Drive away dry skin !

From Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from one end of the globe to another if there is a common problem everybody faces it’s, dry, flaky, itchy skin. Maybe its caused by your daily soap laden with unwanted chemicals. Perhaps you suffer from certain medical conditions. It could also be because of a simple reason like cold, dry, wintry air.

Here are a few simple tips to deal with it:

Keep that moisturizer handy :  Regular application will help rehydrate the outermost layer of the skin called epidermis and help seal in the moisture as well in the bargain.

Moisturizers work in 3 ways: ingredients like glycerin attract moisture, those like petroleum jelly help seal the moisture within the skin and lauric acids help plug the spaces between skin cells.

The best way to get them to start working is to apply it when your skin is still damp after the bath.

Use lukewarm bath water :  Stick to a 5- 10 minute bath or shower with lukewarm water so that natural oils and the skin’s oily layer do not get washed off.

Score without a soap :  Most of the over hyped deodorant, alcohol based, perfumed soaps only look good on the screen; in fact, they strip away natural oils. Soaps which have a high moisturizing content or even those that are soap free cleansers tend to be your best bet.

Stay away from bath sponges :  Bath sponges and scrub brushes are also inclined to damage skin. Stay away from them; or at the least make sure you use them lightly. You could also pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it while toweling yourself after a bath.

Don’t itch :  Red scars not only look ugly but they can lead to further skin infections as well. If the moisturizes doesn’t beat that itch, try an ice pack or a cold compress.

Watch out for that laundry detergent :  Several times, washing powders and detergents you use to clean clothes may themselves contain powerful chemicals that may linger on your clothes, post the wash. Be sure to use only those that are fragrance free and also don’t come under the category of fabric softeners.

Watch what you wear :  Perhaps synthetic fabrics or woolens irritate your skin. Find out and opt for only those clothes that do not rub your skin the wrong way.

Don’t forget the sunscreen :  Be sure to lather on that sunscreen even in winter. If symptoms still persist, be sure to seek your doctor’s advice.