How to moisturize dry skin
For those with dry skin, moisturizing can be a nightmare. Using the wrong moisturizer can lead to only temporary relief from dry skin. You don’t want to have dry skin and you don’t want to put moisturizers every couple of hours just so your skin looks healthy! You want to get have healthy, normal looking skin that won’t crack and bleed or won’t look like you’re recovering from a sunburn. Below are some steps to take to keep your skin hydrated.
When you are considering a cleanser, pay attention to the type. A cream based cleanser will go a long way to helping improve moisture in the skin.
Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol. These type of moisturizers can make your dry skin worse, rather than helping to hydrate it. If the moisturizer claims to be good for acne prone skin, then it is likely a moisturizer that is best with oily skin types rather than dry. You should try to get a moisturizer that either specifically states that it is for dry skin or one that is creamier. A creamier moisturizer will also be great to hydrate your skin.
Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Sunlight leeches the skin of moisture, especially if you don’t use sunscreen. If you can’t avoid sunlight, put on some sunscreen, especially on your face.
Drink a lot of water. If your body is hydrated, your skin will be too. Drinking water is good for overall health, but it goes a long way to keeping your skin from drying out as well.
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Dry Skin Care Techniques
There are so many forms of skin conditions as well as skin types that it is almost impossible for you to tell which one is better or worse. Some people with dry skin want it to be oiler, others who have oily skin wish that it was dryer. However, it does not matter what skin type you have, your skin will look healthier and hydrated with some simple dry skin care tips below.
Put in mind that dry skin care starts from within, thus if you hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water and other fluids your skin is going to be much less dry. The skin draws most of its moisture from the layers on the bottom rather than from any topical cream you may use on the top layers. It is also important to note that when the body needs moisture and hydration it’s going to give this to the skin last; it is the last in priority.
The body hydrates the vital organs such as the heart and brain first, and then the major muscle groups, and then major systems such as the respiratory system and digestive system. Only the leftover hydration and moisture is then sent to the skin. Drinking water or fruit juice should be injected in your habit in dry skin care. For a change, try a drink mix like Crystal Light.
Moisturizing is also a part of dry skin care. And this means doing it religiously-day and night. It’s so important to use moisturizers at night because they don’t get rubbed off so easily and so the skin can absorb more, and because the body renews and regenerates itself during sleep. If you don’t add a moisturizer at night then you’re missing a big part of the skin care routine.
Using one in the morning before you head out is also important because moisturizers act as a protective layer between your skin and the elements in the atmosphere that can dry your skin such as pollutants and other irritants. You don’t need anything thick and goopy; a light moisturizer can be applied again during the day and it won’t mess up your makeup or be too obvious to others.
It is also recommended to use natural products. Using natural products also means less irritation to your face which is very important for dry skin care. When the face is irritated it uses up what natural oils it may have resulting in even worse dry skin. Some plain vitamin E oil that is available at most pharmacies and retail stores works very well even under makeup. This oil is usually very thick and so the skin can absorb it over time.
All these simple tips for your dry skin care!
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Combat Dry Skin this Winter
Article by A. Hill
With winter sitting squarely on our doorstep, it’s time to combat the changes in our skin that we’re all facing. Whether you experience tight skin after washing your face or have an all-over chronically dry complexion, for many of us, dry skin is a common concern. Read on to learn how you can treat dry skin and bring moisture back. Dry skin occurs when moisture it lost through the outer layers of our skin. Made up of skin cells, oils and fats, this outermost layer keeps skin hydrated and protected against harmful substances, including germs and other irritants. When this outer layer dries out, it loses its protective function, causing acne and other skin problems. Your skin can dry out or lose surface moisture from a variety of factors, including our environment and genetics. Some other culprits of dry skin:Sun damage. The sun emits harmful UV radiation that weakens our skin, which overtime damages our cells leaving it with the inability to retain moisture. Decreased oil production. As we age, the chemistry of our skin changes and the production of sebum typically slows down, causing skin to both look and feel dry. Environment. With every changing season, the humidity level in the air changes, causing a change in the levels of moisture in our skin. Geographic location and the environment of our homes can also affect skin. Extreme northern climates and dryer areas of the southwest can leave skin papery dry. Heat and air conditioning unit also suck moisture from the air and skin. Medical conditions. There are some health conditions that can also cause dry skin. Some examples include diabetes, thyroid disorders, AIDS, cancer and kidney disease. Dry skin is also common in patients with psoriasis and eczema. Medication. There are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can lead to dry skin, including drugs for high cholesterol and diuretics. Retinoid creams for acne and aging skin are also notorious for their drying effects. Ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide can leave the skin looking dry and flaky. If you’re using an acne treatment product that contains benzoyl peroxide, try cutting down on the number of times per day that you use these treatments. Even acneic skin needs moisture, so add an oil-free lotion to your skincare lineup and apply at least once per day to counteract any dryness. Some medications also increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, resulting in a greater risk of UV damage, which affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture. If you suffer from dry skin, fret not, there are some effective treatments to weather through this rough patch. Avoid hot water. Although a steamy bath may be your favorite way to unwind, hot water strips the skin of moisture and its natural protective oils. Adjust the temperature to warm and limit bath time to just 10-20 minutes once a week. Cleanse carefully. When washing your face, choose a gentle, creamy, soap-free cleanser that removes the dirt and impurities on the skin’s surface without stripping skin of its natural oils. Murad Moisture Rich Cleanser is a non-foaming lotion that effectively cleanses the skin without drying it. You should also avoid heavily-scented or perfumed cleansers, which can lead to dryness. Instead, look for fragrance-free options. For the shower, you should lather up with a body washed instead of a bar soap. Moisturize. Moisturizers bind water to the skin and help its outermost layers lock in moisture. To keep skin from feeling dry or itchy, look for formulas that contain lanolin, shea butter, petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, dimethicone or hyaluronic acid. For the face, Murad Perfecting Night Cream contains essential fatty acids to retain moisture and sunflower oil to encourage supple, touchable skin. Moisturize often. Especially in the dry season, you should apply your moisturizer three to four times each day, and always within minutes of getting out of the shower or cleansing the face or hands. Wear sunscreen. Protect yourself against the sun’s harmful rays, which break down the skin’s surface and zap it of moisture. Sunscreen also helps defend against age spots, wrinkles and can ward off skin cancer. Look for sunscreen formulated specifically for dry skin to help boost moisture levels with an SPF of 15 or higher. Humidify. The easiest way to put moisture back into the air when humidity levels are low is to run a humidifier, especially in the cold weather months. Look for tabletop varieties, or even consider attaching one to your furnace to automatically feed moisture into the air when the heat is on. If you’ve tried stepping up the moisturizing game but are still suffering from dry, flaky skin, look for a skincare cream with one percent hydrocortisone to help decrease itchiness and irritation. If you don’t see results within a week, try calling your doctor. They may be able to prescribe steroids or antihistamines that may be helpful.
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2-Step Natural Dry Skin Care Routine
Do you know how I can tell that winter is almost here? My skin gets super-duper DRY!
I mean, *really* dry. Like, peeling and cracking kind of dry.
Sorry. That’s pretty gross.
During most of the year, my skin stays soft and smooth. It’s only when the weather changes and we have to turn on the heaters that my silky skin turns into a dry desert. More disturbing imagery. Sorry about that. 
But no worries! I have an awesome completely *simple* and *natural* skin care routine that leaves my skin soft, smooth, and healthy. If you struggle with dry skin during the colder months (or anytime), I definitely suggest giving this 2-step routine a try.
Step #1: Exfoliate
When you hear the word “exfoliate”, you probably think of body scrubs made from hand-harvested French sea salt and crazy expensive “rare” essential oils. Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of gal. “Exfoliate” simply means to remove dead skin cells. You certainly don’t need a pricey, chemical-laden scrub to do that!
*Dry Skin Brushing*
It’s exactly as simple as it sounds. You just brush your skin while it’s dry!
First, you need to buy the proper brush. You want one that is made with natural fibers, not synthetic. You can find one for cheap on Amazon. I actually have two: a standard one for my body and a smaller, less coarse one that I use for my face (which I brush using a circular motion).
Next, you lightly run the brush up and down your body right before your shower. Now, some methods you may come across on the web are a little labor-intensive. You can only brush in upward strokes (always toward the heart) and you have to follow a certain pattern (hands to arms to shoulders to chest…).
Sounds like a bunch of new-age mumbo-jumbo to me. Plus, I’m just way to lazy for all that! All I do is quickly brush all over right before my shower, paying special attention to my hands, feet, elbows and knees. I do this maybe once a week during the summer (especially if I go swimming a lot) and every other day during the winter. It honestly takes less than 5 minutes.
Step #2: Moisturize
Now that you’ve sufficiently exfoliated and washed off all the yucky dead skin cells with a quick shower, it’s time to moisturize.
But of course, not just any moisturizer will do! No expensive lotions full of nasty chemicals like Diethanolamine (DEA) and phthalates (chemicals that have been linked to cancer, by the way).
Any guesses?
*Coconut Oil!*
Yep, just plain organic, unrefined coconut oil. I buy mine from Whole Foods, but I believe other places sell non-organic, refined brands. A 12-16oz jar costs between and and it will last for quite a while.
In fact, I have had the same 14oz jar for almost 2 years now! That’s definitely WAY less expensive than paying (or more) for some high-end body “crème” that only lasts a month or two. Another great benefit of using coconut oil to moisturize is that there is practically no smell. Since I’ve been raw, my tolerance for smells has become very low. This is kind of a bummer because I can no longer wear perfume, which I used to LOVE! Around Christmas time each year, my Mom and I would head over to Sephora and buy ourselves a new bottle (or two) of fragrance. She always went for lighter, clean smells while I liked the oriental, woody smells.
This was always something that I really looked forward to each Holiday season. Well, not any more! I honestly cannot stand the smell of perfumes or colognes, neither on myself nor on other people. The smells are just too strong. Even my favorite perfumes, which I just can’t bare to part with, give me a headache!
*sigh*
And that’s why I use coconut oil as a moisturizer. No smell!
*Other Oils*
As I said, I like coconut oil because of the price and the no-smell factor. But there’s nothing inherently special about this oil that makes it a better choice then, say, avocado or grape seed oil. You can certainly use those or other plant-based oils if you wish. There are also natural oil blends you can buy, like Burt’s Bees Apricot Oil, at health food shops or even some pharmacies. Just be sure to steer clear of petroleum-based mineral oil.
The only downside to coconut oil is that it solidifies at room temp. You could put the jar into a bowl of hot water before your shower, but (you guessed it) I’m way too lazy for that. When I’m ready to moisturize, I just take out as much as I need and rub it in my hands. The heat and friction will warm up the oil and it will return to its liquid state pretty easily. I can avoid this step during the winter because we always have the heater running which keeps the house really warm and the oil nice and soft.
Let’s Recap
Using a natural skin brush, lightly brush up and down your body and in concentric circles on your face.
Shower
Moisturize with organic, unrefined coconut oil…as much as you like!
Okay, so the routine is actually 3 steps. But you were going to shower anyway…right? Oh, I forgot to mention the *best* part about this routine! You will see results almost instantly!
When I first implemented this routine back in the winter of 2007, my skin was completely dry and cracked. Within *2 days*, there was about 50% improvement and after about 6 days, my skin was *completely* smooth and soft again. All because of a skin brush, some coconut oil, and a few extra minutes of my time.
Beat that, Bath and Body Works!
Swayze
www.smartyogini.com The Smart Yogini demonstrates her dry skinbrushing technique. Check out more at smartyogini.com or dryskinbrush.blogspot.com
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How to treat dry skin With Professional Cosmetic?
Article by vicki
Because the youth is not only populated by buttons and pool of sebum, there are some among us individuals with strange skin dry. How not to hate them and their skin does not know which point the brightness unnecessary, rash? By understanding that they have no easy life, these lizards. And pay attention to professional cosmetic choosing. Dry skin, what is it? It is a skin that does not produce enough fat (to put it simply) to hydrate and therefore needs a lot of outside sources to feel good. It has dry skin when you feel it pull, it makes the plates of dehydration (skin peeling, itchy, which is red). It can also be rough (part lizard skin) and even crack when it’s really the catastrophe. On the face, it is often associated with increased sensitivity, due to advanced dehydration. In other words, is often associated with dry skin and sensitive skin because, fragile, dry skin will react more easily than oily skin. Dry skin often protects acne, but has aged worse, therefore it must take care. What ritual adopt?
Always smooth. The major disadvantage of dry skin is that they react badly to water. Then the dry skin commit two types of errors: either they are insufficient cleaning of the skin, and end up with dry skin but also clogged pores, dull complexion, etc., or they clean it too far and even drier skin that appears. Also, many people confuse dry skin and dehydrated skin: dry skin needs fat, while a hot makeup skin needs water. It may very well have dehydrated skin when it is mixed, or normal, or with problems, while dry skin lacks sebum. Above all, we must choose treatments based on Gras (paraffin etc.) to properly nourish the skin, especially banning all products that contain alcohol (there are certain lotions) because alcohol is dry skin even more. For removing makeup (which is thus in oil, well if you followed my advice), we can adopt surgras gels for cleansing the skin, or dermatologic surgras breads formulated so as not remove the skin’s protective layers and not to assault him. If the water is really intolerable or totally irritating, there are products that do not require a passage under the water but make cleaning the skin (select product below). Finally, for the lotion, spa water helps soothe and moisturize (as long as the tap with a towel, and especially not to let it dry in open air). What creams adapted?
Obviously, a fatty cream (yeah). Cream fat does not necessarily mean vaseline, lard, or other horror you can imagine. A rich cream is above all a cream that contains enough moisturizer (such as paraffin) and a texture that is quite comforting to the skin. In recent years, cosmetic brands have come a long way to creams that are either rich or light, so that dry to very dry enough to have spread. In addition, there are emollient creams, which greatly reduce the effect of snake skin and retains water in the skin to avoid drying out too quickly. In emergency care, ie in case of large burns in cold (or cracks), one can apply a mask in cold cream (we slice of cold cream and is left to stand overnight) or to biafine (prohibits day, cons … it photosensitizer, ie it can cause staining of skin from the sun). And bio?
Unfortunately, organic and very dry skin sensitive to each other at times difficult. Indeed, care bios prefer the natural plant extracts, which can sometimes react certain skin and cause allergic reactions. It is therefore necessary to go very slowly with such care, and make it easier to trust drugstore brands (more suited to dry the skins that marks supermarkets). However, if you are concerned but you seem to care bios ideals, do not hesitate to mention it in the comments! SHOPPING EARLY SELECTION FOR REPTILES Cleansers : Dry skin can use cold cream buns like in Avene (there’s even a gel surgras partner, which enables cleansing), or the cleansing gel jojoba The Body Shop, special formulated smoothly. The sweetness of Nivea cleansing emulsion is perfect for small budgets. The most sensitive skins can use no-rinse cleansing lotion Avene, specially formulated to not have to be flushed. For cons, I recommend using it after the passage of a cleanser (eg micellar water), otherwise it does not remove the super good foundation and makeup loaded. For more hot makeup tips, you may visit,http://www.yesurprise.com/tags-professional-cosmetic/
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How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Legs Read More: How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Legs
There are effective ways to address the problems of dry skin in the areas of the leg. While some people recommend moisturizers natural skin care to keep the skin safe from the drought, and many others advocate healthy eating habits.
It could be all of these techniques help to some extent. Can improve the healthy eating habits definitely the way skin grows and handles the external conditions including drought.
There are many factors that cause dryness of the skin in different parts of the body. In most cases, these factors mirror the person’s health habits of the poor. Care should be taken on the lives of one’s disciplinary code in order to avoid such problems.
* Poor hygiene – poor hygiene, can easily lead to problems with dry skin.
* Chain smoking or regular alcohol consumption – had regular consumption of tobacco or alcohol worsening problems of dry skin in different parts of the body.
* Lack of defense against severe sun – many people ignore their skin treatment it receives from the intense sunshine and strong winds. These can also lead to dry skin in the arms, legs and thighs.
* Medical conditions – can lead to ill-health are also problems with dry skin in some cases. Known diseases such as allergies, dermatitis and eczema to pull the trigger.
Your brain has a system of “scratching” the process due to any of the above reasons. It is important to look for an effective remedy, instead of scratching the dry skin in the areas of the leg or anywhere else. Excessive scratching will only lead to more irritation and peeling and flaking. The worst symptoms, including rashes, fissures and cracks begin to appear when neglecting the problems of dry skin.
Get rid of dry skin on the legs
Wash your legs with great care
Have you tried to wash your hands, arms and legs carefully in order to get rid of germs? There is nothing wrong in trying a little harder to get rid of dust, dirt and germs. However, you must be very careful of soap that you use in such cases. Here are tips very useful in the laundering of dry skin on the legs:
* Depends on your skin natural oils to maintain a certain glow, health and life. Can be harmful chemicals in some soaps hit as well as bacteria and beneficial natural oils from your skin. Beauty soap stick for the longest time possible. They should use soap bactericidal only when there is no other option.
* Say “no” to all types of abrasive scrubs. Some people use these scrubs in order to put an immediate end to dry skin on the legs. This practice can lead to the aggravation phase of the dryness of the skin in areas of the leg. Remember to pat the skin on your legs quietly with a clean cloth and soap and water.
* Avoid excessive steamy bathroom if possible. Is to destroy the protective layer of skin on the legs when exposed to excessive steamy bathroom. Get rid of the dirt with a lukewarm shower, but does not damage the natural moisturizing your skin on the legs.
Get rid of dead skin cells on your legs
Never try to cut the dead skin from the legs by using clippers and other equipment. Benefit from the exfoliating agent to get rid of dead skin cells on your legs. If your legs are exposed to others, should be more careful when you use exfoliates. Dry skin on the legs begin to renew and moisturize very quickly as a result of peeling successful.
Is blocking the new skin cells and anger on the part of the accumulation of old skin cells and the dead. Process must be gentle as possible. Always use scrubs soft and thin products of this process. Carried out professionally by peeling can give superior results in such cases. However, it can cost a lot for more than a cosmetic products and control of home remedies.
Be careful when shaving areas of dry skin on the legs
Areas shave on a regular basis are more prone to the problems of dry skin. Make sure your razor blades are changed on a regular basis. The infection and even his country in the sharpness of the blade result in irritation, burning sensation and smudge. Refreshments are always good quality after shave areas of dry skin on the legs.
Prepare yourself to avoid damage due to unfavorable climatic conditions
It is always a good idea to make some arrangements to protect the skin from the sun on the legs intensive. Must either carry an umbrella or use a good moisturizing cream. Carrying an umbrella and the wisest thing to do when going out in the types and unfavorable weather a bit. Can be a sunscreen with an SPF of about fifteen or above to save your skin from the sun’s harmful rays for a long period of time.
Eat well and quit smoking
Get rid of dry skin on the legs by using some techniques from the inside out is always a good idea. Eat enough fat with Omega 3 is one of several methods to work on the problems of dry skin from the inside out. It is well known oil fish, crustaceans and a high proportion of omega-3 fats. Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Supplements, omega-3 fats and a healthy diet can only help when you’re ready to say “no” to nicotine and alcohol.
Do not ignore the problems of dry skin and get in touch with an expert if necessary
Get in touch with a doctor or cosmetic dermatologist if you do not get the desired results with the tips listed above. Can be neglected dry skin on the legs or anywhere else leads to premature aging. Can dry the skin in the legs also lead to the escape, because this condition leads to increased production of oil when dry skin makes an attempt to get wet.
eves-journey.blogspot.com http Dry Skin brushing is one way that one can help enhance the detoxification/cleansing process of the body. The skin is the largest organ and is one of the major elimination organs. Eliminating 10-15% of waste from our bodies. The skin is considered the 3rd kidney. Spending 3-5 minutes a day, before you shower, dry skin brushing can really work wonders for you. Don’t take my word for it try it for yourself and let me know what you think.
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Dry Skin Relief
Dry skin treatments powerful in effectiveness normally contain herbs. Using the right herbs is the answer to having healthy blemish free skin.Dry skin can have several reasons for happening. Lack of proper hydration, poor diet, low air humidity, excessive use of artificial heating, and the use of drying skincare products are the primary causes.
Dry skin is caused by three major factors: (1) environment, (2) neglect, and (3) medical conditions.
Dry skin is perhaps one of the most common skin problems today, which is why a discussion on dry skin therapy is more important than ever. Dry skin needs to be taken care of and treated to avoid further complications in the future. Dry skin, as many of you might know, could lead to a lot of further skin related problems. Let us take a detailed look at dry skin and how to treat this skin condition.
Other causes for dry skin are often extreme climatic conditions, wind, and sunburn.
The outer layer of the skin has an oily layer that is sometimes not retained properly because of these conditions. Also, the body is unable to produce the requisite amount of water and oil as is needed by the body. This causes the skin to dry and look dull, flaky, and lifeless. It is advised to use a humidifier while staying in a room with a heater for a long time.
If you’re wondering why certain dry skin treatments aren’t working for you, it might be because you’re addressing the wrong cause. Dry skin has many different causes, and as a consequence has many different treatments. It is important to know what exactly causes your dry skin in order to know the best solution.
Skip the Bath Oils. Yes, bath oils may smell nice and seem like a good idea, but in fact, the opposite is true (well, except for the smelling nice part).
When it comes to your skin, bath oils are not going to moisturize and instead make you want to soak for even longer than usual. We have already established the No Soak Rule.
Women who have dry skin sometimes feel difficult to find the right care for their skin. In fact, there are some things that make women get dry skin such as high pressured lifestyle, anxiety and ages. Besides them, the environments are also the causes why most women get dry skin.
If you are looking for a dry skin remedy, look no farther than your kitchen pantry. You can make a dry skin natural remedy just by combining common foods and applying them to the skin. Some foods act as an internal remedy for dry skin as well. Some of the ingredients that can be used in a home remedy for extremely dry skin are honey, yogurt, olive oil, and oatmeal. Some herb teas are useful, too, as are a variety of other fruits and seeds.
Dry skin can also be itchy and become very sensitive, resulting in eczema and dermatitis. The prevention of excessive loss of moisture to prevent dry skin is important to prevent further complication of dry skin.
One important remedy that can easily be followed is to drink lots of water. At least two quarts of water have to be taken in per day if the skin is dry. This prevents the skin from dehydrating. The other option would be to take in lots of food containing vitamins A and B.
Angular cheilitis is a common skin condition that plagues many people with its discomfort and pain. But you do not really understand the pain completely until you have experienced it first hand. The dry cracked skin can prevent you from enjoying your favorite snacks. Things like hot beverages can really take a toll on those open wounds. All they usually do is end up making things worse. But thankfully there are things that you can start doing that will help you get rid of that pain.
To get rid of this problem in the first place, it is important to understand what causes dry skin (that is why you have dry skin) to occur. Usually, different factors like side effects from medication, bad lifestyle habits (e.g smoking), inadequate nutrition, environmental factors and advanced age are common explanations as to why one would have dry skin.
Cold weather is notorious for causing dry skin that often leads to flakiness and itchiness. The best solution is often to be the application of skin creams that moisturizes and returns the needed water back to the skin. Precautions like not taking extremely hot showers will also help prevent or alleviate the symptoms. Hot water will break down the natural lipids on your skin that locks in moisture. When this happens, the moisture in your skin will evaporate leaving your skin stripped and dry. If you really need to take hot showers, try to reduce the temperature or just use lukewarm water if possible.
A lot of people have dry and dead skin, and others will suffer from it on and off in their lifetime, that is why most of the skin care lotions will target this type of skin type. As you’re looking around in the store you’ll find that most of the good creams for dry or dead skin will contain glycolic acid in them. The acid is so great at treating dead skin it is becoming one of the most popular treatments in use today. The acid gets absorbed deep into your skin and goes to work at helping your blood flow under the skin, which will stop the dead and dry skin cycle almost completely.
Essential oils such as lavender, primrose and tea tree are beneficial for people with dry skin. These can be used in a facial sauna or ingredients in a skin care product regime. Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated and teas made from fennel, calendula, borage or coltsfoot help to improve the condition of your dry skin.
Dry Skin And Dry Skin Care
Article by Dave Mcevoy
If you have dry skin, you already know that you need dry skin care tips that actually work. Not only is dry skin uncomfortable with its tightness, but it’s also embarrassing when your skin is flaking and looks rough. However, many causes of dry skin are not due to problems with your skin or the way that you take care of it. According to Skin Care Campaign’s website, somewhere between fifteen and twenty percent of a general practitioner’s patient load comes from skin diseases that have nothing to do with the patient’s ability to care for their skin. Does this sound like you?
Possible causes of dry skin
The truth is that dry skin care is generally a reactionary process. You feel tightness, you itch – you try to find something to make these feelings go away. However, knowing the causes of your dry skin can help to make the proper choices or seek medical attention when needed. Dry skin can be caused by the following things:
*Eczema – This skin irritation is a condition in which the skin does not perform its necessary duties of protecting the skin’s elasticity and ability to block out bacteria and other irritants. This leads to cracking and peeling of the skin, however, the cause is not generally agreed upon.
*Psoriasis – This is another condition in which the skin is unable to turn over cells in an appropriate manner, leading to dryness and flakiness of the skin’s appearance and feel. Again, the cause for this is unknown.
*Contact dermatitis – This can include a wide range of causes, making it difficult to narrow down the exact irritant. This condition occurs when you touch something and then your skin reacts to it. You might have an adverse reaction that causes a serious medical reaction or you may just notice itching and dryness. This can also be a short term affliction or one that is longer term. Common irritants are: poison ivy, poison oak, sumac, chemicals, toxins, etc.
*Environmental conditions – Others find that blowing winds or lowered humidity conditions can also lead to dry skin, typically in the cooler months.
*Lack of moisture in the body – When someone does not drink enough water, they can also suffer from dry skin. Of course, there are some medical conditions in which the body is more prone to dehydration and thus dry skin conditions.
*Heredity – And then there are some that suffer from dry skin because that’s just how their skin reacts when it’s in the world.
Symptoms of dry skin and diagnosing your skin’s condition
Dry skin seems to be fairly simple enough to diagnose. The common symptoms are:
*Callouses*Dryness*Flakiness*Cracks and fissures in skin*Redness*Chapped skin*Soreness*Raw feeling*Tightness
To determine whether or not you need dry skin care, you can look for these signs or you can also do a test to see what kind of skin you have.
Start by washing your face as you normally do in the morning, patting it down with a towel when you are done. But instead of applying any other lotions that you normally would, wait for about twenty minutes. When you are done, look at your skin and see where the dry patches are. If you do not see any, chances are good that you don’t have dry skin. But if you have dryness and flakiness in areas, you will need to work on dry skin care options.
Caring for this dry skin
Of course, the main concern that women and men with dry skin have is how to treat it. With more than one in four people reporting dry skin, it’s imperative to create a full plan of attack against the irritating dryness and possible infection from itching and scratching.
Here are some simple steps that you can use when devising a dry skin care routine:
*Drink more water each day*Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes some healthy fats*Wash the face only twice a day*Use gentle, soap free cleansers*Wash with warm water, never hot*Apply a moisturiser to slightly damp skin immediately after washing to seal in moisture*Try a night time moisturiser to help with severe dryness*For the body, apply a thick emollient to the skin before bed as well as immediately following a bath when your skin is still damp*Try water based moisturisers at first, switching to oil based lotions when they aren’t working
However, if these basic steps aren’t helping your dry skin, you may want to talk to your general practitioner about prescriptions that might be able to help you. You might also have an underlying medication condition that is being indicated by your dry skin – and that will need to be addressed by more than just dry skin care.
Link to drugstore.com: www.drugstore.com Link to Paula’s Choice www.paulaschoice.com Products mentioned Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream Original Formula Soft Lips lip protectant/ sunscreen Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Neutrogena Oil-Free eye makeup remover Paula’s choice skin recovery toner normal to very dry skin Paula’a choice skin recovery moisturizer normal to very dry skin Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 hydrating acne treatment Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser sensitive skin Be fine food skin care lip serum with chamomile and beets Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me 8th Edition by Paula Begoun The Original Beauty Bible 3ed Edition by Paula Begoun
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Dry Skin – Effective Treatments
Article by Hannah Garcia
Dry skin is a common yet troublesome condition that affects many people. The symptoms include rough, dry, pealing skin which may cause itching and inflammation. Scratching it will only cause further damage to the skin and more pealing. So if you suffer from dry skin here’s a guide to the most effective techniques and treatments to help your skin.
The Causes Of Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common problem that affects millions of people all over the world. In fact, you should consider yourself lucky if your skin is neither too dry nor too oily.
Dry skin, or to use the proper medical term, xeroderma, can affect any part of the skin, but the areas most commonly affected include the arms, legs, thighs and stomach. The dehydration of skin causes dead skin cells to remain on the surface of the skin which can lead to blocked pores and a range of undesirable conditions including blemishes, acne and other skin complaints.
It can be caused by a wide range of factors, including;
a) Environmental Factors
Exposure to excessive wind, low temperatures, sun, cosmetics, chemicals, cheap soap and alcohol based skin products will dry out the skin. If the oil glands of the skin can’t produce enough oil to keep the skin lubricated, dehydration will occur, leading to the effects of dry skin.
b) Cleansing
Bathing your skin too infrequently can lead to dry skin. However, bathing too frequently can also lead to dry skin, especially if you use cheap soap that dries the skin even further. Ideally, it’s best to strike a balance and avoid either of these extremes.
c) Dehydration
Every day the body needs a certain amount of liquid to survive. But beyond that it needs plenty of pure, clean water to keep its skin properly hydrated. So aim to drink at least two litres (four pints) or water every day. This will help to flush toxins from your system, provide adequete hydration for your skin and reduce the chances of suffering from dry skin.
d) Aging
As people get older, their skin produces less oil to keep the skin lubricated and protected.
e) Medical Conditions
Dry skin can be caused by certain genetic conditions but this is relatively rare. However, an underactive thyroid can lead to dry skin, and there’s also evidence to show that people with type 2 diabetes can suffer from dry skin.
f) Vitamins
A deficiency in vitamin A and the various B vitamins can also contribute to dry skin.
How To Treat Dry Skin
1) Cleanse And Moisturise
Skin must be kept clean and regularly exposed to water or it won’t be able to function properly. So make sure you bathe your skin every day and apply a moisturiser. If possible, avoid using common soap and all products that have an alcohol base, as these will dry the skin further.
One of the best treatments for dry skin is to take a bath or shower in the evening and then apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body. This will help to moisturise and soften your skin throughout the night and the following day.
Coconut oil is one of the best substances for the skin. It moisturises, it soothes, it even heals minor abrasions and is great on dry, chapped lips.
And if that’s not enough, coconut oil is also incredibly cheap when compared to all the other brand name moisturisers on the market. But make sure you get the oil in its most basic form, that hasn’t been refined or mixed with chemicals to give it a distinctive odour. All of that will detract from its natural properties.
2) Use Sunlight
Apart from keeping your skin clean and well moisturized, a health skin requires daily exposure to light and air. The skin plays host to a wide range of micro-organisms including bacteria and yeasts which no amount of cleaning will remove. Sunlight is one of the best ways to keep these bacterias within acceptable levels and promote healthy skin.
Sunlight also causes the body to produce vitamin D3 which is another essential element of healthy skin. So aim to get half an hour of daily sunlight on the areas that are affected by dry skin. However, make sure you use an appropriate sunblock to avoid getting burnt, and keep your skin properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer.
3) Maintain A Healthy Diet
This is one of the best ways to promote the general health and beauty of your skin. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Apples, peaches, pears, bananas, grapes, cherries, plums etc are all great for your skin.
4) Check The Humidity Of Your Living Environment
Living in an environment where the air is incredibly dry will help to dry out your skin and make the condition worse. So consider using a humidifier to put back some moisture into the air.
5) Use The Right Cosmetics
Cosmetics can contribute to dry skin. They may even cause allergic reactions and lead to contact dermatitis. If you develop a problem with dry skin around the area where you apply your make up, this is a sure sign that your cosmetics are at least partly to blame.
So experiment until you find cosmetics that suit your skin. Products that use natural ingredients are less likely to cause skin problems. Keep them in good condition, and read the application instructions fully.
And finally, if none of these ideas and treatments help to relieve your dry skin, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. Persistent dry skin may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Your doctor will be able to check your general health and provide advice on the best way to treat your skin
Here is a requested video on my skin care routine. I have Combo to Dry Sensitive Skin. Products Mentioned: Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair Image Skincare Ageless Total eye Lift Cream Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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