Mama, Why Is Your Skin So Dry?

Many of you know I take care of my sick Mama a lot.

Papa does a good job, but right now work has him gone right now. And bless my brother-in-law's heart. But he is very much a simple man when it comes to personal hygiene. Neither one of them knows that women, though we don't need anything fancy by far, need a little more maintenance.

Especially women who have diabetes or other ailments that can sap the life and vigor out of your whole body, including your teeth, nails, hair, and skin. Mama knows that Papa is blind to her aging, but she's not. And if the women in our family are well-preserved and taken care of, we age very gracefully.

I got concerned when I noticed my Mama looking a little grey and sad.

When it comes to her skin and hair, Mama has always been particular. So a few weeks back, when I was rummaging in her bathroom, closet, nightstand searching for lotions and items to pamper her, I realized...she had absolutely nothing except a generic fagrance free lotion.

"That explains why your skin is so dry. Mama! Why didn't you say you needed lotion and self-care products?"

Mama tries to play it off like she doesn't care. "I never leave the house anyway, no need for me to be beautiful. They're expensive." But every woman on the planet knows we don't get beautiful or take care of ourselves for anyone BUT ourselves. It's not about leaving the house or being beautiful. It's about how dry skin hurts sometimes, and your hair has lost it's luster. It's not about retaining your youth or being beautiful.

It's about feeling healthy and good - and how your physical health affects your skin and hair.

Mama has diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and her absorption rate for nutrients and liquids is extremely poor. Which means my mama is dehydrated... A LOT. Regardless of her being a good girl and eating properly and drinking, she is always dehydrated.

Before Papa went back into the military I didn't realize how hard things had gotten. She went a very long time without her insulin, so her A1C sparked. We are still learning the drastic changes that bringing her A1C down can cause. She is regaining her short-term memory rentention, her mood swings are better, and she's sleeping and eating better. And her good days when she is able to walk are becoming more increased.

But of course, the dehydration and the consequences of her sugars being out of control took a huge toll on my mom's skin, nails and hair.

So I didn't abide by her telling me she didn't need anything.

Papa didn't leave me access to the money for nothing after all. He had strict orders: "Take care of your mother. Make sure she has EVERYTHING she needs." Sir, yes SIR!

I just do what I'm told, ya'll.

There are 5 products that I swear by for my mom's thinning hair and very neglected skin. And it's products we've used regularly for the last few years, until recently. And now times aren't so hard for them. She's not only taking her medicine properly every day again, but she's back on her daily skincare and hair care routine.

Product Number 1: Nutrofol Hair Supplements.

The first is a vitamin supplement specifically for thinning hair in women ages 45 and up. And it's actually a pretty well-known item.

When Mama was taking it regularly, her hair stopped falling out so much other than regular shedding, and it had even begun to thicken and grow back.

The only complaint I have about this product is how expensive it is. This is by the far the most expensive product I buy for my Mama, and we're only a repeat customer because it works very well for her.

An affordable substitute product I recomend for women suffering from thinning hair, hair loss, breakage is Primal Harvest. It runs much cheaper at $30 for a month supply.

I also reccomend Coconut Oil infused with clove and chamomile for a truly homeopathic recipe. It's working wonders for my sister - but that's her story to tell.

Hint: I make the oil at home myself. My family knows I enjoy making tinctures and salves using natural ingredients and fancy butters to go with my homemade bread. So a few years ago they bought me a fancy infuser machine. Expensive but worth it.

Product Number 2: Routine Wellness Anti-Thinning Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Thinning Hair

It smells good. It's got rose hips. And it's more affordable. If you want to really spoil your hair you could go with the Nutrofol Shampoo and Conditioner, but they have the same price as the supplement if you're buying both. Routine Wellness is more affordable, and just as good with the perk of being universally helpful to everyone with hair, not just women.

Product Number 3: Aveeno Oatmeal Bodywash For Sensitive Skin.

Affordable and well-known I have always loved Aveeno. From their baby products to sensitive skin, Aveeno has been a favorite of mine for a long while. I know that this particular bodywash didn't hurt my children when they were still little. I know I can trust it for Mama.

Product Number 4: O'lay Face Cream.

This is probably very cliche. But this product has been one of Mama's favorites for a very long time. And my Grandmama used it before she died too. And again it works. It's a good lotion specifically for her face.

Product Number 5: Gold Bond Diabetics Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion

Gold Bond is another long time trusted brand in our family. I like this particular lotion for Mama because the marketing targeting diabetes works on me. But it smells good and leaves skin soft, and it doesn't make Mama itch. That's the important part.

Chapped lips hurt, and so do chapped hands, and skin broken from sudden swelling and water weight.

So if you are caring for someone who suffers through dehydration or low absorbtion rates, make sure you remember the little things like skin and hair.

Actually I rescind that. If you are a human with skin, nails, and hair, I implore you to take care of of every single one of those things. It's not just vanity or a beauty routine. It's about being comfortable and feeling good. Everyone deserves to feel good. So take care of yourselves darlings!

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