Treating Dry Skin
Many people suffer from dry skin; there is no worse time for dry-skin problems than in the winter. Many of us have to deal with flaky, even scaly skin that is at best unsightly and can even itch, or be painful if left alone too long. Here are a few guidelines to follow to help combat this problem.
First, take a look at your bathing regime. This is where most people make the biggest mistakes as far as dry skin goes. If and when you suffer from dry skin, you should cut back on how often you shower or bathe to every other day, or even less. In between, just take simple sponge-baths on the odor-problem areas of your body. Even your face should not be fully washed more than once a day at most, preferably just before bed, when it has a chance to recuperate before facing the drying issues of the daytime. If you must cleanse it in the morning as well, just use a gentle cleanser that is also moisturizing instead of a full wash.
When you do wash, use only comfortably warm water, not hot. Hot water can dry out skin and even kill more skin cells. Try to use a pure, natural soap instead of commercial cleansing bars, as they are much harsher and strip the skin of its natural protective oils. Be sure to rinse very thoroughly, as soap residue can also aggravate dry skin issues.
After you wash, be careful how you dry off. This may sound silly, but rubbing yourself dry will make the situation worse. Just pat yourself dry with a soft towel, leaving a bit of moisture. This is when you should moisturize; as soon as you have patted off excess water. The best moisturizers for dry skin are the simplest; a good carrier oil, with perhaps some essential oils for dry skin added if you wish. Almond and grapeseed oil are the best ‘general purpose’ dry skin oils; severely dry skin will want something thicker, like olive or avocado oils. If it is sensitive as well as dry, try jojoba – while it is a bit more expensive, it is very close to the skin’s natural oils, and so is less likely to irritate. Evening Primrose oil and Vitamin E are both highly beneficial to skin, either added to this oils mixture or taken internally – or both.
Some of the best essential oils to use on dry skin are lavender, geranium and carrot seed. Others to consider are chamomile, sandalwood, patchouli, rose, hyssop, palma rosa, rosemary, neroli and ylang-ylang. These are all reasonably gentle and nourishing for dry skin. Add about seven to twelve drops total of the essences of your choice to about one tablespoon of the carrier oil of your choice; this should be more than sufficient for an average adult to moisturize.
A weekly milkbath can also do wonders for dry skin. Draw a comfortably warm (not hot) bath, and add about a cup of powdered milk, 1-2 teaspoons of almond oil (or similar light carrier oil) and ten to fifteen drops of essence(s) of your choice, preferably ones good for dry skin. Soak in the bath a minimum of 15 minutes.
Aside from the bathing routine, there are many things you can do to help dry skin. A humidifier in your home can work wonders; central heat and air dries skin out like little else. If you prefer, you can accomplish the same thing by putting a pot of water to simmer on the stove, or even in a crockpot (with essences or herbs added, these two methods can also act as an air freshener).
Be *sure* to keep well moisturized! In addition to moisturizing with oils right after the bath, you can supplement that later in the day if you feel dried out. Pay special attention to chapped areas. This also includes staying moisturized ‘inside’… drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Pay attention to your diet, as well. Essential fatty acids are key to keeping your skin from drying out. Evening Primrose and Vitamin E are both rich in those, as I have mentioned. Likewise are fish and flaxseed oil. Try to eat fish at least twice a week if you have dry skin problems. Flaxseed oil has a pleasant, buttery taste and can be substituted for most ‘condiment’ uses for butter.
Regular (weekly or bi-weekly) use of a nourishing mask can also greatly help dry skin, especially on the face. A simple one made of one egg, one teaspoon honey, a half teaspoon of olive oil, and a few drops of essential oil suffices well.
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