This time of year, those of us of a certain age often look forward to time spent with little ones we don't get to see regularly. Snuggling with grandkids on our laps beside the Christmas tree—or tucking them into bed after stockings are hung—can be such a blessing. But hearing "Hey, Grandma, why are your hands so wrinkly?" or "Why is your skin so rough?" while it may make us chuckle, should also give us pause. A simple caress of a tender cheek with a dry, scratchy hand—though we mean it to be gentle—can actually seem rough when dry skin is a factor!
Why does our skin dry out?
It's the same every year. As the temperature outdoors drops, the air becomes dryer. And biting winds of even 5 mph can cause skin to flake. Indoors isn't much better: Heaters are usually running, which further de-moisturizes the air. Additionally, to keep cold and flu germs at bay, we tend to wash our hands more often, which depletes the skin's natural oils and causes further dryness. Some medications can dry out skin even more. Add in the fact that our skin isn't as young as it used to be, and it's easy to see how these factors combine to make once-lovely skin appear rough and dry. But before you throw up your scratchy hands in despair, there are three simple tips anyone can use to combat the signs of aging and skin dryness.
1. Stay hydrated
This time of year, perhaps more than any other, it's important to drink lots of water. While recommendations vary, in general, if you drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water every day, it will go a long way toward not only helping your skin stay supple and younger-looking, but also supporting your overall health. Water is just plain good for you!
2. Feed your body what it needs
When we give our bodies proper nutrition—from whole foods, nutrients from nature and supplements based on Real Food Technology® solutions—our bodies respond by performing at their best. Which means that every cell within them functions optimally, including skin cells! Don't forget to include plenty of omega-3-rich foods in your diet to help fortify the skin's natural oil-retaining barriers.
3. Show your skin some love
Make sure you have a good moisturizer, like Mannatech LIFT™ Body Lotion and Emprizone® gel (now on sale as a combo through December 23) or FIRM with Ambrotose® moisturizing cream. After bathing or showering, gently pat yourself dry; then apply the lotion generously to help lock in moisture. Don't forget to moisturize dry, cracked heels and rough elbows! Reapply the lotion, gel or cream to exposed areas like your hands throughout the day, especially after washing them.
Bonus tips:
Speaking of your hands, be sure to wash them gently. Use warm water, not hot. Remember that hand sanitizers typically contain about 60% alcohol, which can further dry skin, so you might want to opt for gentle, non-drying soap and water whenever possible. Consider wearing gloves for projects that involve cleaning products, like washing dishes. (One way to think about it is, "Don't let your hands come into contact with anything you wouldn't put on your face, like dishwashing liquid.") And finally, sleep with cotton gloves on at night, after applying a moisturizer, to help your hands stay soft and supple.
With these tips in hand, here's hoping you have a very Merry Christmas and a gentle, supple touch all year long!
Linda Lanier 08 Dec, 2011--
Source: http://www.healthyscience.net/a-gentle-touch%e2%80%94tips-for-softer-skin-this-season/
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