Prevent Dry Skin
Dry skin is a relatively common problem and source of self-consciousness among women of all ages. Not only is it unattractive, it is very uncomfortable. Dry skin is usually itchy, irritated and often appears dull, red, cracked and flaky. It can be caused by simple elements such as using harsh soap or detergents; taking long, hot showers; misusing moisturizers, and from overexposure to the dry, cold air of winter months.
While dry skin can appear anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on the arms, hands, lower legs and abdomen. This troublesome condition is of special concern for African-Americans. The affected flaking skin creates a gray or ashy look in areas predominantly located on the elbows, knees, or knuckles. By using some of the techniques and products suggested here, some of the associated embarrassment can be diminished and perhaps in mild cases, avoided altogether.
Dry Skin Tips
Fortunately, dry skin is easier to cope with than its counterpart—oily skin. There are very specific methods of avoidance, but if that is not possible, remedies that work to sooth and heal damaged skin are plentiful. The most obvious solution is to apply very good moisturizer consistently, sometimes more than once a day. Moisturizers work by holding fluid inside the outermost layer of skin. Creams and lotions help replace lost moisture back into the skin. Moisture binders combat dryness, and also form a barrier against dirt, reduce the appearance of large, open pores, and give a temporary feeling of smoothness to the skin. During cold winter months, it is advisable to use a heavier cream than throughout the other seasons due to the extraordinarily dry conditions inside buildings and homes.
Another important step in fighting dry skin conditions is to do away with long, hot showers, which was mentioned earlier. Instead, make it a habit to take short, lukewarm showers. The theory behind this idea is that extremely hot water can leech moisture from your skin, thus aggravating its dry tendency and adding to its unsightly appearance. It is best to apply lotion or a light body oil immediately after drying off. The
se steps will help seal in your skin’s natural moisture and repair your red, cracked, itchy, burning skin.
You might consider using a humidifier at home during the cold winter season. Heat generated by forced central air units and furnaces is again, in nature very dry. Moisture disappears from your skin as you watch TV, read, relax, and sleep, and you will not realize that damage is occurring. A humidifier of decent quality running constantly will help replace the moisture back into the room air that heating systems remove. An additional benefit of this measure is that your lips will not chap and crack as quickly as in rooms that are not sufficiently humidified.
All said, of the suggestions and tips listed here, the most important plan of attack should be for you to moisturize your skin regularly with the very best skin products available. It is essential that you replace lost moisture back into your skin and lock it in for as long as possible. You will feel better, look more radiant, appear younger, and save money in the long run by avoiding costly trips to a dermatologist for diagnosis of a relatively common, basic and avoidable condition.