The Secret to Soft, Supple Skin

Many things in life cause dry skin -- occupation, diet, loss of humidity, age. Excessive use of soaps or bathing too frequently can wash away natural skin oils. That's why new mothers and healthcare workers who constantly wash their hands are more likely to experience it.

Harsh chemicals like detergents, cleaning products, paints, and solvents can also rob the skin of moisture and natural oils. And with increased age, skin becomes drier, thinner, and more vulnerable to the elements.

Winter months and cold weather can be particularly hard on skin due to the low humidity and exposure to heated indoor air. Skin needs moisture to stay soft and supple, and the reduced humidity extracts moisture from the skin, making it dry and itchy.

How to Help Prevent Dry Skin

There are steps you can take to ensure healthier, happier skin. Be sure to seek the advice of a professional if your skin is persistently dry or becomes inflamed. It could be a sign of a more serious medical problem.

• If you frequently wash your hands, use a skin cream that contains natural oils to keep your hands soft and supple.
• Wear appropriate gloves on the job to protect hands against moisture loss.
• Use a humidifier if the air is very dry. And when you're outdoors in cold weather, wear unlined leather gloves to protect your skin.
• When bathing or showering, use lukewarm water and very little soap or a soap substitute. Take baths and showers less often and keep them short. Gently pat your skin dry; don't rub it.
• Protect hands against soaps, cleansers, and chemicals by wearing vinyl gloves. Avoid natural rubber latex gloves if you're sensitive to these materials.
• Avoid low-fat diets, and include more good fats and unsaturated oils, like olive oil.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take antioxidants, such as vitamins C & E, which help maintain healthy skin.
• Avoid cigarette smoking.
• Use a moisturizer.

What Moisturizer is Right for You?

As the name suggests, moisturizers add moisture to the skin. They work either by retaining water already on the skin or by attracting moisture. There are four types: ointments, oils, creams, and lotions. In general, the greasier the moisturizer, the better it works.

Ointments effectively trap in the skin's moisture, but they can be greasy and oily. They're recommended for trouble areas, like elbows, knuckles, and knees. Oils and creams are less greasy, but also effective in hydrating the skin. They're easily absorbed when applied to slightly damp skin that has been patted dry.

Lotions are lighter and absorb into the skin more easily, so they're generally good for all over the body. Creams can be used to soften moderately dry skin on the hands, feet, and face.

See our skin care products.

 

References

Virtual Hospital, Strategies for Preventing or Minimizing Skin Dryness,
www.vh.org/adult/patient/dermatology Richard D. Sontheimer, M.D., Dianna L. Geers,
B.S., M.A., Jan. 12, 2004.

Discovery Health Channel, Diseases and Conditions Encyclopedia: dry skin,
www.health.discovery.com/encyclopedias Lynn West, M.D., Jan. 12, 2004.

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Gardening and Your Health: Protecting Your Hands and
Feet, www.ext.vt Publication Number 426-061. From an article written by Bonnie Appleton and Sam Selden for NMPro magazine, June, 2001.

Medlineplus Health Information: A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, Medical Encyclopedia: Dry Skin,
www.nim.nih.gov/medicineplus, Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal
Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, MA, Dec. 1, 2003.

The information contained in these pages is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this Web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your physician or dermatologist immediately.