At this time of the year, dry skin is often a problem. Derma-tologists
and skin specialists have plenty of advice on the subject, but these
are some of the main issues to look at.
If your
home or office is overheated, you will find your skin becomes dry and
scaly. So try and keep it as cool as possible.
It is better,
the skin experts say, to wear warmer clothes in a cooler environment
rather than heating the air.
Another
good tip is to avoid hot showers or baths as well as bubble baths as
these all tend to dry the skin. When towelling don't vigorously rub
your skin in an effort to get dry and keep warm. It is better to pat
your skin dry so that you leave a bit of moisture behind.
Choice
of soaps is also important. In the main glycerine-based soaps are less
drying and less irritating to the skin.
Worst drying
culprits are dishwashers and household cleaners, so it is best to invest
in gloves, but keep a little powder handy to stop the rubber sticking
to the skin.
Here are
some less expensive ingredients to consider for moisturising the skin.
Oatmeal
- two cups of colloidal oatmeal (available at pharmacies) in a bath
of lukewarm water will moisten the skin and relieve itching.
Also cold
cream and sunflower oil can be used as cleansers followed by a vinegar
rinse of one part cider vinegar to half a litre of warm water. This
is better than an alcohol-based toner which can dry the skin.
There are certain things you can take to help dry skin conditions. These
include two teaspoons of pure almond oil in a cup of warm milk. Not
only is this an internal form of calcium and Vitamin E, but it also
helps to keep coughs and colds away.
When bathing
pour into the water a few drops of camomile, lavender or oat extract.
After your bath apply diluted evening primrose oil or aloe vera cream
to your body.
Tea tree oil also can penetrate into the skin's cellular level. Put
one drop of the oil in your usual day or night creams for extra moisturising
effect.
And don't
forget exercise in these cold, drying snaps. It benefits the skin, boosts
circulation and encourages
blood flow.
Daily
News
http://www.dailynews.co.za
Article
posted August 29, 2003.
