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CARING FOR DRY SKIN
As mentioned before, in India, the harsh sun, with its increased
intensity of the UV as well as infrared rays, and the alarming levels
of pollution dry the skin much more. Even teenagers with acne,
who basically have oily skin, often complain of superficially dry
skin especially in winter-not only in the non-oily areas, but even
in the T-zone area which is loaded with oil glands. If dry skin leads
the list of your beauty woes, take heart: your complexion may not
be as dry as you think.
You probably have dry skin if your skin shows signs of:
- Roughness to the touch.
- Flakiness.
- Stretchy, tight feeling.
- Occasional itchiness.
- Rare breakouts.
While that tight, parched feeling can be due to the elements,
remember dry skin may also be caused by a cleanser that's too
harsh, a moisturizer that's not rich enough for your skin's needs or
rough treatment, like over-scrubbing with a grainy facial cleanser.
But relief is possible: an extra-gentle cleansing routine teamed
with the right moisturizer can help make even the thirstiest, most
parched skin lovelier and more supple.
If you are the sort who loves long baths and you have dry skin,
resist. The long, leisurely bath that relaxes you could dry out your
skin completely. Avoid soap and use a body wash. Dermatologists
often recommend body bars. If you are a soap-addict, choose soaps
that are mild and moisturizing; preferably use superfatted
moisturizing bars which have added emollients. Avoid soaps with
deodorants, which can be harsh.
If
you're concerned about body odour
tough, use a deodorant soap in
strategic sweat spots on your body, e.g.,
underarms, groin, etc. Better still, use a
separate deodorant after your bath.
Avoid loofahs. If you must use them,
then do so very gently. If you scrub
too hard you may damage your skin
leading to pigmentation.
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