Moisturizers | Skin Care Experts

This article is about dry skin care, dry skin is common; as skin loses moisture it cracks. One of the best and most effective things you can do to help dry skin is to moisturize your dry skin.

Dry skin is common; as skin loses moisture it cracks. One of the best and most effective things you can do to help dry skin is to moisturize your dry skin.

Moisturizers are a very important part of dermatology since keeping the skin moist is one of the key factors in healthy skin. Most moisturizers available are composed of some formulation of oil and water, with added ingredients that may or may not help to combat dry skin. However, moisturizers are only capable of keeping moisture from escaping out of the skin, not putting moisture back into the skin.

The sun is responsible for most of the damage done to the skin. It causes dryness, wrinkles, and even rashes and blisters. Always apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin if you must be in the sun.
Excessive exposure to sun rays can cause dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer. All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily. As much as possible, stay out of the sun.

Chapped and irritated dry skin on the hands is a common problem for people with dry skin. Always rinse and dry hands carefully, particularly after contact with household products. Try rubber gloves to protect them from hot water and detergents. If you are allergy-prone, wear a cotton pair underneath. You could develop contact dermatitis from the rubber in the gloves. Wear PVC waterproof gloves to avoid contact with detergents and other household irritants, or wear thin cotton gloves underneath waterproof gloves. Do not wear the gloves for long periods of time. Cotton gloves are useful for dirty work. Wash cotton gloves frequently. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don’t wear clothing made of wool or other “scratchy” fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.

Do not smoke. Smoking has a harmful effect on the skin for several reasons. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries that serve the skin. This deprives the skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health. Smoking also can make the skin dry and leathery.

Extreme weather conditions exacerbate and cause dry skin. - hot and sunny, cold and windy. At Home, do not set your central heating too high - hot air can be detrimental. Use a simple humidifier - a bowl of water beside a radiator is sufficient. Wear cloves in cold weather. Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%).
The most important–Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.