VERY Dry Skin...

shammon5 started this discussion · 3/6/2010

Hi everyone. I've been pole dancing for almost a year now and love it. This winter, however, I seem to have developed eczema or some other EXTREMELY dry skin condition. My skin flakes and peels and doesn't like to stick to the pole. I have to slather myself with Dry Hands to keep myself safe during practice (which doesn't help my skin very much...). Unfortunately, most lotions are dangerous to use when dancing, but my skin HURTS when I don't use any. Is there something I can use to sooth dry skin that won't interfere with dancing? I heard that "corn huskers lotion" might be a good choice... anyone? Thanks! 🙂 Shawna

13 replies

Foxy_Rei · 3/6/2010
There's another thread floating around here somewhere about lotions... I'll see if I can remember what it said. If your skin is dry like that, I would definitely stop using the dry hands. Your skin doesn't grip well if it's extremely dry, and plus if it's peeling like that, it probably isn't healthy to dry it out more... I'm no expert, though. You CAN use lotion, just put it on several hours before you pole, or even immediately afterwards. You're just slick if it's a fresh coat - if your skin has had time to absorb it and your clothes rub it off a bit, you should be fine. I think the thread also said using water-based lotions is best (as opposed to oil-based). Once again, I'm no expert... hopefully someone else will chime in, here
Runemist34 · 3/7/2010
Generally during the winter my skin gets pretty dry, too. It's been getting ever worse as I get older! I would recommend more water (unless you're drinking quite a bit already), as that is my big issue. Also, I agree...either immediately after poling, or a few hours before seems to work. I tend to put lotion on my face, and inevitably it gets all over my hands, and I find a few hours later, I'm good to dance. It all depends, I think, on how your body takes the lotion in, how fast, ect. However, I'd also say take your health first. If your skin is that dry, perhaps see a doctor (just in case) and try to take it easy on the things that make your skin unhappy! It's the biggest organ we have, and if it hurts...it sucks! 🫡
Audball · 3/7/2010
I have eczema, and there is a thread about it from a few weeks ago so if you search eczema you'll find it. Corn huskers is supposed to be good for dry skin, bt if it's eczema cream youre looking for, amlactin seems to be recommended (although its non existent in ireland so i cant get my hands on it yet!) I also like dexeryl, but its really greasy so I use it non poling days, and on days I pole, I either use it after im finished on the pole, or i apply cream, but just make sure i shower before I touch the pole! Also, elave bodywash is good too 🙂
Meleania · 3/8/2010
you could take a coconut oil bath once a week before you go to bed, by the morning it should of absorbed into your skin
SkinDeep · 3/8/2010
I would totally slather up at night if I were you! I use clarins moisture rich body lotion and it is pretty amazing and soaks right in, as long as you dont do it right before you pole, you should be fine! also, taking fish oil supplements has improved my skin greatly.....
HunnyHeatha · 3/8/2010
Have you tried using a moisturizing body wash? I've found that that has really helped my dry skin during the winter months. On days that I have Pole Class I don't use hand lotion and I find that my hands can get really dry. Sometimes my knuckles will be so dry that the skin would crack and bleed. To help that I lick the spots on the backs of my hands where my skin is the dryest, mostly on my knuckels. It helps to moisturize without adding on greasy lotions. Where is your skin the dryest? Sometimes when I apply lotion I use the backs of my hands instead of my palms. Then I don't have to worry about slippery hands!
chemgoddess1 · 3/8/2010
Plain old aloe vera gel is another non-greasy option. As far as body washes go, I stay away from them during the winter months and instead switch to a high fat content bar soap. The stuff that makes body washes lather is what tends to dry out your skin.
luvlee · 3/8/2010
I know everyone is different, but fot me, I am so dry that without any lotion like they say to do, I slide terribly and you can see skin particles on the pole!!!!! I have to use lotion and I can apply it whenever and STILL stick real good. I am just that dry though.
carriej · 3/11/2010
I use dove bodywash which tends to moisturize without leaving ya greasy!
psychoholicslag · 3/12/2010
Use Aloe Vera for moisturizer if you are going to pole that day or even while you are poling if you are so dry you are slippery. It can add a little bit of moisture tact that will help you to stick a little better. Then after you pole, try putting on lotion to help alleviate the dryness.
shammon5 · 3/13/2010
Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I got some eucerine cream for night time, that cow cream (for udders?) for non-dance days, and corn-husker's lotion for when I'm going to dance later on. I also got some of that skin milk bubble bath, which helped a lot since it has milk and vitamin E in it. It seems to have mostly cleared up. Thank you again! 👍
StellaStiletto · 3/31/2010
All of these are good ideas.... I too have very dry skin and it's sooo annoying! Here's what I have been doing: After my shower, I mist my body with baby oil (I pour it in a small spray bottle, that way it doesn't spill everywhere) and rub it in. Then I rub on some Oil of Olay Quench lotion. Sometimes I have to put on another layer of lotion. If I wait several hours, I'm not too slippery; I make sure I clean my pole more frequently. Or I practice before I shower, so more oils have been produced on my skin. It sucks because I like hot showers, and my Doc told me to use lukewarm water. Well, that doesn't happen in the winter, so I layer on lotion. Some people use vaseline, but I find that's too greasy even for me. I also notice that my body gets used to certain types of lotion, so I switch between Olay Quench, Aveeno with oatmeal (Walmart has an offbrand), and Eucerin (also off brand at Walmart). Unfortunately, my skin likes more expensive brands, but to avoid dry skin misery you gotta just do it sometimes. Also, Gold bond makes some good stuff. Good luck!
PipsyPops · 3/31/2010
I have dermatitis and very dry and itchy skin so I know how you feel! If your skin is very flaky then it might be worth visiting a dermatologist. I have to use some prescription ointments myself. Whathever you choose to use, do so before you go to bed and by the time you go to do your practise the next day there won't be any residue left. Since my skin is hyper sensitive most lotions only make it worse. I use pure jojoba oil or macademia oil sparingly all over before bed. I don't like baby oil because it contains too much mineral oil. On my actual dermatitis patches I use the prescription hydrocortisone and when the skin looks OK again I mantain with either Egyptian Magic balm or E45 treatment cream. Also my Dr told me not to use body wash on my skin more than once or twice a week, only use soap on areas like face, feet and places like that, but not on arms, legs, back and so on. That in particular has helped a lot. I haven't read the other answers so I hope this isn't too repetitive, let me know how you get on ☀️ xoxo