Dry Skin Care: 5 Tips to Minimize the Dry

No matter the weather those who suffer dry itchy skin seek relief winter and summer. There are perhaps as many causes as there are dry skin care products; here are a few tips on how to reduce dryness and a few ingredients you should know about.

Tip # 1: Hot & Steamy Do you prefer hot, steamy baths or showers? Do you enjoy swimming, or long, soaks in a hot tub or jacuzzi? Hot water, as well as chemicals used in pools and tubs, depletes the skin of moisture quite rapidly...you can feel it as soon as you step out of the water; the skin feels taught, dry and itchy. Try a more tepid shower or bath and reduce the amount of time spent in soaking tubs.

Tip # 2: Rinse Cycle Be sure to rinse after a swim or tub soaking with clean water to remove chlorine or chemical residue which clings to and dries the skin. The salt in ocean water is also extremely drying so if fresh water is not readily available while at the beach…bring along a container of pure water to at least rinse the face and chest areas.

Tip #3: Rub Softly If you’re not aware of how you dry yourself off, try to remember to think about it next time; this may seem like a small thing but buffing your skin roughly after a shower is not ideal for dry skin care. Blot rather than buff. And allow a little moisture to remain on your skin as it helps to draw moisture from air molecules to your skin.

Tip # 4: Spray Misty For those living in drier climes, adding a humidifier to a room or office can make a profound difference, especially when air conditioning or heaters are used. If this is not an option, keep a fine mist spray bottle of cool water sprinkled with a few drops of rosewater; use often to keep the skin moist. (This is also ideal when traveling in airplanes.)

Tip #5: Keep Away Avoid products that promise to relieve dry itchy skin if they include the following ingredients: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. These are very drying and irritating and actually strip away the skin's natural acid, making the skin more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. Also refrain from using dry skin care creams, lotions or oils which contain mineral oil; this ingredient not only causes drying and chapping but prematurely ages the skin.

To moisturize a dry complexion consider products which include beneficial ingredients such as avocado and macadamia oils. One of the newest ingredients is an active honey, found only in New Zealand. Relatively new to the industry, Active Manuka Honey, has been proven to heal damaged skin by rebuilding cells and regenerating new skin growth. This ingredient can produce the ultimate goal for soft, supple skin.

Many of the products that have been on the market for years are not the best remedy for dry skin care. Cutting edge technology and a few select skin care companies emphasize the health of the total person along with the quality (and safety) of ingredients.

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