Is your skin as dry as the Sahara desert? Weather, sun exposure, and the heating and cooling of homes, cars, and workplaces can all exacerbate dry skin conditions. It’s important to protect your skin from the elements, especially when outdoors in the summer (or year round in temperate climates) between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid sunburn, tanning booths, and excessive heat such as sitting close to a fire. Keep the heat lower in your house, especially at night. Use more blankets! You’ll not only save energy and reduce your power bill, you’ll also save your skin. For more skin soothing tips, read on.
Skip This!
Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco are all dehydrating to the skin.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The best time to apply a moisturizer is right after cleansing as water helps keep the skin’s outer layers from drying out and oil seals it in. Avoid poor-quality cosmetics that contain mineral oil, chemicals and artificial colors and fragrances. Some of my favorites include Astara, Weleda and Aubrey organics. A massage done with a good-quality massage oil can be both relaxing and moisturizing.
HERBS THAT MOISTURIZE
Moisture-providing herbal teas that can be drunk up to a cup three times daily include fennel seed, marshmallow root, plantain leaf, red clover blossoms, and violet leaves.
BEST PRACTICES TO AVOID DRY SKIN
Avoid using soaps and cleansers that contain deodorants and detergents. Cleansers made of oatmeal, white clay, vitamin E, coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil are least drying. Cleanse the face with warm water (not hot) and rinse with at least ten splashes of cold water to remove any residue of cleanser.
During the day, rehydrate the skin, especially the face, which is most exposed to the elements. One half cup (120 ml) each of rose water and mineral water can be used as a moistening mister. Another easy spray can be made with 8 ounces of spring water and 10 drops of chamomile, geranium, lavender, neroli, or rose essential oil. Shake before spraying. If you fly in airplanes, keep in mind that cabin air is very drying and a small spray mister is great to use for external hydration.
The best way to hydrate the skin is from the inside. Drinking at least a quart of pure water a day is essential to being moist on the outside. If you are dry inside, your skin will reflect that fact.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Showers that are short and not too hot are less drying than baths. If you do like to soak in a tub, mix up a rich bath oil with 2 cups (475 ml) cold-pressed coconut oil and 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of pure lavender oil. Shake the oils together and add 2 tablespoons (28 ml) to the bath.
BEST FOODS FOR MOIST SKIN
Foods that improve skin quality include the dark orange and green beta-carotene-rich foods like apricots, carrots, green leafy vegetables, parsley, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squash, as well as moistening almonds, apples, avocados, barley, buckwheat, millet, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and yogurt. Beta-carotene protects the cell membranes and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
It is essential to consume the right kinds of fats. Commercial oils such as soy, corn, and canola contain omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation. Use instead skin-beautifying extra virgin olive oil, even to make your own salad dressing.
KEEP IN MIND
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin and increases collagen production. These are important reasons to be active!
This Best Natural Moisturizer article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
