Tips for Dry Skin Care...

During the cold months of the year is when many people experience "winter itch," caused by dry, flaky skin.

How To Avoid Winter Itch:

* Moisturize daily. Cream moisturizers are best for normal to dry skin. A moisturizer without perfume or lanolin is best for sensitive skin.

* Don't overdo skin cleansing. Once a day is sufficient to wash your face, hands, feet and between the folds of your skin. You can rinse your trunk, arms and legs daily, but don't use cleanser or soap on these areas every day. Too much cleansing removes the skin's natural moisturizers.

* If you have winter itch, take short, lukewarm showers or baths and use non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleansers. Immediately after your shower or bath, apply a water-in-oil-type moisturizer and gently pat your skin dry.

* Household humidifiers can help prevent dry skin.

* Protect yourself from the wind by covering your face and using a natural oil based lip balm.

* Try to avoid extreme cold, which can cause frostbite or skin disorders in some people.

* Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous as summer sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.

* Twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can give your skin a healthy glow.

* If you have persistent dry skin, itching or scaling, see your dermatologist.

HOMEMADE FACE PACKS FOR DRY SKIN

Face Packs for Dry Skin:


Mint face pack:

Ingredients:

* Take one teaspoon of mint powder
* One tablespoon of yogurt
* One tablespoon of multani mitti

Soak multani mitti and mint powder in yoghurt for half an hour. Then mix them well by beating. Apply it on face for 15 minutes and leave it to dry. When dried wash off with lukewarm water. Then rinse by cold water.

Egg face pack:

Ingredients:

* Egg yolk of one egg
* One teaspoon of milk powder
* Half teaspoon of honey

Beat the egg yolk, mix the milk powder and honey in it. Beat again. When a paste of medium thickness is obtained, apply it on the face. When it is dry, wash off with lukewarm water.

FACIAL CLEANSER FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin can be such a problem during the wintertime. If you have mature skin or have chronic dry skin, dryness can be a problem all year round. Try this very moisturizing yet light cleanser and see if you feel a difference.

Ingredients:

* ¾ cup boiling water
* 1 tablespoon bee pollen
* ½ cup dried chamomile flowers
* ¼ cup aloe vera concentrate
* ½ cup liquid vegetable glycerin
* 1 tablespoon honey
* ¼ teaspoon calendula extract

Instructions:

Combine water, pollen and chamomile. Allow the mixture to steep for 1 hour. Strain and add the remaining ingredients to the liquid. Use cold cream to remove make-up, then cleanse with this mixture. Makes about 1 ¼ cups.

FOUR SIMPLE SKIN CARE TIPS FOR DRY SKIN...

If your skin is as dry as the Sahara, it might be easier than you think to bring a much-needed oasis to your epidermis.


Nearly everyone knows the irritating itch or burn of dry skin. The sale of moisturizing products has grown into a booming industry.

Here are some simple steps you can take during your morning routine to make your skin silky and smooth:

1. Rinse thoroughly. When showering or washing your face, be sure to rinse all soap residue off your skin. Soap can leave a thin film that will dry and possibly irritate your skin.

2. Soften while you shave. Shaving can sometimes leave your skin feeling extra dry. In addition to your daily moisturizing routine, you can also try using razors that come with moisturizing features.

3. Smooth your skin with honey. Honey has natural properties and vitamins that help alleviate dryness in skin and calm irritation. To cleanse your skin with honey, dissolve two tablespoons of honey into a liter of warm water. Splash over the face for 10 minutes.

You can also give your skin its daily dose of honey via certain products that include it as a moisturizing agent, such as lip balms or facial masks.

4. Moisturize with milk. Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, reputedly took frequent milk baths to keep her skin looking beautiful. Although she could only guess about the health benefits of milk, we now know that the alpha hydroxy acid derived from milk not only helps to exfoliate old skin, but soothes it as well.

Once a week, mix 2 to 4 cups of milk into your bath and soak for up to 20 minutes. You can also add a few tablespoons of honey and give your dry skin a double treat.