With all the demanding roles that women and men juggle in today’s fast paced, high pressured lifestyle, there is very little time for anyone to self-care and pamper oneself.
Tension, worries, anxiety, neglect and passing years of age all help contribute to your skin becoming less actively vibrant, leaving it drier, more fragile and prone to wrinkles, especially with formation of lines near the eyes and mouth and, with this, it becomes susceptible to losing its youthful color, suppleness and glow. Hence, the importance of daily self-care to maintain the health of your skin.
With age, oil glands fail to release enough oils to adequately moisturize and protect the skin, which contributes to skin losing its elasticity and firmness. Environmental interference and influences such as dry air, harsh wind, hormonal imbalance, usage of aggressive chemicals, skincare and cosmetic products, and even excessive bathing with harsh soaps can readily sap the moisture from skin, making it dryer, flakier and chapped . . . especially during winter and even in the summer months for some.
Caring for Dry Skin
- Cleanse and Moisturize: Dry skin should be cleansed with a cold cream and alcohol-free skin fresheners to remove the cream. After cleansing, your skin needs to be lubricated with an emollient or moisturizer when your face is still damp after washing.
- Splash your face with cold water or women might like to gently wipe the skin with rose water to tone the skin nicely.
- Avoid using highly alkaline soaps and detergents like washing sodas and powders.
- Avoid (excessive) sun, harsh winds and hot baths. Use oil-based creams, skincare and make-up products. Use soft towels or wash cloth to avoid irritation to the skin while wiping it.
- Smoking (and alcohol) deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health making the skin dry and leathery. Good place to mention stay hydrated.
- Chapped or cracked skin is a sign that you need to increase water consumption. Keep chapped areas well lubricated and protected from the elements using a good nourishing cream or moisturizer.
- Use creamy, mild, pH-balanced products such as moisture based cream gels, lotions, etc for dry skin care.
A well balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts provides the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin. Reducing solar exposure to a minimum is also beneficial. Garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus help to keep skin smooth and youthful. Carrots, apricots, and other foods rich in vitamins A and C help keep the skin supple. Increase intake of foods like leafy raw green veggies, dairy products like yogurt, milk. Lessen or eliminate altogether fried foods, soft drinks, sugar, chocolates, junk foods, alcohol, caffeine and other foods that have diuretic effects causing the body and skin to lose fluids, vitamins and essential minerals. Stay away from skin products containing glycerin (and there are a lot of them), as glycerin actually pulls moisture from your body. It may feel good temporarily, but it doesn’t do your body any favors.
Finally, DRINK MORE WATER! Water is the lubricant of life itself and consuming it in sufficient amounts is the most beneficial thing you can do for your skin. Without adequate water, your skin will yield to dryness. At a minimum, you should consume, half your body weight in ounces.
Taking good care of your skin yields myriad benefits. It helps keep your skin soft, supple and glowing as youthfully as possible, while allowing your skin to more readily and healthily help protect you from environmental intrusions. If you incorporate a regimen of self-care to include your skin, you will help avoid the consequences of dry skin.
Cheers to All Things Aging Positively, Health & Wellness and Living Young Ever After.
