Dry Flaky Skin on Face

Dry flaky skin on face and hands is a particular problem during the winter months where it is cold, rainy and the winds icily beat these, our most exposed body parts, relentlessly. It doesn't take much of this kind of punishment for our skin to start looking worn and damaged and even feeling it, but thankfully it doesn't take much to help prevent this also.

Essential skin care practices are often overlooked and their value underestimated greatly. Both men and women can benefit greatly by simply taking better care of their skin in the first place, which will in turn look better, feel better, and be much more resistant to the wear and tear of the elements. After all, a little extra effort goes a long way.

Overall, skin care falls into three categories:

1: Good bathing practice

The skin has natural protective oils it secretes called sebum. If a person bathes too often, or badly, the sebum layer which protects the skin can be removed leaving the skin open to infections and drying.

Let's examine the typical bathing practice: Hot water is used in either a shower or bath; a person covers themselves from head to toe with soap or shower gel, and then scrubs with a flannel or loafer, before rinsing and then for good measure scrubs themselves dry with a towel afterwards. If you find this bathing practice familiar, you can benefit by amending the damaging variables:

Hot water makes the sebum oils soluble and where they can then be washed away. Using harsh soaps and hot water is a particularly bad combination. Use lukewarm water, and a good soap which is kind to your skin such as Dove or Olay. Avoid using a loafer or flannel if at all possible, particularly on the face and hands or forearms. When drying, pat dry don't scrub or rub as scrubbing removes the protective sebum from your skin.

2: A good balanced diet with plenty of sulphur and Vitamin A, B and C

One vital skincare variable often overlooked is the diet. For skin to be healthy, it requires nutrients which are gained from certain foods. Sticking to any recommended healthy balanced diet will ensure your body gets all it needs. Vitamin supplements are also a good idea to ensure you aren't missing anything out. By having a healthy balanced diet you give your body just what it needs to take care of itself. Often, sebum production can drop off, particularly as we get older, and by having a good diet packed with vitamins you can really help your skin to stay firm, smooth and healthy.

3: Moisturise regularly

Even the best skins will benefit from moisturising. Using a rich moisturising cream such as Dove or Olay will really help your skin stay in prime condition. After bathing, the most important places to moisturise are the face and ears, hands and forearms as they are usually the most exposed areas of the body. Moisturising replenishes the skin with the protective nutrients it needs and will help to keep skin healthy and protect it from becoming damaged by environmental factors.

One final tip:

During the winter months the air becomes less humid, and can be extremely dry and unforgiving at times. You're skin will be up against the elements every time you go out, but can also find itself battling whilst your indoors as well due to central heating. Whilst central heating is necessary most of the time, it can dry the skin badly. One extremely easy way to counter this drying effect is to purchase a humidifier which you can run in conjunction with your central heating. You can keep your house nice and warm without making your skin pay the price.

Combine the above practices and you are guaranteed to soon be enjoying the best and smoothest skin of your life.