To help prevent getting dry skin, the following steps may be helpful in keeping your skin smooth and supple:
Try not to use perfumes and antiperspirants. These products have ingredients that dry the skin.
Apply moisturizer on your skin at least two times a day. Also, not all moisturizers are the same. The best one for your dry skin is a moisturizer that contains ingredients like hydroxy acids, lactate salts, lactic acid, sorbitol, pyroglutamic acid, urea or glycerin.
In the winter season when the air is cold and dry or during any type of dry weather, use a humidifier to raise the level of humidity in your room.
When outdoors especially during sunny weather, you may need to cover your skin with protective clothing. If you cannot wear protective clothing for certain reasons, use a sunscreen that contains a moisturizer. If you swim regularly and have dry skin, you can place a light layer of petroleum jelly prior to your swim. After swimming, shower immediately, pat dry, and then use a moisturizer as soon as possible.
If you regularly indulge in a sporting activity, you need to immediately shower after a game or a workout. You can use warm water and use a mild soap you brought with you. Do not use heavy-duty soaps as they can cause your skin to dry or worsen your dry skin.
Bath or shower with mildly warm water. Use unscented soap that contains glycerin or has a high fat content. Do not scrub your skin while showering or bathing.
Immediately after bathing/showering, pat dry and start putting moisturizer on your skin. Use a moisturizer without any scent that will easily moisturize the skin.
Amy-SuiQun is a licensed acupuncturist in Cleveland, OH and the founder of Asian Health Center.
COMMENTS