SIGNS OF DRY SKIN
Itchy skin is one of the most common signs of dry sensitive skin. Often, it is felt on the bottom of the feet, the lower legs, the top of the hands and arms. If you find yourself scratching often in any of these areas it is time to start moisturizing your skin before you cause any rough patches or rashes to appear.
If you are already experiencing excessive flaking, cracking, or peeling these indicate signs of severely dry, dehydrated skin. Now, it will take some time for one to hydrate and nurture one’s skin bath to a healthy, elastic and smooth surface. Don’t be discouraged at this point, just know that many of us tend to have to pay closer attention to our skin than we have in the past.
The best course of action is to apply a daily emollient to the areas that are most affected. Most often the dryness is due to external reasons that I listed above. So, moisturize with the best lotions and creams that contain high amounts of butter and oils that assist in creating a moisturizing barrier. The best time to do this is after a shower. Apply the creams after lightly drying off and the skin is still damp to help to seal in extra moisture. This will do wonders to prevent moisture loss on the surface of the skin.
WHAT CAUSES SKIN TO DRY OUT?
- First, the most prevalent cause is the lack of water in the skin’s epidermis layer.
- Second, “age” is a huge player in having dry sensitive skin. The natural oils in the skin tend to diminish, thus the lubricating effects dwindle as we get older. The most common areas that one notices this are in the arms, legs and upon the hands surface. Wrinkly, scaly, alligator-type skin are signs of serious dryness.
- Another major factor is heated air from a furnace, it can really start to affect the moisture of the skin’s surface, often referred to as “winter itch.” Especially, as winter weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors in low humidity rather than outside in natures, moist air. One can help their living area by adding a humidifier or bowls of water placed around the home to help hydrate the dry air.
- People that have to continuously wash their hands due to their professions often find their skin dries out excessively. This is very true for those that use anti-bacterial sanitizers or lipid solvents that are loaded with alcohol often. It is very important to be mindful to moisturize often to prevent serious cracking and sores appearing on the hands.
- Also, be careful when using harsh cleaning chemicals as these will be extremely drying to your hands. You may find switching to all-natural, citrus-based cleaners to be helpful if you can.
- Another big one, excessive alcohol abuse. It has been proven that alcohol is a definite effect on dehydrating the body. It is often suggested, that if one is going to partake that you should always end the night with a large glass of water to hydrate.
- On rare occasions, one’s medicine can affect the level of dryness of their skin. Some examples are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acne, and allergy medicines.
- Finally, bathing or showering too often and using harsh soaps that can strip the body of natural moisture. Soaps are a natural emulsifier which removes oil from the surface of the skin as it cleans.
Source
TREATING YOUR SKIN WITH NATURAL OILS
Here at Sunscapes Soap Shop, we do our best to use all-natural products in our soaps. Of course, that includes every oil and butter that is included in making the soap. Today, I would like to focus on sharing with you the oils that we have found to benefit those with dry and mature skin types. Now, that does not mean that these oils will only benefit those types of skin, not at all, they will also be beneficial for others as well. Below is a list of a few that are very beneficial for those with dry sensitive skin.
AVOCADO OIL
– Brimming with vitamins and essential fatty acids avocado oil brightens and smooths skin.
– High in essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
– Rich in Vitamins A, B, C, and E that aid chapped and itchy skin.
– Diminishes scars and wrinkles by hydrating and moisturizing the skin.
COCONUT OIL
– It is a natural antibacterial oil that reduces bacteria on the skin while providing intense moisturizing benefits.
– Powerful moisturizer, protects, nourishes, hydrates, and heals damaged skin.
– Natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
– Great for acne & eczema breakouts.
HEMP SEED OIL
– Hemp is very high in essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and 6, Vitamin E antioxidants to help counteract aging skin.
– It reduces fine lines and is a great moisturizing oil.
– It does not clog pores and can aid in balancing the skin’s natural oil.
– The oil can help to treat eczema and dry skin issues.
OLIVE OIL
– Olive oil has many vitamins, including A, D, and K, and vitamin E which are great for moisturizing and nourishing the skin cells.
– This oil fights off the bacteria which can cause excessive acne breakouts.
– It is great for hydrating and softening dry skin but not readily absorbed. May have to wipe off excess oil with a cloth.
– It protects the skin from free radicals due to its high antioxidants.
PALM OIL
– Palm oil contains a refatting agent that helps restore the skin’s natural oils. This is great if you are prone to acne breakouts.
– A wonderful oil to remove impurities and dead skin cells to help rejuvenate your complexion.
– It has anti-aging properties. by reducing the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines.
– The oil has deep moisturizing properties and maintains the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair.
– This oil fights free radicals and can also prevent them from forming in the first place.
Used on hair, Palm Oil maintains the collagen that holds hair together, thus it reduces hair loss by promoting the growth of stronger, thicker, healthier hair while simultaneously slowing the appearance of graying hair. Its anti-bacterial components help maintain a cleaner scalp that is free from dandruff and parasites, such as lice, thus soothing any itchiness on the scalp. The deep conditioning properties of Palm Oil introduce shine, softness, and volume to hair that is dull, dehydrated, and flat. Those with curly hair will benefit from the moisture offered by Palm Oil, as it maintains softness and resilience while eliminating frizz without making hair feel weighed down.
RICE BRAN OIL
– Rice bran oil promotes skin hydration without greasiness.
– It can even out skin tones by reducing pigmentation.
– The oil aids in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
– It’s high in Vitamin E, B, Omega-9, and also a rich array of fatty acids.
– A gentle oil for dehydrated, flaky, delicate, mature or fragile skin (e.g baby’s body) where extra moisture is needed.
SAFFLOWER OIL
– This oil is high in linoleic acid to help balance the sebum levels in the skin.
– It is suitable for all skin types and won’t clog your pores.
– Safflower oil is quickly absorbed into the skin for instant moisturizing making it perfect for body butter and lotions.
– It’s great for flaky, itchy, and eczema-prone skin.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
– This is so popular for its soothing nourishing benefits. Sweet almond oil is so light that it quickly moisturizes the skin.
– Almond oil moisturizes dry-sensitive skin and cracked lips. It is great for inflamed skin, such as eczema.
– It will help soften and smooth the skin reducing fine lines.
– It’s high in vitamins A and E, zinc, proteins, and potassium, this oil keeps your skin cells healthy.
– It is great at protecting your skin from UV radiation damage.
– Use it to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
SOME CUSTOMER FAVORITES FOR DRY-SENSITIVE SKIN
Aloe Vera, Atlantic Kelp, Blackberry Sage, Chamomile & Lavender, Fawn with Hemp oil, Goat Milk & Oats, Vanilla & Tea Tree, and Tea Tree & Oats. All of these soaps are specially made for dry-skin types and favorites of my customers. You can find some of them on the website or at the Homesteaders Co Op as well.
I hope you have found this article beneficial for your personal use and have learned something new about treating your dry skin. The oils and butter along with the milk or clay additives are all very beneficial for protecting, nourishing and moisturizing your skin. Once you have used all-natural, handmade soaps you will probably never use commercial bars again. We believe, “that what you put on your body is as important as what you put into it.”
My Original Post
Until next time, this is Sunscape...
Sun. Scape. Ing your day
