Women and Child Health
Dry Skin & Skin Moisturizer:
Dry skin is a problem that affects a large portion of the population, either occasionally or chronically. A healthy moisturizing routine is the best defense against this affliction. The most effective moisturizing practices center on retaining the skin’s natural oils above all else. Since your skin is the largest organ on your body, make sure you practice good hygiene to keep it healthy. Moisturizers are complex mixtures of chemical agents specially designed to make the external layers of the skin (epidermis) softer and more pliable. They increase the skin's hydration (water content) by reducing evaporation. Naturally occurring skin lipids and sterols, as well as artificial or natural oils, humectants, emollients, lubricants, etc., may be part of the composition of commercial skin moisturizers. There are numerous moisturizers on the market that are formulated to treat many different skin types, including normal, dry, oily and sensitive skin. People with normal skin need a light moisturizer that contains natural oils, whereas people with dry skin may require heavier lotions with humectants to lock in moisture.
For those with oily skin, there are oil-free moisturizers, which won't clog pores. And people with sensitive skin should look for moisturizers that are fragrance-free and contain few ingredients. However, avoid moisturizing your face with the lotion you use on your body -- this could cause skin irritation or breakouts. For example, the oil-based lotion you use on your knees and elbows could clog pores on delicate facial skin and cause acne.
How to Use Skin Moisturizer?
- You shouldn't apply the moisturizer directly over the skin except after wetting the skin with a little drops of water.
- You should use the moisturizer over the skin three times daily especially if the skin is atopic or eczematized or dry, usually after shower immediately and the remaining two times should be after wetting the skin with few drops of water, should be used all over body.
- You can use oil once or twice weekly after adding it to warm water in the bathing tub and the person should stay inside the tub for 1-2 hours then, after tumble dry, apply the moisturizer all over.
- After 2 weeks when itchiness, dryness or eczema disappear you can use the moisturizer once or twice daily according to severity, continue for 2-3 years especially for patients with severe dryness or atopic or psoriasis or ichthyosis.
The Effectiveness of Vitamin “C”
Vitamin ‘C’ has a great importance in maintaining the skin health and freshness. It is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage, which are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists’ advice to use medicine and products containing Vitamin ‘C’ in large quantities, there are many types in the market in the form of liquid, Capsules, Injections, Gel etc. to use depends on your Dermatologist advice.