Monday 9 January 2012

Harmattan Skin Hazards



Is your skin feeling dry and tight -- even itchy or flaky? Any number of things can strip your skin of its protective oils. The result: Everything from chapped lips and itchy skin to cracked heels. Relief is in your grasp. Use this pictorial guide to see top cold-weather threats to your skin and what you can do about them.

SOS for Chapped Lips

No one is immune from dry lips this dry season! Here’s how to cope: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Liberally apply petroleum jelly to your lips. Put on lip balm or lipstick every time you go outside. Avoid being in the sun and wind too much. Don't lick your lips -- it may feel better briefly, but it only makes chapped lips worse.

Heal Cracked Heels

Painful, cracked heels are a common skin condition, especially this season. They are often caused by dry skin. Having calluses around the rim of the heel can complicate the problem. In some cases, dry cracked feet can lead to infection or make walking painful. Keep feet healthy by marinating cracked heels in petroleum jelly, covering them with plastic wrap, and putting on a pair of socks overnight. You should see improvement in three nights.

Give Dry Hands Extra Care

Your hands may be hard hit by the cold air. Washing your hands frequently helps eliminate cold and flu germs, but it also increases dryness. And unless you wear gloves every time you go out, hands may be more exposed to cold than other parts of your body. Give dry hands some extra TLC by using a glycerin-based moisturizer when you wake up, before you go to bed, and any time your hands feel dry throughout the day.

Choose a Winter Moisturizer

Should you change your moisturizer? Maybe. If you usually use a light lotion, try a heavier cream, at least on dry skin patches. Ointments -- like petroleum jelly -- have more oil than creams or lotions. That makes them more greasy, too, so they may be best for feet and body. Minimize the greasy feeling by using a very small amount and gently but thoroughly rubbing it into skin. Apply after a warm shower (more on that later).

Lock in Moisture After Your Bath


Right after you step out of the tub, pat skin dry and apply moisturizer to retain the water your skin just absorbed. A glycerin- or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer can increase the amount of water that’s drawn into your skin. Baby oil (mineral oil) is also a good choice, because it prevents water from evaporating from your skin. Don't stop there: Liberally re-apply moisturizer throughout the day, especially to troublesome dry skin patches.

Show Eczema the Exit

Eczema is an umbrella term for different kinds of skin inflammation. It is marked by dry skin that itches or burns. When skin becomes dry and irritated, eczema can flare.  Stay one step ahead by moisturizing frequently with an oil-based ointment that contains sunscreen. Sweating and overheating can also trigger the itch/scratch cycle, so dress in easy-to-peel-off layers. Ask your dermatologist about prescription treatments.

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