As a Nurse, I constantly battle the looks and feelings of dry skin. Washing hands is the best way to fight and prevent the spread of germs. It’s unfortunate that this also can lead to other issues such as dry, cracked skin. This is not a pitch to sell you a magic product! If I didnt use my skin care techniques my hands would be dry, rough, reddened and irritated.
1. Hydration.
I drink more than 3 liters of water a day. Drinking water is important to make sure your body has the amount of water required to support all your body’s functions. That includes skin hydration.
2. Use the appropriate bathing techniques
Friction, heat and lengthy showers rob your skin of its oils and moisture. My wash cloth is my hands. Rough materials like wash clothes, luffas and exfoliating rubs cause accelerated sloughing of skin which increases dryness. It’s important to use your hands during washing especially for your face. Pat dry with a towel, do not rub. Use warm water rather than hot and be quick to get in and out of showers or baths.
3. Know when to use lotion
The point of lotion is to add, seal and lock moisture into your skin. That can only be done effectively if you apply lotion at the appropriate time. The best time to add lotion is immediately after showering and washing your hands. I make sure I replenish and lock it in by applying lotion right away.
4. Use the appropriate products
Many Lady’s and Gentlemen may dislike me for this one. Everyone loves the “smell good” soaps and lotions. They smell nice, but they can prevent you from having smooth, moisturized skin. Perfumes, preservatives and dyes can dry skin further and can cause contact sensitivities. stick to lotions that are dermatologist recommended without perfumes, preservatives and dyes.
Creams are good for rough dry skin. They provide the best hydration and protection. Thin lotions are good for daily moisturizing. Face lotions are specially formulated for your face. They will not be oily and will not clog your pores.
5. Shaving can be harsh on your skin.
Make sure you use some type of shaving lubricant like shaving cream. Use a sharp razor and shave with the direction of hair growth
5. Protect your skin from the sun.
Avoiding the sun is impossible and who wants to do that. Enjoy it, but use skin protection. Use sun block with an SPF of 30. Make sure you apply every 2 hours if you are in the sun over long periods of time or in water.
Sun protective clothing works great. Wide brimmed hats, sun glasses and clothing. Some sports brands make SPF clothing to prevent damaging rays from hitting your skin.
Take breaks from the sun under cover or indoors. Try to avoid peak sun hours when the sun is high. 10am-2pm are the most damaging times to be in the sun.
Two Other Simple Tips
Stop smoking and eat a well balanced diet with colorful fruit and vegetables.
My Acne Experience
I have suffered with stress related acne since I was a teen. I’ve tried many different products including exfoliating scrubs, ointments and prescriptions from my Dermatologist. Many products would help reduce acne but I would experience pain and irritation.
Many people may need to use acne products including prescriptions. For stubborn acne, Dermatologist are highly recommended.
Personally, I have found the best results from practicing stress relief, increasing water consumption, eating more fruits and veggies and maintaining adequate hygiene. I currently use a mild gentle skin cleanser in the morning, evening and anytime I develop sweat on my face. I use my hands to wash my face and I do not use any exfoliating products. Last, I use a skin cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptide Complex in the morning and at night.
Good riddance to dry, itchy skin!
Osen Village 