Product Review - Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion - Is it really good for dry Skin?

As the weather warms up with winter coming to an end, most of us are looking forward to nice moisturized skin again. Cetaphil has been always been known for a brand for sensitive skin. 

What is it? 

According to Cetaphil's website, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is non-comedogenic (i.e. does not clog pores) and has a non-greasy formulation that is mild, non-irritating and long lasting. The gentle moisturizing formula contains emollients and humectants that bind moisture to the skin. It is fragrance - free and does not contain lanolins or parabens. 

Sounds pretty good and promising. 

How much is it?

I bought mine at Costco for C$16 about 2 months ago. Usually Costco sells the cleanser but during winter season, it also carries the moisturizing lotion. 

Where to get it? 

All leading grocery and drug stores. 

How to use? 

Just apply liberally on body. Although I have read that it can be applied on face too but it seems quite rich to be applied to my face so I did not try that. 

My experience

It is indeed fragrance-free and lightweight. However, I do not find it very long-lasting. It is definitely not sufficient if I just use it twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) during winter. I find that my hands and feet are still dry despite daily application. 

My husband went away for a work trip in January and came back with super-dry and badly cracked hands because he forgot to apply moisturizer during the trip. His hands were terribly uncomfortable and he applied the Cetaphil Moisturizing lotion for 2 days when he returned and his hands got from bad to worse and ended up super itchy. It got to the point when his hands started bleeding. We had no idea what happened. After he stopped using the moisturizing lotion, his hands got better. The strange thing was that he had used the moisturizing lotion before the trip and it did not make his hands uncomfortable in any way. 

My verdict

After my husband's terrible experience with Cetaphil moisturizing lotion, I am hesitant to recommend it to any one else. It is only an ok moisturizer to me and it is definitely not recommended if your skin is super dry, especially with cracks. I am definitely looking out for other moisturizer when I am done with the one I bought from Costco. 

Product Review - Blistex Regular Balm (Lip Balm) - Protection is better than cure!

As mentioned in my earlier post, it is better to use lip protection and prevent chapped or dry lips than cure it, especially during the dry winter season. I have been using this once/twice a day this winter season and it has been pretty effective in preventing dry lips.

What is it? 

Blistex regular balm seals in moisture, soothes and prevent dry lips. It also contains SPF 15.  

How much is it?

I bought mine as a set of 6 Blistex sticks from Costco for C$8. Blistex sticks are usually between C$3-C$5.

Where to get it? 

All leading grocery and drug stores. 

How to use? 

Just apply on the lips liberally.

My experience

It is a lip balm with a mild SPF, great for the winter season. I like the Blistex designed compared to many other lip balm because the stick is smaller than the usual Nivea Lip balm. The problem with the thicker lip balm is that it tends to melt eventually. It ends up pretty messy especially when the stick breaks off half way. The thinner stick design makes application easier and less messy.

My verdict

I like the Blistex regular balm. The lip balm is not better than regular lip balm though the light SPF portion provides an edge during the winter season. Its thinner stick design is its main selling point compared to lip balms using other design. As I mentioned in my last post, regular applicaiton of lip balm during the winter season is effective in preventing chapped or dry lips. That is a lot more effective than trying to find a solution once lips have chapped. 

Product Review: Blistex Lip Medex (Lip Balm)

Are you suffering from dry and chapped lips during this winter season? I know the feeling. It is terribly uncomfortable. Nothing seems to work. 

What is it? 

Blistex Lip Medex is a medicated lip balm. Unlike the usual lip balm, it contains medicinal ingredients: Amphor 1%, Menthol 1% Phenol 0.54%, Benzyl Alcohol 0.4%. This medicated formula is expected to deliver a noticeable and immediate cooling action to provide fast relief from the hot, itching sensations that accompany sore lips. It also provides a special barrier that helps lip cells return to their natural moisture. 

How much is it?

I bought mine as a set of 6 Blistex sticks from Costco for C$8. Blistex sticks are usually between C$3-C$5.

Where to get it? 

All leading grocery and drug stores. 

How to use? 

Just apply on the lips liberally.

My experience

My first initial experience when I first tried it was "Gee! The smell ... ". It does not smell or taste good. After all it is medicated. As promised, it is cooling. Was it effective? My lips were just dry so I don't think it was better than the usual lip balm. However, my husband just return from a business trip recently. The weather and flight was very dry and his lips was really in a bad shape after 3 days. He used Blistex Lip Medex for 3 days. It looks much better but his sore and cracked lips still feel uncomfortable. 

My verdict

If you are using lip balm regularly as form of protection, Lip Medex is definitely not the one to use since it does not smell or taste good. If you are trying to rescue seriously sore or dry lips, Lip Medex will not provide an instant solution either. It is probably more effective than regular lip balms. My conclusion is always put on lip balm as a protection, even if it is once or twice a day. Prevention is definitely better than cure in this case!