Very helpful advice for those with skin problems

• Very helpful advice for those with skin problems by andrewswenson on 21 Oct, 2013 06:06
• Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, but I have seen quite a few posts about people having trouble with skin issues. I want to offer you advice that has helped me out tremendously over the years.
  
  First off, I've only been shaving my head for about a year, but this applies to every part of your body whether it has hair on it or not. I made the switch to washing and moisturizing my body with 100% natural products 4-5 years ago and it was the best thing I did for myself. I was frustrated with bad acne on my face and my back. I went to a dermatologist and although it worked for me, the retinoid cream and the antibiotics I was on for awhile were things that I would never dare to do now that I made the switch and did my research. I have tried a ton of different products in the chemical and also natural department and a lot worked and a lot didn't. But this is the best and simplest thing I did for my dry and very sensitive skin:
  
  Grandpas Pine Tar Soap. Google this product and read about the things it can do for your skin. This soap has been around for something around 100 years and it's 100% natural and has the most amazing smell. It's very masculine and smells kind of like a camp fire mixed with beef jerkey or rubber. I know that sounds weird and maybe even unappealing but I promise you it's really not bad at all. It doesn't linger after you shower either. I use this on my head, face and body and it doesn't dry my skin at all. It not only heals whatever problem you have fast, but it calms any irritation you have pretty much instantly. It's very convenient as well because it's one bar of soap for your whole shower routine instead of switching between different bottled products for different areas. It's also cheaper in the long run. I've tried Dr. Bronners soap which is a very popular castile based soap but it's very drying especially in the winter months.
  
  Something that is very important: IT'S OVERKILL TO EXFOLIATE ANY PART OF YOUR SKIN THAT IS GOING TO BE SHAVED. PERIOD. I see a lot of head shavers using this bogus "head shed" exfoliant and I find it to be a marketing scam. The same applies with your face. I honestly do not ever recommend exfoliation at all. It irritates your skin on a microscopic level and speeds up the natural process of shedding skin cells which is unnatural.
  
  Another tip: You don't have to shower every day. Not something you can wrap your head around huh? It's true. Showering every day is also overkill. This country is fascinated with sanitation and living in a sterile environment. Unless you work in construction or a job that you're outside all day and get dirty, it's completely unnecessary and harmful in the long run to shower every single day. Especially multiple times in one day. You have what's called an immune system and you need germs for it to practice on. What I do in between full body showers is I take bird baths. I wash the key four areas: ass crack, crotch, pits, and teeth. If you still feel the urge to wash your face and skull...don't. Let it be and wait until the next full body shower. I take full body showers on the days when I'm going to shave the head and face which is once every 2-3 days maximum. I never smell bad, I use deodorant, and I'm still clean. And I never get pimples anymore because a lot of it was from over scrubbing/cleaning. This is all part of the many reasons why I never get sick. Switching from an anti-bacterial soap to a natural soap is good because you NEED good bactera on your skin to fight off the bad guys.
  
  As far as moisturization goes, I recommend three things. Pure Jojoba oil, pure olive oil, or my best recommendation Natures Gate Tea Tree Lotion because tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and less drying than rubbing alcohol. If you get a problem zit or bad razor burn tea tree oil will heal it faster than anything you can find. Period. Alcohol is just too harsh for most people's skin in my opinion.
  
  
  That's pretty much it. I can guarantee if you use Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, a natural moisturizer, and better cleaning habits your skin problems will go away over time. A healthy diet is key as well. I highly recommend anyone with skin problems to take my advice. Even if you don't have skin problems, switching your routine and going natural will still improve your skin's health. I have a lot of personal experience on this subject and have done a lot of trial and error. I also worked at a health foods store for awhile and have some solid knowledge about natural ways to treat things. I'm not a hippy by any means and I'm not obsessed with an only organic lifestyle either. This simply just worked for me and I know it can work for a lot of other people out there. You can order these products off Amazon and get some good deals or find a local health foods store near you and purchase them there.
  
  As far as razors go...ditch the 20 blade cartridge razor you have and go with a 2-bladed cartridge. Gillette Sensor or even the disposable Gillette Good News always worked good for me. Fusions, ProGlides, vibrating razors.....it's just a marketing gimmick and tears up your skin.
  
  Best of luck to you all. I know what it's like to have troublesome skin and I have felt your pain. It can all be healed, just be patient and take my advice
• #1 by clint902 on 15 Oct, 2021 02:36
• I don't know what to say.
• #2 by Magoo on 19 Oct, 2021 21:13
• Check the date of his post. That being said I do agree to some of his opinions.
• #3 by clint902 on 20 Oct, 2021 03:56
• I did see the date of that post but I had to say something even though I didn't know what to say.  I agree with some but not all of his opinions.
• #4 by Magoo on 20 Oct, 2021 06:55
• Some is the word . Not washing your face or head makes no sense .
• #5 by clint902 on 21 Oct, 2021 05:01
• Not using an exfolient is another issue.  My scalp needs to be exfoliated because I get dry, flakes which will become a horror show If I don't exfoliate.  HeadShed is a little harsh so I use a mild exfolient instead but I don't rub so hard that my skin gets raw.  However, if I had a skin problem, I probably wouldn't shave at all.
• #6 by reddog on 21 Oct, 2021 05:57
• I exfoliate every couple of weeks. I just put a little hair conditioner in my hand and add some plain old sugar. Mix it up and rub over head and face. Works like a charm!
• #7 by Goatee on 24 Oct, 2021 15:13
• Good post though