Of course, applying moisturizer daily is very helpful. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after bathing. Moisturizers are divided into three types.The first and most common are the simple hydrating moisturizers - these simply add water back to the skin. Products I recommend include Cetaphil or Aveeno. The second type are the exfoliating moisturizers - these both hydrate and help to exfoliate dead skin cells. These moisturizers usually contain ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Common over the counter brands also include carmol and amlactin. Amclatin is a brand of moisturizer that would fall into this category. The third and newest type of moisturizers are the barrier-type. These not only hydrate, but also improve the natural barrier function of the skin by adding certain ingredients to the cutaneous layer of your skin. Common over the counter products are Cerave and Aveeno Eczema Treatment. Finally if you don't have a humidifier, consider purchasing a portable unit or minimally place a basin of water near the furnace registers. This will help to increase the moisture in your air, helping to decrease the drying effects of the weather. Also remember that you can buy perfectly good moisturizers for under $15! Check your labels for the mentioned key ingredients, you'll be surprised at just how affordable a great moisturizer can be!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hanging Out to Dry
At this time of year, in the colder climates, you may find the symptoms of dry skin may be quite significant. Americans, compared to most countries, are very meticulous about bathing. In fact, it is not unusual for patients to tell me that they shower twice a day. Believe it or not, the longer and hotter the shower the more water evaporates from the skin. Consequently less showering, or at least shorter and cooler showers, will significantly reduce drying of the skin. In addition, avoiding deodorant-type soaps will help minimize the drying of your skin. Soaps labeled fragrance free should be used, especially for those with severe dry skin.
Of course, applying moisturizer daily is very helpful. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after bathing. Moisturizers are divided into three types.The first and most common are the simple hydrating moisturizers - these simply add water back to the skin. Products I recommend include Cetaphil or Aveeno. The second type are the exfoliating moisturizers - these both hydrate and help to exfoliate dead skin cells. These moisturizers usually contain ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Common over the counter brands also include carmol and amlactin. Amclatin is a brand of moisturizer that would fall into this category. The third and newest type of moisturizers are the barrier-type. These not only hydrate, but also improve the natural barrier function of the skin by adding certain ingredients to the cutaneous layer of your skin. Common over the counter products are Cerave and Aveeno Eczema Treatment. Finally if you don't have a humidifier, consider purchasing a portable unit or minimally place a basin of water near the furnace registers. This will help to increase the moisture in your air, helping to decrease the drying effects of the weather. Also remember that you can buy perfectly good moisturizers for under $15! Check your labels for the mentioned key ingredients, you'll be surprised at just how affordable a great moisturizer can be!
Of course, applying moisturizer daily is very helpful. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after bathing. Moisturizers are divided into three types.The first and most common are the simple hydrating moisturizers - these simply add water back to the skin. Products I recommend include Cetaphil or Aveeno. The second type are the exfoliating moisturizers - these both hydrate and help to exfoliate dead skin cells. These moisturizers usually contain ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Common over the counter brands also include carmol and amlactin. Amclatin is a brand of moisturizer that would fall into this category. The third and newest type of moisturizers are the barrier-type. These not only hydrate, but also improve the natural barrier function of the skin by adding certain ingredients to the cutaneous layer of your skin. Common over the counter products are Cerave and Aveeno Eczema Treatment. Finally if you don't have a humidifier, consider purchasing a portable unit or minimally place a basin of water near the furnace registers. This will help to increase the moisture in your air, helping to decrease the drying effects of the weather. Also remember that you can buy perfectly good moisturizers for under $15! Check your labels for the mentioned key ingredients, you'll be surprised at just how affordable a great moisturizer can be!
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