Dry Skin Treatments
Dry skin is a very common skin problem, especially during the winter months.
Plenty of factors can create dry skin, including drying soaps, age, sun exposure
and low humidity. Dry skin is sometimes only a temporary problem which is caused
by dry weather. There are, however, effective ways to eliminate dry
skin.
Mostly everyone suffers from dry skin. These are some common risk
factors of dry skin include: Dehydration, Age, Frequent Bathing, Poor Health,
Menopause, and Overexposure to Sunlight.
In order to preventing dry skin,
spend less time in the bath or shower and don't use hot water. Bath or shower
once a day and make sure you use warm water. Hot water strips the oils from your
skin causing it to dry. This means your body's natural oils are not stripped.
Use gentle cleansers on your skin, preferably ones which contain added
moisturizers to help dry skin.
You can buy soaps with added moisturizers,
such as Dove, Olay and Neutrogena. If you prefer not to use soap, you can get
dry skin cleansers, such as Aveeno or Cetaphil. Antibacterial soaps and
deodorants are known for causing dry skin. When you wash, be gentle with your
skin and blot yourself with a towel.
Using a moisturizer is creating a
barrier between your skin and the elements. The moisturizer holds water in your
skin tissue, making it feel and look better. Washing removes the skin's natural
oils and moisturizers replace them. Moisturizers need to be applied after
cleansing the skin and throughout the day as you need it. If you apply
moisturizers to damp skin, this can greatly help to reduce dry
skin.
Sunscreen and moisturizer combinations are not effective when used
together as using a separate cream for each purpose. Use a good moisturizer and
also use a good sunscreen.
Selecting the best moisturizer for your dry
skin is simpler if you understand how various moisturizers work. You can find
cheap moisturizers or very expensive ones. Knowing exactly what is best for your
skin is important.
Aloe is an ingredient commonly found in good
moisturizers. It is an emollient which has been extracted from aloe vera plant
leaves. This helps to remove dead skin and lock in water, keeping the skin
moisturized.
Alpha hydroxy acids help with exfoliation. Antioxidants,
such as vitamins A, C and E, help to protect cell membranes and fatty tissues.
They repair damage caused by sun rays and air pollutants. Dimethicone is a
silicon which lubricates and protects the skin.
Emollients are a mixture
of water and oil, meaning they are heavier than other moisturizers. Emollients
help to lubricate the skin and replace lipids. Glycerin attracts water to the
skin and is a natural by-product of soap production. Humectants attract water
and work best in humid places.
Vitamin A (retinoic acid) improves sun
damage and helps to keep the pores clean. Rosehip seed oil can decrease
imperfections including wrinkles and can repair dry skin.
Remember that
some dry skin products are supposed to be used once a day and others require
more frequent application. You should feel the benefit as soon as you apply your
moisturizer. If your skin is very dry it might take a bit longer, perhaps up to
a couple of weeks, to notice the results.
When suffering from dry skin it
is vital to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, for your overall health.
Wash your face once a day and don't use harsh cleansers.
If you have dry
skin or your skin is drying out more as you age, apply a good moisturizer every
single day. Applying simple measures can have a great effect on maximizing the
appearance of your skin, eliminating dry skin altogether.