Extreme weather conditions, combined with the natural aging process, can lead to dry skin. Itchy skin anywhere on the body is the first sign of dry skin. If your skin seems to "pull" around your eyes and cheekbones of your face, that's another indication that your skin isn't getting enough moisture.
Fortunately, treating dry skin is as easy as 1-2-3.
Avoid harsh soap
No matter what the TV and magazine commercials may say, harsh soap is dry skin's number one enemy. Your facial area is especially sensitive to developing a dry skin problem if you use harsh products.
To remove make-up, or just give your face a refreshing wash, it is recommended that you use a facial wash -- or even better, a cleansing milk wash. Cleansing milk will leave your skin feeling soft and supple without any of the harmful chemicals that can cause dryness.
Exposure to water
To prevent or treat dry skin it is also recommended to avoid exposure to hot water. For your skin's sake, it is better to shower than to submerge your body in hot water for long periods of time, and your skin will thank you if you shower with warm water, rather than hot water that will dry out your skin even more.
Instead of soap, it is infinitely better to use a moisturizing shower gel or -- if you must -- moisturizing bubble bath. For additional moisture, try adding a spoonful of olive, almond or hazelnut oil. Look for products with natural ingredients rather than ones with harsh chemicals.
After doing the dishes -- or any other kind of chore that involves water -- apply hand cream. Pay attention to which hand cream you use, as many of the inexpensive hand creams have a high content of glycerin, which does very little for treating dry skin. If anything, glycerin draws moisture to the surface -- the opposite of what your skin needs. Ingredients to look for in hand cream include: cacao butter, shea butter, aloe vera or coconut oil.
Moisturize every day
Dry facial skin needs moisturizing and needs it twice a day. While a moisturizing lotion might be sufficient for young skin, mature skin needs the richness of a cream matched to your skin type. The endless variety of moisturizers means that there is one to fit any budget or skin type. If the first one doesn't work to solve your problem, just try another brand.
After a shower or bath, don't forget to apply body lotion. Not only will a lotion ensure smooth and supple skin, but it will protect your skin from the elements.
If you are to spend time in the sun, don't forget to apply sunscreen. Not only will sunscreen add needed moisture, it will also protect you from harmful UV rays that prematurely age skin and can cause skin cancer.
Put moisture in the air
Another idea to help your skin absorb more moisture and retain it is to put a humidifier in your living room or bedroom. Not only will your skin benefit, but a humidifier will also help you breath more easily by keeping your sinus cavity better lubricated.
Treating dry skin from the inside out
Diet is another important consideration when treating dry skin. Alcohol use or a diet that is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids can also be the cause of your dry skin. By simply adding natural oils found in foods like ground flax seeds, walnuts or almonds to your diet, you can give your body and your dry skin all the needed nutrients.
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