Skincare Column

Aging and years of sun exposure reduce the capacity of your skin to moisturize itself, so your skin often becomes dry, flaky and itchy.

Your skin becomes even drier when humidity is lower in the winter and in dry climates.

To help combat dry skin and itchiness try these tips:

• Avoid using harsh soaps, which are very drying to the skin. Instead, use mild or glycerin soaps on the body such as Alpha Keri, Basis, Eucerin, Neutrogena or Dove.
• Use anti-bacterial soaps only on underarms and genital area, hands and feet. Do not use on your face.
• Seal moisture into your skin by applying a moisturizing cream or bath oil to your skin immediately after bathing, while your skin is still damp.
• Make sure your bath water is warm rather than very hot. Hot water worsens dry skin. It doesn’t help with healing.
• Give up your shower. Most people use hotter water for showers than they do for tub bathing. Experts used to think frequent bathing was drying to the skin. Now they recommend daily soaking for 10 minutes in water no warmer than about 90 F.  You can also use a bath oil in your tub if your skin is extra dry.
• Pat your skin dry after your bath. Never rub, leave your skin a bit moist.

June English is a licensed Esthetician and is the owner of Professional Skin Care Choices in Los Alamos. For more information, visit www.myskincarechoices.com or contact her at (505) 507-0124.