Updated Moisturizers for Hives

I thought I would update products that help with my hives.  One thing I have learned is that if my skin is feeling dry and irritated I can develop small clusters of hives on my shoulders and upper arms and forehead after showering.  (Heat/steam is one of my hive triggers).  I have been trying to keep my skin as moisturized as possible.  I currently live in a dry climate, the humidity daily ranges from 10-25%, and it doesn’t take much for my skin to get dry and dehydrated.  I have tried so many moisturizers from high end (Augustus Bader ) to drugstore (Cerave) and many in between. The Augustinus Bader Rich cream was nice but it has vitamin C (citric acid) in it which causes my sensitive skin to become irritated.  Not to the point I break out in hives but my face is red after applying and stays that way for an hour or two.  It was however, very moisturizing.

My dermatologist recommended La Roche-Posay brand products.  So I decided to look into the brand and try some different products.

My skin responds well to oatmeal so I picked up this moisturizer and like it.  I don’t use it daily, I only use when my skin feels dry and tight or it I have hives.  I also tried this balm  and loved it.  I add a bit of it to any moisturizer I use morning or evening. Just a tiny amount does the trick for me.  I liked it so much I reordered a new tube when I ran out (the tube lasted for months).  I also got this moisturizer which I know is formulated for evening but I use it in the morning.  It is great for calming my skin when it's irritated.  I tried the morning version but didn't like it as much as the evening formula.  

I also decided to try a new face cleanser.  I got this one and only use it if I have hives or my face is actively irritated It's nice and gentle.  I still have Cerave because my husband uses it (Cerave was another brand my dermatologist recommended).  But I like the vanicream better for myself.  I also stopped washing my face with face wash in the morning, I just splash my face with water.  Oddly, that really has helped.  It was hard to get used to at first, I always wash my face in the morning, with just water my face didn't feel "clean."  I use cool water (again, hot/warm water is a trigger for my hives) so it's quite brisk.  I splash it a few times til I feel "clean."  Now I'm used to it and it really has helped cut down on the facial hives outbreaks.  

I did order some new-to-me brands of moisturizers at the sephora sale and will report back on any that work.  

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