After facing demanding bosses, traffic, and other
aggravations, most people can’t wait to get home and relax. However, the
place you go to put your feet up and relax may harbor its own kind of
annoyances: things that can cause dry, itchy skin.
When it comes to household skin irritants, the list
is practically endless. It includes cleaning products, floor polishes,
air fresheners, and laundry detergent, just to name a few. These
products strip skin of essential water and oils, leading to dryness and
irritation. In some people, dry skin can progress to more severe skin
conditions such as eczema or dermatitis.
Dry Skin Fix # 1: Gloves
You may have heard that if you want to keep your age
a secret, you should take care of your hands. This means protecting
them from harsh household cleaners and dish detergents, which are proven
skin irritants.
To keep your dry skin soft and supple, cover them
with non-latex rubber gloves when it’s time to scrub. Or better yet,
create a double barrier of protection: Wear a pair of rubber gloves
overtop a layer of thin, soft cotton ones before you touch a bucket or
sponge.
Dry Skin Fix # 2: Post-Swim Shower and Moisture
One cause of dry, itchy skin isn’t in your
home but lurking right outside in the pool: chlorine. The best dry skin
treatment when it comes to chlorine-ravaged skin? Chemical-free water.
As soon as you or your children step out of the
pool, head inside to rinse off with water and mild soap. Then follow up
with a moisturizer that lists glycerin as the first ingredient. The
glycerin will help your skin hold on to moisture more efficiently,
preventing future dryness.
Dry Skin Fix # 3: Fish and Flaxseed Oil
If you have dry skin, you already know that your
age, the environment, and even the time of year can take its toll on
your skin. But did you know that fish and flaxseed oil that contain EFAs
-- essential fatty acids -- can help keep your skin hydrated by
protecting it from the damaging effects of the environment? Ask your
health care provider about adding fish and flaxseed oil to help keep
your skin moisturized.
Dry Skin Fix # 4: Petroleum Jelly
For people with sensitive skin that is easily
ravaged by household skin irritants, the best dry skin treatments
contain the fewest ingredients. One such treatment is pure petroleum
jelly. When abrasive household products touch skin, they break down the
skin’s protective barrier. Then, when you apply a chemical-laden
moisturizer on top of an already weakened area, it leads to skin
irritation overload -- burning, stinging, itching, and redness.
Because it contains only one ingredient, petroleum
jelly is very gentle on the skin. As a result, the American Academy of
Dermatology recommends it as a dry skin soother for all areas of the
body, from your lips to your hands to your feet. And because it is so
safe and inexpensive, you can apply petroleum jelly as often as you
like.
Dry Skin Fix # 5: Oats
If exposure to a household cleaning product has left
your skin rough and itchy, simply open your kitchen cabinet for a
proven dry skin treatment: oatmeal. Oats have been used to treat dry
skin for centuries. But only recently have researchers discovered what
eases the itch: chemicals called avenanthramides that fight inflammation
and redness.
To maximize the grain’s itch-fighting power, take an
oatmeal bath. Grind either quick or old-fashioned oatmeal in a blender
or food processor and slowly sprinkle it into the tub as the water runs.
Then soak for at least 15 minutes.
Dry Skin Fix # 6: A Mite-Free Zone
As gross as it may sound, one common household skin irritant lives and breathes in most homes. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reported that exposure to microscopic dust mites promotes inflamed, irritated skin.
To prevent mite-related itch, regularly vacuum
floors and carpets and wash your bedding in water that is 130 degrees F
or hotter at least once a week.
Dry Skin Fix # 7: Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
You can’t check out at a convenience store or walk
into a doctor’s office without seeing a dispenser of hand sanitizer
these days. And many families also keep sanitizer dispensers all over
the house for quick and easy hand cleansing.
With the threat of H1N1 and other illnesses, hand
sanitizer is surely a good thing, both inside your home and out. What’s
not so good is the drying effect these alcohol-based sanitizers have on
your hands. To keep your hands smooth, look for hydrating versions that
are dermatologist-recommended.
Article From: Webmd.com