Scary Skin, New Wash Cloths, and a Sweepstakes

So, here's the thing.  Among other glaring imperfections I have scary skin.  So scary infact that once a few years back photos were taken of my hands to use in student studies at a local university.  True story.

I have crazy eczema that left unchecked (or when I get really stressed out) goes berserk and attacks my hands and legs...first with itchy bumps and later with ugly sores.  (And you all wonder why I don't post more photos of myself....)

Usually I am just fine but sometimes it's tricky living in the desert and using hard water.  And worse than my unsightly skin is the fact that my kids inherited my problem.  I don't mind dealing with it but I don't like my kids having ugly, itchy patches.  It took us quite awhile and lots of experimenting but we have all our soaps, shampoos, and detergents down to a science and when it comes to my kids they can only wash using Dove soap.  That's it---it's all they can use and it's been like that for years.

But as for me...I am a disaster.  I use a different shower than they do and half the time am out of soap so I just steal my husband's, end up smelling like a man and in no time flat find that I have patches, bumps, and sores.

And now with summer here I was looking especially rough.  Even my feet were embarrassed...   

 ...with wierd tan lines, cracks, and callouses.

Then a few weeks ago Dove sent me a bottle of their new "Visible Care Renewing Body Wash" to try.

Normally I would have turned the offer down but:

#1--I've already been using/loving Dove for years.

#2.  I was out of Dove, had been using my husbands man soap, and my leg sores were starting to reappear.

So I thought what the heck.  I'll give it a shot.

That night I used it.  But I was kind of scared.  (I know, I'm lame.  But it seems almost anything---like most soaps and lotions make my skin go crazy within 10 minutes of using them and I wasn't up for dealing with that.)

Fortunatly I was pleasantly suprised---this new Dove was as gentle as my old Dove.

Since then I've used it everyday and here's what I've found:

#1.  It smells delightful and makes me smell delightful.  And I like that.

#2.  It really has made my skin look better.  I don't know if it was the combo of the beating my skin took over the dry winter mixed with the man soap or what but the skin (especially on my arms and elbows) looked flakey and sad.  And after I started washing with the new Dove my skin really does look better---like I actually look healthy which I haven't looked for quite awhile now.

#3.  My skin feels softer and my dry patches are gone.

#4.  I'm a crazy person.  How hard is it to make sure I have soap for myself?  

Um...not at all.

So why in the world was I just using my husband's all the time?  I need to quit being lazy and start taking better care of myself.

I realized while I was "reviewing" this soap that I do tend to get busy with other things and don't always remember to take care of myself.

(And I know I can't be the only one who does things like this---eat the crusts off the kids sandwhiches and call it lunch, get everyone dressed in nice, clean clothes but wear my pjs to drive the carpool because I'm all out of time, or make sure that my boys hair gets cut on a regular schedule but can't remember the last time I've had mine trimmed.)

Does any of that sound familiar?

Now, lest you think I look like a scab covered saskwatch...I don't. 

 But I also spend a lot of time taking care of my kids and sometimes forget to take care of myself.  So yesterday I went out and got me some brand new wash cloths to use in the shower to remind me to use MY soap.

It is an easy thing that I can do for myself...funny how something as simple as just using the right soap can make you feel so much better.  But it does.  And with my skin feeling better I'm a happier mom which means everyone is happier. So thank you Dove for letting me try your new soap....and giving me a friendly reminder that I can take care of myself to.
-liZ

PS---I totally got paid to write this post BUT all the opinions are my own and I really did mean what I said...even the parts about using my husbands man soap.

PS---Dove has a link to a coupon if your interested: Dove^® VisibleCare^® to get a coupon for $1 off!

PS--There is also sweepstakes to enter that goes along with this post and all the info about it can be found here:

Enter to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
COMMENTS TO THIS POST ARE NOT SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY METHODS FOR THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
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This sweepstakes runs from 7/18/2012 - 8/22/2012
Be sure to visit the Dove^® VisibleCare™ Crème Body Wash brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!