Moisturizer withdrawal: day 13

Tomorrow will mark 2 weeks of no moisturizer! When I went into it, there was no doubt in my mind that it was the right thing to do. It just makes sense that applying moisturizer will delay healing because 1 you're weakening the skin barrier and 2 if you're using over the counter lotions, you're also adding a bunch of chemicals to your already unhealthy skin. But a few days ago I wondered if maybe I was a rare case that would not benefit from "nomo"...I had the most intense pain in my worst area, my neck, for about 3 days. It was excruciating. I felt so low, I just wanted to give up and succumb to the desire to put some jojoba or coconut oil on my neck just so it would soften up a bit. I mean, how could it possibly heal if every time it dried out, I itched it right off?! Well, I'm glad I didn't!!! I realize now that I must have been flaring at the same time as stopping moisturizing. Last night was the first night in over a month that I slept the entire night. And without an itch attack!!! Hooray!!! If you're thinking about doing it or having a hard time as you do, please just give it some time. Last night could be a fluke so I will report tomorrow but it really seems as if my skin is stronger now. I'm really hoping that it just gets better from here! I know according to research that each subsequent flare during TSW is supposed to be not as bad as the prior one. For me, the second one was much worse than the first. Hopefully they get easier from here on out since I've stopped moisturizing. Will post pictures later. Happy healing!!