Dry Skin Solutions

The harsh winter weather and indoor heating can cause your skin to become extra dry; but you don’t need to suffer with itchy, flaky skin until spring! Divine.ca has tips on how to minimize moisture loss from your skin, as well as  some ultra-effective product suggestions to keep your skin hydrated throughout the cold season.

Maximum moisture tips
▪ Avoid taking scorching hot showers or baths, as the hot water can strip the moisture from your skin. Also, try to limit yourself to washing once a day.

▪ Many people use moisturizer on their face, but forget about the rest of their body. After your shower or bath, apply a body lotion, cream or butter on your skin, concentrating on areas with fewer sebaceous glands like elbows and knees.

▪ Avoid wearing clothing that could irritate your skin, such as synthetic fabrics and wool (especially when in direct contact). The best choices are natural fibres like cotton—this also applies to bedding.
 
▪ Avoid using harsh detergents when washing clothes; it’s also a good idea to minimize the use of fabric softener and bleach. If your skin is especially dry, rinse clothes twice rather than once.

▪ Drink plenty of water, so that your skin (and your entire body), is hydrated from the inside out.

▪ Keep the humidity at about 40% or 50% at home, using a humidifier if you have to. This will help your skin retain its moisture.

▪ Keep your home clean, ridding it of any common allergens such as dust (yes, this may mean vacuuming more often) and smoke.

▪ Include good fats like omega-3 in your diet; these constitute the base of the skin’s natural moisture barrier retention. Flaxseed, nuts and certain types of fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines are great sources of omega-3.

Dry Skin Aids
















1. Lise Watier Hydra S.O.S. Anti-Dryness Facial Care, $44 at Lise Watier counters
2. Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment, $15 at Sears
3. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask, $39 at Clarins counters starting in February
4. Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Skin Protectant Body Lotion, $8.49 at pharmacies, grocery stores and mass retailers
5. Skin So Soft Ultra Body Serum with Silkening Pearls, $9.99 at avon.ca or through your Avon sales representative
6. Green Beaver Après-Ski Winter Bath Therapy, $9.74 in natural health stores