How
to Combat Dry Skin
November 16, 2000
With the
start of winter, dry skin will become an increasing problem for many people.
There are a few ways to help prevent and treat dry skin. Sometimes
even small changes can make a big difference.
SkinCareRx does
carry a few items that may be helpful during the winter months.
1: Stop using
soap. Soap can be drying for the skin, even moisturizing bars have better
alternatives. Try a moisturizing Body
Wash instead or the Cetaphil gentle cleanser as an all over wash.
For the face,
use a cream wash. These
tend to be less drying and leave the skin without a tight feeling. If you're
looking for a good deal - then check out the Glytone
Mild Cream Wash 5. This effective and gentle cleanser is on special
for a short time.
2: Turn off
the Hot Water. Despite the overwhelming temptation to take a hot shower
in the winter - don't. Hot water leeches moisture from the skin - try using
lukewarm water instead.
3: Apply
moisturizers immediately after stepping out of the shower. One common
mistake that people make is that they only apply moisturizer when their hands
feel dry. The best time to apply moisturizers is when the skin is still damp.
this allows the moisturizer to trap some of this moisture into the skin, before
it has a chance to evaporate.
4: Use creams
instead of lotions. Creams normally have a thicker base than lotions.
This may lead to temporary, uncomfortable stickiness - but this is just temporary.
The thicker formulation traps water in the skin much more efficiently than
the lighter weight lotions.
We suggest
using the RoC moisturizing products. Try the RoC Enydrial Dermatological
Moisturizing Cream or the RoC
Intensive Hand Creme (which is so popular, it won't be available for
shipment until after Thanksgiving!).
5: Try combining
an alpha hydroxy acid into your routine. Alpha hydroxy acids help improve
skin's ability to trap moisture by exfoliating the dead, dry, flaky skin cells
that allow water to escape. Some popular ones to l ok for are lactic acid
or glycolic acid. Make sure the concentration is 8% or higher for effective
exfoliation.
For body application,
The Glytone Body Lotion 20
is a rich, emollient lotion with 20% Glycolic Acid to help keep the skin
soft and well moisturized. Hurry on this one since it is available at a
clearance price for a short time. Also for consideration - for the difficult
areas such as elbows, is the Glytone
Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream 30. This is an extremely strong formulation
with 30% glycolic acid - meant for the roughest areas.
For the face
- We recommend the Glytone Day
Creams for Dry Skin or the NuCelle31
Skin Treatment Creme for Normal to Dry Skin. Both formulations have
effective glycolic acid percentages (starting at 10%) in a moisturizing
cream base.
6: Wear gloves.
Hands are the most common area affected by the drying elements of winter.
Protect them from the wind and cold by wearing gloves when you are outside.
For added softness, coat them in Vaseline then cover with plastic gloves before
you go to bed.
7: Wear chapstick.
Chapstick provides extremely effective protection from the elements - and
not just for the lips. Apply it on areas that have become sore and chapped.
(like your nose)
8: Drink
lots of water. Water is a vital nutrient for the skin to operate normally,
and when we don't drink enough - the skin does not get its fair share.
