Fall/Winter Dryness, Your Skin, and What You Can Do About It.
Fall is nearly here and Winter is on the way, and though they bring us gifts like the holidays and a change in season, they also bring us dryness. The air is naturally drier in the winter and dry skin symptoms often get worse. There are a few simple things you can do that will help keep your skin happy through the winter and all year long.
First, stay well hydrated. Your skin is a reflection of what you put in and on your body. If you are dehydrated, your skin will be flaccid, dry and itchy. Drink sufficient amounts of water every day. It is good for your general health and good for your skin.
Second, be careful of how you wash. You need to be careful of washing too often or with very hot water. It is wonderful to take a steamy hot shower on a cold morning, but it is not wonderful for your skin. Hot water will open your pores and strip away the natural oils, leaving you drier. Try to shorten your time in the shower or make it a little less hot. Your skin will be less dry afterwards.
Of course, watch what you wash with. Many soaps are full of harsh chemicals. Read your soap label. If it is commercial soap, it is probably just a mix of chemicals and detergents. This can be a big irritant. If you do not already, try a natural soap. It may be slightly more expensive, but it will be worth it. You will notice an immediate difference in your skin.
Next, moisturize. But remember, your body should not be a chemistry experiment. Make sure to read labels. Find a natural product with as few ingredients as possible. The fewer ingredients, the less your skin and body have to deal with. Once you have found a good, natural moisturizer, use it daily, especially on any trouble spots you might identify, like elbows, ankles, hands. Also, know that there is a “proper” way to moisturize. After washing, only pat dry and apply your moisturizer to your damp skin. This will lock in more moisture.
I hope these simple tips will help you to enjoy a wonderful and itch-free winter. Additional natural skin self-care tips can be found on my website: www.myskinbetter.com. Take good care of your skin, it is the only one you've got.
Mike Arsenault is a licensed acupuncturist who has been practicing in Ipswich, MA since 1999 (www.internalartsacu.com). He is also the founder of the herbal skin care line Emily Skin Soothers (www.emilyskinsoothers.com) and the free informational website: www.myskinbetter.com.
Ken O. says:
Short version: Use shampoo and soap less, but do use them, and use natural versions.
Shira K. says:
Moisturizing from the inside-out means taking fish oil supplements and eating more foods loaded with omega-3s. On your face, instead of using toners or acne cleansers with alcohol, stick to witch hazel. It's super inexpensive and doesn't strip your skin. Follow up with a natural facial moisturizer containing essential oils like tea tree or lavender (for acne-prone skin), neroli (for sensitive, scarred or aging skin). Warning: pure neroli oil is ridiculously expensive (used sparingly, it's worth it). To prevent sun damage and wrinkles, don't forget your sunscreen -- even in the winter.
Marcia L. says:
Cleaning your face with a microfiber facial cloth can also help you to have beautiful skin. Use a microfiber waffle weave facial cloth 1-2 times a week to exfoliate your skin, helping to reduce oil buildup, acne and blackheads.
I also found a good deal on liquid castile soap at www.greenlivingtips.com today. This castile soap is made from primarily olive oil which will help moisturize your skin. They have a fragrance free soap if you need or want to remove fragrances from your personal care or laundry products.
As Shira stated remember to keep hydrated, using a food vitamin/mineral supplements to keep your skin "fed", along with a balanced diet.