From January 2010 e-Spotlight
Erie Health Tips
Moisturize – Moisturizer acts as a coat – it protects what is inside. Although moisturizers from Bath and Body Works smell nice, it is the hardcore drug store brands like Eucerin and Cetaphil that are most effective. Keep in mind cost has no definite relationship to effectiveness. Just because a moisturizer is expensive, does not mean it is more effective than a cheaper product. If your skin is extremely dry, try patting on baby oil on your skin after you shower. It has more staying power than moisturizers and will keep water from evaporating from your skin. Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. Pat or blot your skin until it’s just barely dry, then apply moisturizer immediately to help trap water in the surface cells. Although often ignored, your hands are more exposed to the elements, especially soaps and chemicals, than is any other part of your body.
Avoid – Avoid clothing fabrics that prevent your skin from being able to breathe. Although wool is a popular choice in cold weather, it can irritate the skin and dry it out. Cotton and silk are the preferred fabrics of choice when it comes to preventing skin irritation. Also, watch how you clean your clothes. Detergents composed of dyes or perfumes also will aggravate the skin.
Temperate – As tempting as those hot showers and baths may be when the temperatures dip below zero, try to keep the water more temperate than hot. Hot water can strip essential oils from your skin, making it more likely to dry out. If you simply can’t survive without a steaming shower, try to limit it to about 15 minutes.
Cream Cleansers – Many soaps on the market today can be harsh and irritating to the skin. Instead, use cream cleansers or shower gels with added moisturizers. Mild soaps with oils and fats, such as Neutrogena or Dove, are better for the skin as well. Skin types differ from person to person, so you might need to try out a few different cleansers to find one that will work for you. Remember a good cleanser should make your skin should feel soft and smooth – not tight.
Humidifier – Invest in a good humidifier. Humidifiers are devices that emit water vapor or steam to increase moisture levels in the air (humidity). You spend most of your time inside during the winter and indoor air can parch skin and worsen itching and flaking. A good humidifier can add moisture to the air at home. There are many different types on the market, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget. There are several types: Central humidifiers are built into home heating and air conditioning systems and are designed to humidify the whole house. Ultrasonic humidifiers produce a cool mist with ultrasonic vibration. Impeller humidifiers produce a cool mist with a rotating disk. Evaporators use a fan to blow air through a wet wick, filter or belt. Steam vaporizers use electricity to create steam that cools before leaving the machine. Avoid this type of humidifier if you have children; hot water inside this type of humidifier may cause burns if it’s spilled. Make sure to clean humidifiers on a consistent basis in order to prevent bacteria or fungi growth.
By following these tips you will be one step closer to healthier winter skin this season.