Healthy B.P.M.

Dry skin cannot be ignored. Dry skin leads to cracking of the upper layer of skin and gives it a dull and flaky appearance. The culprits of dry skin include: dry climate, hormonal changes, too much exfoliation and not enough water and poor dietary habits. Despite the millions of dollars that are spent on it, taking care of dry skin is not difficult. ‘Dry skin care’ starts with moisturizing from the inside out. This is your most effective remedy for dry skin. Don’t underestimate the value of drinking water.

Generally moisturizers are classified under 2 categories. The first category includes moisturizers that help to alleviate dry skin just by preserving the moisture within the skin e.g. Vaseline. These kinds of moisturizers are relatively inexpensive, readily available and it’s easy to use too much. Always apply with a light hand. Too much can clog your pores. Humectants are the second category. They work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. The ingredients in humectants are typically propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid. The best moisturizers are non-greasy, who wants to look like you have an oil slick on your face.

‘Dry skin care’ is not about just using moisturizers but also using them properly. The best ‘dry skin care procedure’ is to cleanse the skin before the application of a moisturizer. Make your treatment even more effective by applying moisturizer while the skin is still damp (after cleansing). Also, make sure that you use soap-free products (especially on your face, neck and arms). Exfoliation does help in dry skin care, by removing the dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too often. Also make sure that your dry skin care products provide a good measure of sun protection. Also, avoid too much and too direct exposure to sun (simply by using an umbrella/hat etc) and use a good sunscreen before going out. Two more valuable tips are to use the most natural products you can find and afford, plus go easy on the temperature of water you use for showering/bathing and for washing your face – Use warm water; too hot or too cold water contribute to dryness. ‘Dry skin care’ is also about being gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers and toners. Also, no rubbing your towel all over your face, pat gently to dry your skin. Take your skin care seriously and don’t wait until you’re older to start taking care of your skin.