As winter hits Ashtabula County again in full force, you may notice a return of another winter hazard – dry skin.
This time of year it is easy to attribute the cracking, peeling, and irritated skin to cold weather outside. But, there are also other causes.
Skin will also dry out thanks to the heated air inside our homes and automobiles.
Bathing too frequently with harsh soaps will dry out the skin.
The good news is, most dry skin can be treated with a variety of moisturizers and other soothing topical products.
The bad news is, some of the lotions and creams we use are chock full of chemicals, dyes, scents and alcohol – all of which can irritate more than they help.
Cosmetologist Megan Mathews, who sees clients at The Salon at Premiere, said you should use natural moisturizers, such as those in Aveda’s line of skin care products.
“Aveda uses only natural ingredients, so it is not harsh on the skin. The products include vitamins to help restore your skin’s health,” she said.
While many may look only to their hands as being affected by winter, Mathews said we should also focus on our face, feet, legs and the sides of our bodies.
A combination of moisturizers, ointments (such as petroleum jelly), and lotions can be used two or three times a day.
For dry hands, Mathews suggested Aveda’s Hand Relief. It comes highly recommended because it does not wash off the way regular lotion or hand cream does.
“Nurses love it. Anyone who has to wash their hands frequently knows how hard it is to keep hands moisturized. Aveda Hand Relief works into the skin to increase moisture level and elasticity – and won’t wash off,” she said.
Aveda also offers Foot Relief and Lip Saver.
“Lip Saver is a botanical balm that uses natural waxes to seal in moisture. It is great if you frequently have chapped, peeling lips. It has cinnamon, clove and anise for a great, natural taste,” Mathews said.
Aveda also offers a line of daily skin care products for the rest of your body. There are facial cleansers and moisturizers, hydrating lotion, firming and toning products, exfoliating cleansers, and more. Aveda also offers a line of skin care products just for men – shaving cream, aftershave, eye cream aroma spray, and skin cleanser.
In addition to using products to help restore your skin’s health, follow these tips:
- Bathe less often and keep water contact to a minimum. Short, cooler baths are better than hot baths, which pull moisture from your skin.
- Do not scrub skin when drying it. Pat it dry.
- Use a room humidifier if the air is dry.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Apply cool compresses to itchy areas.
You should discuss your skin care with your physician if you:
- feel itchy, but do not have a visible rash.
- are unable to sleep due to dry, itchy skin.
- have open cuts or sores from scratching.
To learn more about Aveda’s entire line of skin care products, or to schedule a skin consultation, phone The Salon at Premiere 440-998-3488. The Salon at Premiere is located in Premiere Fitness, 2231 Lake Avenue in Ashtabula.
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