Dry skin is a problem that usually draws intermittent attention—mostly in the cold, winter months when the problem gets intense enough to cause significant discomfort in terms of pain and unsightly appearance. Most people do not even realize that dry skin is a health problem that needs corrective measures both, externally and internally. That means, a change in erroneous dietary patterns and habits is called for if you would like to bid dry skin goodbye.
Characteristics of dry skin - Blotting your face with tissue will reveal no traces of oil on the tissue.
- The skin looks rough and is prone to wrinkles.
- It lacks Sebum and moisture and looks fragile.
- It chaps easily.
- Usually feels pinched and tight after being washed with soap or on exposure to the cold.
- It has flaky patches that disappear with the application of a rich moisturizing cream or lotion.
- The pores are usually not visible.
Causes of dry skin
There are a variety of factors that contribute to dry skin. These range from Genetic and hereditary factors that are beyond our control to lack of care and neglect that can be modified to treat the problem.
Skin needs to remain clean for it to be healthy. However, the use of harsh chemicals or rough treatment can cause damage to the superficial layers of the skin. In addition, the high moisture content of skin decreases with increasing age and certain Hormone deficiencies. Dietary inadequacies can further complicate an existing skin problem or can cause dry skin to appear.
| | Daily care for dry skin
Dry skin needs intensive and regular, depending on the stage of dryness it is going through. A few steps in caring for dry skin include:
Cleansing - This becomes an essentiality for dry skin, especially in women who use make-up.
- Remnants of make-up that are not washed away by water tend to clog the skin pores further reducing the amount of Sebum available to the skin.
- A mild, cleansing milk, if rubbed into the skin gently and wiped off, can cleanse the skin without excessively drying it.
- Ideally, cleansing should be done twice daily—in the morning, before wearing make-up and at night, just before bedtime.
- Plain lemon can act as a cleanser if rubbed onto the skin once or twice a week and the citric acid present in lime juice can work as a natural bleach, making the skin look fairer.
- A cactus-based cleanser is a good option for a regular cleanser as it has the highest moisture retention ability and rehydrates the skin.
- The cleanser should be gently massaged into the skin in upward and outward strokes with special attention to the creases near the nose, eyes, and mouth and should be wiped off with a moist cotton pad to prevent excessive drying.
|  | Toning - Toning tightens the skin pores and stimulates surface circulation and even dissolves dirt.
- It also braces the area around the eyes and along the jaw line and should follow cleansing.
- A toner with honey or a mint base is great for delicate and parched skin.
- Cotton balls soaked in toner can be refrigerated and can be rolled over the neck and face in an upward direction.
Nourishing - Skin needs nourishment during rest for it to go through cell regeneration to restore Cells that may have been damaged in the course of daily activities.
- Nourishing cream should be a part of daily bedtime routine and should be applied liberally over the face and neck.
- While it increases circulation, it also relaxes tense and taut muscles.
- Individuals with dry skin will need to use a nourishing cream with vitamin E as it will help prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
| Skin around the eyes - The skin around the eyes need special care as it is more sensitive than the rest of the facial skin and is prone to damage that can have permanent results.
- These include the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles which appear rather easily but are very difficult to correct.
- An under-eye cream that is mild and light can be used overnight, but heavier creams will need to be removed before retiring for bed so as to avoid the development of puffy and swollen eyes.
- Eye creams will need to be applied from the inner corners of the eyes outwards, very gently.
Should you use soap?
It is advisable that individuals with dry skin avoid soap wherever possible. It would be better to use a facewash that is specially designed for dry skin as it would prevent drying of the skin. If you still prefer to use a bath soap, look for one that has a high total fat content, preferably over 70.
Massaging natural oil into your skin 10–15 min before a bath can also help reduce moisture loss and drying. Tub and bubble baths are best avoided in winter as these sap more moisture and essential oils from your skin. If you know you have a problem with developing dry skin, it is best to stick with a warm shower. | |
All-over care
Individuals with dry skin rarely have this problem only on their face. Other areas that usually show signs of damage include the arms and legs. While it is necessary to follow a disciplined and stringent routine for the delicate facial skin, it is also necessary to pay due attention to the skin over the rest of the body. - Bedtime routine should include application of a non-greasy emollient all over the body and massaging it in lightly for at least 5 min.
- If possible, an oil massage with natural oils should be done before taking a shower.
- If it is impossible to have an oil massage daily, it should at least be reserved for a single day in the week.
- After a shower, pat yourself dry and splash half a mug of warm water which contains about 15–20 drops of a natural oil on your body, with special attention to the problem areas. This will ensure that there is a layer of oil protecting your skin from moisture loss while you towel yourself dry.
|  | Diet for dry skin
Dry skin is invariably an indication of imbalances within the metabolic processes of the body. A diet poor in essential fats and vitamins can manifest as dry skin even within a short span of a few weeks.
Supplementing your diet with vitamins, especially Vitamin E and Essential Fatty Acids can reverse or prevent the development of dry skin. This can be done by reserving one supplement for skin care alone, such as a capsule of fish liver oil or a health drink which contains the Essential Fatty Acids.
Drink plenty of water everyday as it removes toxins from the body and keeps you feeling fresh and healthy. | | | Relaxation Getting the regulation 7, if not 8, hours of sleep are mandatory for those aspiring for healthy skin. Hormonal and other physiological mechanisms in the body need rest to rejuvenate them and to stay healthy. So relax, and get your share of beauty sleep. |  |
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