Skin Care - General Information
Add Moisture to the Air
Consider investing in a humidifier for your home to combat the drying effects of heaters and furnaces. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water to increase the healing power of the hydrated air. Try lavender, rosewood, or chamomile.
Bathe in Lukewarm Water
Hot water and soaps that contain detergents and anti-bacterial ingredients can dry out your skin. Bathe in lukewarm water and choose a mild soap or body wash containing moisturizer, glycerin or plant oils. Apply body oil while still damp to help seal in the moisture after bathing and then gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Best Moisturizer - Water
The best way to hydrate the skin is to soak in lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
Diet and Skin Care
Increase your intake of essential fatty acids found in whole grains, nuts, seeds and certain types of fish. Cook with olive or canola oil and use olive or flaxseed oil in salad dressings. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and moisturize your body from the inside. Greasy foods take a toll on your skin; try to eliminate saturated fats and fried foods from your diet.
General Skin Care
The skin is the largest organ of the body and often the most neglected. Taking good care of your skin should be part of your daily routine. Intact skin is our best defense against bacterial invasion. Winter weather often results in dry, itchy skin. Here's some advice on relieving irritation and revealing soft, smooth skin. Remember, a good skin care product doesn't have to be expensive to be effective.
Lotion While Damp
Lotion is much more effective for dry skin treatment if you apply it while your skin is damp after bathing rather than when your skin is totally dry.
Moisturize daily!
When choosing a moisturizer, look for healing ingredients such as plant extracts, plant oils, sea algae, lanolin, glycerin, Vitamins A, B, C, and E and pure aloe vera. Lotions with mineral oils, perfumes or alcohol may produce an allergic reaction or have a drying effect on the skin.
Shaving Moles Is a No-No
Moles should never be shaved off. There is always a possibility of infection, excess bleeding, or scarring. The only safe alternative is to see a dermatologist.
Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 am and 4 pm (10:00 - 16:00). The risk of burning also increases at higher altitude.
Udderly Helpful Skin Care
Two of the best products for easing dry skin, IMHO, are manufactured for healing cow's udders. Try Udder Cream and Bag Balm when your skin feels like alligator hide.
What's a Hygrometer?
Purchase an inexpensive hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home. Lowering your home's heat and using a humidifier will keep your home in the comfort zone and help prevent dry skin and hair.
Winter Skin Tip
If your skin tends to be dry and itchy in the winter, turn down the heat in your home. You'll be a lot more comfortable in a cooler house.
