Several months back, I agreed to try a couple of products from The Theraplex Company called Theraplex ClearLotion and Theraplex HydroLotion and let them know what I thought of it as a product for dry skin. Until I was already in my fifties and had moved to Nevada where the humidity at the time was 19% or less, I didn’t know what dry skin was like.

I’d been blessed or cursed (depending on how you look at it) with excessively oily skin that was shining by noontime, and practically seeping off my skin by evening. In my late teens, I used astringents to help me keep the oil shine off my face (same problem with my hair, too, but that’s another post). For that reason I refused to wear makeup other than eyebrow pencil to fill in my thin brows, and lipstick. Face powder or foundation caked on my face and looked just awful.

Well that all changed, whether it was the move to the desert southwest, or the move into the golden age, it caught up with me eventually and just happened. The plump cheeks I’d been told would hollow out as I aged just remained plumped out but wrinkles added as the drying out took hold. I’ve found products that were useful in combating at least the dryness and making my skin look moister, but I was wishy washy about most brands, never preferring one over the other because I hated the layer of greasiness I felt on my hands afterwards.

So when a Theraplex PR person contacted me to try their products and perhaps blog about it, I was ripe to try a new product. I agreed to try several of the products with samples they provided me, but cautioned that I wasn’t sure I would blog about it, but I promised to let them know by email at least what I thought of the products.

I remembered all those things sold at home through friends’ cosmetic parties for simply exhorbitant prices, like the “bee pollen” if anyone out there remembers that line of products. I did not want to be a part of that kind of low-pressure salesmanship. For myself I wanted products that were priced right, not cheap necessarily but not obscene, and one that delivered on their promise which, basically, let’s face it–can’t change our skin but only make it look a little better temporarily. I don’t buy it when the salespeople at cosmetic counters insist that skin absorbs lotion.  

Having said that, I must say here that there is one Theraplex product that I loved. That is the ClearLotion. It’s clear of color and perfume, and makes my skin feel wonderful after a bath or shower, and is especially luxuriant after a session in a chlorinated hot tub. Best of all, after you’ve rubbed it onto your body with your hands, it doesn’t leave them so greasy that you don’t want to touch anything until after you’ve washed your hands. In fact, my hands look 10 to 15 years younger after a minimal application of ClearLotion.

The foot cream did an equally good job of moisterizing the heels so that my foot nylons weren’t forever getting nicked and pulled by the dry edges catching on the delicate threads. As for the lotion, it’s also good, and doesn’t feel greasy, leaves my skin soft and supple looking after my bath, and I can even apply it to my face (which I’ve done several times).

The only problem I have with this line of moisterizing products is that it seems to be available only online. I’m no stranger to ordering online, and I frequently order books, clothing, and even shoes online, but when it comes to deoderants and moisterizers and lipsticks, all cosmetic applications actually, I prefer to buy at the local drugstore or grocery aisle when the need arises. Also, at $16.99 for 8 ounces, it’s not exhorbitantly expensive like the “bee pollen,” mentined previously, but is still a tad expensive, in my opinion, especially for anyone on fixed, small incomes. Added to that is the shipping price, which would further discourage online orders for certain markets. If only these were available locally, I would use them exclusively and without hesitation. 

So, the bottom line is, I recommend the Theraplex moisturizers, particularly the ClearLotion, but wish it could be purchased locally. Since my retirement income is sufficient to purchase the products, and because I like it so much, I am inclined to order it online sometime. Probably. If you’re interested in learning more, you can go to Theraplex.  

I’d love to hear from anyone else out there who has heard of, or tried these moisturizers. How do you feel about ordering this type of product online. Do comment if you have any opinions one way or the other.

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Update: Soon after this was posted I received an email from Marketing Director of Theraplex Company RACHEL PLANT, so I’d like to pass this information along to you here: Theraplex is available at retail; can be purchased from local pharmacists at the pharmacy counter, though they do not require a prescription. If they don’t have Theraplex in stock, they can usually get it for customers within 24 hours. Retail chains include: Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid and CVS. Theraplex products are also available at a number of independent pharmacies. Theraplex products are also available online at the website (above) and free samples are available upon request so that products can be tried out before you purchase. This is a great option should anyone be interested in learning firsthand about this great new product.