Effective Tips for Caring for Dry Skin

Dry skin care
is important as damaged and dry skin needs to receive the proper
treatment. Dry skin lotions can help, but there are lots of other
things people can do to minimize dry skin and the damage that it does.
Here are some effective tips for caring for dry skin. What Is Dry Skin and How Is It Caused?

Dry skin (or xerosis)
has a low level of sebum, which is the skin's natural lubricant. As it
does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain
the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.

A number
of factors may cause dry skin. It is more common in winter when the
cold outside and the heat inside contribute in drying up the skin. It
can also be caused by hot water or harsh soaps. Poor diet or smoking
can also cause or aggravate the problem. Dry skin may also be a symptom
of other conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, ichthyoids,
psoriasis, an under active thyroid and diabetes. Dry skin becomes more
common as people age.Problems Faced by People with Dry Skin

People
with dry skin may find their skin cracks and peels or becomes flaky.
Dry skin may look parched and feel tight after washing. It can also
become red, irritated and inflamed. Dry itchy skin is a common problem
for people with dry skin. In extreme cases, there may be deep fissures
that bleed.

Dry skin ages more quickly than other types of skin. Wrinkles and fine lines can often become a problem. Techniques for Dealing with Dry Skin

There
are a number of things you can do for effective dry skin care. Baths
and showers should be taken in warm, instead of hot, water, and should
be kept as short as possible. Soap should be used sparingly. Mild
cleansers and pure soaps are better. When drying your skin, use patting
motions and avoid rubbing the skin too much. Try massaging your skin to
increase the flow of natural oils.

Because cold and heat
exacerbate the problems of dry skin, people with dry skin should
protect their face and skin when going out into the wind or sun, and
they should always wear a sunscreen.

Exercise, a good diet and enough sleep will all help keep your skin healthy.

NATURAL TECHNIQUES

1. Instead of using a commercial cleanser, use a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil.
   
2. Aloe Vera is very good for dry skin and it has healing and soothing properties.
   
3. Calendula and comfrey soften the skin. They may be used in a facial sauna.
   
4. Cold compresses can help alleviate dry itchy skin. Add a few drops of essential oil.
   
5. Milk
   baths are very effective in the treatment of dry skin on the body. Add
   powdered milk and almond oil to a warm (not hot) bath.
   
6. Herbal teas like chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin.
   
7. A
   good home remedy for dry skin is to make your own beauty mask. Combine
   an egg, honey, olive oil and rosewater. Apply onto your skin and leave
   it there for fifteen minutes before washing off.
   
8. Another home remedy for dry skin is to mash some avocado and apply onto your face. Mashed banana also works well.