Noxema + Extra Virgin Olive Oil Moisturizer

Let me start by saying I'm sharing my personal experience, but I'm not a dermatologist. Recently away from home and in a pinch, I went against a 2012 study claiming olive oil is not a good moisturizer. The study focused on treating eczema, (which I don't have) and explored using plant oils as emollients to improve the skin barrier and thus, soften and improve the skin. 

The study noted that olive oil has low linoleic acid and high oleic acid ratios and concluded: oils with high linoleic acid and low oleic acid ratios moisturize and protect the skin. 

The research also said, olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, plus promotes wound healing, but it could also "cause a reduction in the integrity of the outer layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum." For sure a vague part 2 of its findings! What I, a non-dermatologist, think it boils down to is ... olive oil lacks enough ceramides (a family of waxy lipids. Ceramide 1 contains linoleic acid) to sink into the outer layer of the skin -- which isn't a problem if your skin is already damp from a shower plus you add a thin cream like Noxema. (Noxema has linoleic acid.) Certainly, as a sealing layer, olive oil seems to work well by locking in moisture to keep the skin from drying.

To be clear: I find that after stepping out of the shower, slattering on Noxema skin cream (another making due concession) followed by one tablespoon of olive oil keeps my arms and legs conditioned. After removing my leggings at night the skin is like summer legs! No flaking!!

In fact (for me), extra virgin olive oil paired with Noxema is working much better to stop dry skin than the plant oils recommended by the study (that I normally use at home) including jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil.

Olive oil is often an ingredient in moisturizers. Both olive oil and Noxema are cheap!

Scientifically I don't know why olive oil is working better, but one reason could be because it is slightly thicker (i.e., richer) than the other pricier cited plant oils. Now I'd love for scientists to find out why by researching the use of olive oil as an after-bath oil. As a consumer, I desire the most cost-effective after-bath oil that works when used properly, perhaps always pairing it with a lotion containing a high linoleic acid ratio we already stock. One-stop shopping is ideal! Is there any reason to buy more expensive plant oils? How about taking this up, Doctorly on YouTube?

Do you, lovely readers, have a go-to-after-bath oil to fight dry winter skin?

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Mean, Clean And Green

You are the first to know. I'm turning a little bit green. Lately instead of using commercial cleaners with a long list of undesirable chemicals, I mop my floor with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. And guess what? The acid in the vinegar works to naturally clean and disinfect the floor. Not only does using vinegar cut down on what I have to stock – one less product to buy, yeah! – but a 32 oz bottle costs less than a dollar and leaves no residue, so I don't have to mop the same areas over and over to remove suds. I'm all for simplicity and less elbow grease, believe me! Also the smell of the vinegar goes away as soon as the floor dries, so that isn't a deterrent. Now I wonder why I didn't make the discovery a long time ago. According to a professional cleaner, adding a cup of vinegar to laundry detergent in the wash cycle makes clothes brighter. And vinegar with water removes dirt from windows too.

Here are a few other all natural, multi-tasking tips:

1. Salt – Mix with water and rub on dry, flaky skin during a shower. Rinse and you'll have smooth, silky skin.

2. Olive oil – Coat lightly on your hair before shampooing. It's an excellent conditioner.

3. Dr. Woods Pure Peppermint Castile Soap – Use as a moisturizing face and body wash, as well as, for fresh, itch-free laundry.

4. Seltzer – Cleans spills, including red wine, out of clothes, couches and carpets.

5. Used coffee grinds – Sprinkle on plants as a fertilizer.

6. Honey – Allergy sufferers swear that consuming a couple of spoons a day of locally grown honey reduces symptoms for Hay and Spring fever. I'm trying it and seem to be getting relief. But stay tuned, only time will convince me it's because of the honey.

7. Lemon juice – Cleans and shines brass and copper.

8. Aluminum foil – Crinkle a square and rub it on pans to remove burnt in foods.

9. Microwave oven – Nuke your wet sponges for 60 seconds to kill germs.

10. Baking soda – As the commercial says, put a box in your refrigerator and pour the old box down your drains to keep them smelling fresh. After using detergent, I throw a little in sinks and tubs [mix with water and wipe] to get an extra sparkle, without scratching the enamel.

11. Drop a few bay leaves into canisters of flour, rice, or cornmeal to keep bugs out.

12. Place peppermint tea bags in your closets to keep moths from eating your wool and cashmere sweaters.

All of these products are safe, inexpensive and effective. Why not try them?