HealthyLife Articles

Tag: moisturize

  • Dry Skin

    Skin Conditions

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.

    *  Chapped skin.

    *  Skin cracks, peels, and/or flakes.

    Causes

    *  Aging. The body naturally produces less oil and moisture.

    *  Cold winter weather. Dry air or heat.

    *  Washing the skin often. Using harsh skin products.

    *  Chronic and excessive sun exposure.

    *  Allergies. An underactive thyroid gland. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

    Treatment

    Dry skin is not a serious health risk. It can be managed with self-care. When dry skin is a symptom of a health problem, treating the problem treats the dry skin.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

    *  Apply an oil- based lotion daily.

    *  Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

    *  Take showers instead of baths. Use warm (not hot) water. Try sponge baths.

    *  Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.

    *  If you do bathe, do so for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub.

    *  Put soap on a washcloth, not right on the skin.

    *  Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil lotion or use a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.

    *  Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.

    *  Use a night cream for the face.

    *  Stay out of the strong sun. Do not use tanning salons. When in the sun, use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

    *  Don’t scratch or rub dry skin.

    Resources

    American Academy of Dermatology

    866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

    www.aad.org

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 “S”S For Smooth Skin

    WELL-BEING

    Young female with a jar of lotion.

    Winter is hard on your skin. Dry indoor air, frequent washing and cold outside air can make skin itchy and painful. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and an important barrier. Protect it!

    1.  Stay safe with germs: Don’t skip handwashing because your hands are dry. You could end up sick or may spread germs to others. Instead, keep hand cream in your purse, pocket or desk. Apply the cream after you wash your hands.

    2.  Short showers: A long, hot shower strips skin of its protective oils. Keep showers and baths short and not too hot.

    3.  Slather moisturizer: After bathing, apply a rich cream or ointment before skin is fully dry. Petroleum jelly is a low-cost and effective choice.

    4.  Skip harsh soaps: Many products contain drying detergents. These can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. Look for products that don’t contain alcohol or fragrances.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine