Dry Skin - Water Myth: The Truth!

by Colette Bouchez
for CountryDutchess.com

For years we've been hearing that if your skin is dry you're simply not drinking enough water. And, that drinking water actually can prevent dry sky.

Well guess what? It's more myth than fact!

According to dermatologists like Dr. Arnold Klein, there are absolutely no medical studies to show that "oral ingestion leads to hydrated skin," he recently told Allure Magazine.

Dry skin, say experts, is mostly the result of environmental influences - like dry hot hair that blows from your radiator in winter, and that super dry air that comes from your AC in summer.

What can also dry your skin: Chemicals found in common shower gels, perfumes, even powders. If your skin is sensitive they may have an ever greater dehydrating effect, causing irritation along with dryness.

Of course is you don't drink enough water and your body becomes dehydrated, your skin simply won't look as good. So it's essential to not to starve your body of fluids.

At the same time, if you're drinking a ton of water in hopes that it will help your dry skin, you're probably on the wrong track.

Here's a few tips to get you on the right road to dewy, moist, younger looking skin.

1. Use a humidifier. Whether it's air conditioning in summer or heat in winter, indoor environments can be worse for dry skin that what you encounter outdoors. A humidifier puts quick mists of water into the air that helps keep skin hydrated.

2. Switch from a shower gel to a moisturizing soap bar. You won't notice any difference in cleaning power - and by eliminating shower gels you'll cut out one of the biggest enemies of dry skin: alcohol. Most shower gels are loaded with it, and over time it can take it's toll on your skin.

3. Be careful when using hair products such as sprays, gels or even mousse. Like shower gels they too contain alcohol, and can easily make their way from your hair to your face, neck, shoulders even your hands. If your find your skin getting dry around your hair line, it's a good bet one of these alcohol-laden grooming products is behind it.

4. Cut down on the length of your shower or bath - and reduce the temperature of the water. While dry skin needs some water, give it too much and the opposite effect occurs. Very hot water can also dry skin, so the cooler the better.

5. Increase your intake of "good" fats - like those containing omega 3 fatty acid. These include salmon, eggs, and grains like flax seed oil. They nourish dry skin from the inside out and can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels in just a few weeks time.

6. Choose your skin care products wisely, opting for creams rather than lotions. One reason: Lotions frequently contain alcohol and you won't get all the benefits from your products ingredients . If you have dry skin you should also avoid micro dermabrasion products, and exfoliating products with a very grainy consistency. Dry skin is weaker skin and abrasion can cause tiny tears in the surface.

Doctors say that among the best ingredients to look for if your skin is dry: Shea butter, olive oil, humectants like glycerin, (which draw moisture from the air into skin) and any cream with a heavy consistency - such as Nivea Creme, 6.8 Oz (192 G), (Pack Of 3), L'occitane Pure Organic Shea Butter 150ml/4.9oz, and Palmers Olive Butter Formula Organic Body Balm - 5 OZ


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Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
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