before lunch and a couple after. I know OH wants to spend it with family-the same family he walked away from!!but we shall see-not making any decision on that till nearer the time.
Katiecat:)

:eek::mad:


I certainly wouldn't be cooking any fatted calves for him!!! If your boys want to spend some time with him then that's fine as it must be very hard for them torn between parents. If it was me I'd be civil but cool and spend as little time with him as possible. I'd certainly not be playing happy families and offer him no more than a cup of tea if he comes round to yours. If he wants to stay longer then I'd go out and leave him with the boys.


I do hope you enjoy your trip to the hairdressers. This will be a whole new world for you, spending time on yourself!


There are lots of those short dresses around LL some are proper dressers others what we might have called 'sweater dresses'. I used to wear them quite a lot with straight/skinny jeans or opaques if they weren't too short.


Good tip about looking to men's fragrances. DH has often fancied my Clarins so I can see how it would work the other way round. What I like is an almost astringent, sporty smell. This time of the year would be good for testing out the men's counters as they'd assume it was for a gift.


I've made a bit of effort for Fab Friday but my regular trip to Aldi doesn't really call for it.;) So it's skinny jeans, a lovely Jack Wills sweatshirt (has lacy sleeves which gives it a feminine edge). Will add scarf and make up (and coat of course!!) when I go out.


I can't remember who said they'd given up on a fight with a bleach bottle the other day. I meant to say It's nothing to do with old age and infirmity. Bleach bottles are just perverse ad there must be a knack. Some days they open fine others I'm fighting with them.:mad: