The dry skin syndrome affects only the top layer of skin, the stratum corneum. It is as thin as tissue paper and it is composed of flattened dead cells manufactured in the layer below. Water and body oil move from the live skin to the outer layer. The oil keeps the water from evaporating quickly and it is the water that makes skin moist.
Moist or dry skin is due, in large part to heredity. The trick is to alter the environmental elements that trigger dry skin. Oddly enough, winter skin problems begin indoors. The heated air absorbs moisture, and draws it from every available source. The skin is a natural target. Here are some easy to follow hints to make life better for your skin.
1. Turn down the heat in your home.
2. Feed moisture into your home so humidity can protect your skin. If you have central heating, you can add a humidifying unit, or you can buy an inexpensive humidifier for your rooms. They are very helpful in bedrooms and can keep you from having puffy eyelids and dry throats.
3. Substitute a quick shower, or at least a short warm bath for a long hot soak in the tub. Take it easy with the bath soap in the winter. A luxurious lather feels good to the touch but is bad for your skin because it washes away the skin's own protective oils.
4. Apply a moisturizer to the skin right after the bath or shower. (Ostomates, omit the cream on the abdominal area.) Pick a product you really like and use it faithfully. The only part of the skin that dries out is the top layer, no matter what manufacturers say. Of course, you know to drink enough water.
5. Invest in a good pair of rubber gloves and use them for those cleaning agent and solvent jobs. Wear gloves when outdoors. If your hands are extremely dry, sleep in cotton gloves after putting on cream.
6. Avoid too tight clothing. They rub against dry winter skin; it itches, you scratch, the cycle goes on.
7. There are two other winter skin problems: frostbite and winter sunburn. With frostbite, warm the area with blankets, a bare hand or room temperature water; never with snow or vigorous rubbing. Always wear sunscreen when venturing outdoors. Have a happy comfortable winter.
Editors note: I remember reading somewhere that itching dry skin can be helped by putting some oatmeal in a small cloth sack and let it stand in your bath water. It seems to relieve the itching.
