he first signs of fall are noticed when the leaves start to change into amber, gold, magenta and other brilliant colors. This is nature’s tap on our shoulder that we need to start thinking about winterizing our homes. And, “Guess What?” It’s also time to think about winterizing our skin!
Did you know that our outer skin is the largest organ of the body and occupies about 20 square feet! It is the first point of exposure to the elements and our 1st line of defense against overexposure to wind, heat and cold. It helps to prevent infection, absorb the much-needed vitamin D from the sun and converts it into calcium, promoting healthy bones, to name only a few of our skin’s many attributes.
Is it any wonder our skin becomes dry, flakey, itchy or cracked? These symptoms are our body’s cry to replenish the moisture of our skin. Recently I was visiting a friend in Colorado Springs. I had no idea how dry it could be there. One of the remedies she used was a humidifier in her home to replenish moisture into the dry air. So what can we do for dry itchy, cracked skin; how do we restore and protect our skin against the elements?
MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE!
Lotions are a very temporary moisturizer and great for people with normal to oily skin. Creams are thicker and longer lasting for normal to dry skin. But if you suffer from dry skin conditions with burning and itching, the best applications are Oils or Balms for deeper absorption and longer lasting relief.
There are many oils to choose from. Personally I like using Sunflower oil in my Balm, which is high in antioxidants with Vitamins A, C & E, and prevents free radicals from damaging your skin by working as a protective barrier and moisturizing solution. Jojoba oil is another favorite of mine, it is also a natural antioxidant, wonderful for all skin types and happens to be the only oil closest to our own body’s naturally produced oil, which is called the sebum. In my Creams and Mt Mist Body Oil I also use Grapeseed oil that is beneficial for people with sensitive skin due to its natural non-allergic properties, plus I love that it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Here are some of my favorite herbs that I use in my remedies for dry skin:
- Calendula – Relieves and calms inflammation and helps prevent infection.
- Comfrey – heals wounds and broken bones and creates rapid new cell growth promoting rapid healing of bones, skin, muscles, and other areas of the body.
- Lavender – Healing properties for all skin types, calms inflammation, and dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Practical Ideas to prevent and protect dry skin:
- Use lotions, creams, balms or oils to moisturize the skin
- Avoid exposure to the sun, which causes dryness, wrinkles and other conditions.
- Don’t take very hot showers or baths, which can be very drying to the skin
- Use all natural quality soaps or liquid castile soap; avoid harsh antibacterial, or synthetically scented soaps
- Do increase your intake of daily water
- If you live in a very dry environment, use a humidifier in your home.
If this information has been helpful, please leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!!
