When the heating goes on, I know it’s time to break out my heavy-duty moisturizer. For a few years now, I’ve suffered from excessively dry and itchy skin on my legs. In addition, I’m always washing my hands here in the trenches with the kids, so the skin on my fingers also gets cracked and chapped.
When this problem first came on, I went to the dermatologist. Relief came in a bottle (thankfully, not the kind that gives you a hangover).
Ammonium Lactate instantly cured the terrible itchiness, and because I had to spread it on with my hands, they consequently became smooth and moisturized. (I love icing two cakes with one spoon.)
Ammonium Lactate 12% Lotion: No Longer Rx Only
Good news. While doing research for this article, I found out that Ammonium Lactate has just recently been made available over-the-counter. And I noticed that Amazon is selling a 14-ounce bottle for $15 (about half the cost you’ll find at pharmacies).
Ammonium Lactate, an organic compound made from the ammonium salt of lactic acid, is also available under the brand names Hydrolac, Lac-Hydrin, Laclotion, AmLactin.
The only downside of Ammonium Lactate is that it has not been given the green light for pregnant or nursing women (due to some iffy trials with rats). When I was expecting Luke (now three months old), my doctor suggested a great alternative: CeraVe cream or lotion.
CeraVe Lotion: Prescription Strength but Over-the-Counter
CeraVe cream and lotion work as well as Ammonium Lactate (even though they’re not quite as thick-feeling), and you don’t have to make an appointment with a doctor to get a refill. (CVS sells it for $14 for 12 ounces.)
According to their website, CeraVe is the only skincare line with Multivesicular Emulsion delivery technology, which used to be available only in prescription formulations. It also contains ceramides that moisturize skin and help maintain the skin barrier.
Both of these lotions have helped me weather even the driest forced air heat without feeling like my skin could be used as a stand-in for cracked earth.
Tip: My doctor recommended spreading the lotion on right after bathing, to seal in the moisture. Also, if you need it for your hands, let the lotion absorb for several minutes before rinsing or washing your hands.
I’m still on what is becoming a very unfrugal quest for a non-greasy but effective face lotion. What works for you? Please let me know in the comments section.
Photo credit: cracked mud
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May I suggest one more product which has never been under RX but works immediately and the only draw back I can find is…. the initial aroma which quickly dissipates? The web site sounds like it a miracle product! In my family (over 2 generations) it is a miracle!!! Here is the link:
http://hygradelotion.com/product.html