Magazines are full of photographs of beautiful women who have gorgeous skin. Their skin is smooth, even-toned and golden. Now, in contrast, let me tell you about my own complexion. I have very fair skin, and sunburn easily. Not only that, but I have a mild form of rosacea, and my cheeks, nose and chin turn bright red at times. People always look at me and think that I am blushing. The blush attacks are triggered by many things: sunlight, feeling warm, spicy foods or emotions. Finally, many skin care products will instantly turn my face red, as well. Additionally, my skin is prone to dryness and itchiness. Yet, with my sensitive, fair skin, I really need a good moisturizer and lots of sunscreen. I am always searching for products that will work for me, without irritating my skin, especially my face.

Let me tell you about my experiences with Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Care Cream, manufactured by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. This unusual moisturizer does NOT contain lanolin, fragrance or masking fragrance dyes, formaldehyde or parabens (wax).

Is it a good moisturizer? What does it look like?
This moisturizing cream is milky white and fairly creamy. It is of medium thickness. It feels light on the skin, but will not run or drip. It absorbs into my skin very quickly. It leaves my skin softened and moisturized, but not at all sticky or greasy. I tend to use it on my hands, arms and face. Most importantly to me, it does not make me itch or turn red. I have been using this product for approximately two years, and have not shown any signs of irritation from it yet.

Does it smell good?
This product contains no fragrance and does not really have any NOTICEABLE scent. However, if you literally stick your nose in it, you will notice a very slight scent. Not an unpleasant scent; more of a neutral one. Even that slight scent vanishes completely within a minute or so.

What are the ingredients?
Ingredients: Purified water, white petrolatum, cetearyl alcohol and ceteareth-20, sorbitol solution, propylene glycol, simethicone, glyceryl monostearate, polyethylene glycol monostearate, sorbic acid and BHT.

How do you tend to use this product?
I use this product every morning, after my shower, and before putting on my makeup. It does not make my face shiny or greasy, and seems to help my makeup stay on better. I use it on my face and hands, primarily, but will add some to my elbows or arms, if they seem particularly dry. I have also used it on my 11 year old son, from time to time, as he is very prone to dry hands and face, especially in the winter.

What is Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. and why do you say they are “psycho”?
The company, based in Rochester, MN, is a manufacturer of a line of skin and hair products that are all free of common skin irritants. I can’t help chuckling when I look at their website address: www.psico.com. Do they really pronounce it “psycho?” Do the employees actually go around telling people how they work for this “psycho” company? Anyway, psycho or not, their products are excellent and very useful for someone with weird skin, like mine. In fact, my skin is really “psycho”!!!

Where can I obtain this product?
Some pharmacies carry this moisturizing cream or could order it upon request. Some doctors’ offices (allergists and dermatologists, mainly) sell it. Finally, it is easy to order the product from the website, www.psico.com. One can also call to place an order at 1-800-325-8232. Currently, they offer a 4oz tube for $6.55 and a one pound jar with pump, for $15.60. They also offer a trial size 0.5 oz tube for $1.15.

Directions, as printed on the label:
Apply as often as needed, or as directed by physician.

Directions and usage, copied from the website:
non-irritating, non-staining
soothes red, irritated, cracking or itchy skin
soothes and retards the blistering of sunburn
use as a night cream and for massage
apply as needed to face, hands, feet and body
apply after bathing, showering, swimming or sun exposure
apply before exposure to wind or cold
beneficial in skin problems such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and ichthyosis which may be aggravated by lack of moisture
used as a compounding base by physicians and pharmacists
long-lasting, easy-to-spread, and non-greasy
free of common chemical irritants

The consequences of rating this review:
Finally, I hope you found this review, of this excellent product, to be useful. If so, members can feel free to leave a rating for me, and I appreciate it. However, I have to warn you that positive ratings make me blush! UGH! I just can’t win!













Recommended: Yes