Apply moisturizers daily to replenish the loss of moisture and keep the skin soft and moist
Moisture is most important to the skin. It helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and supple. Dryness of the skin is caused by under-activity of the oil producing glands of the skin. Due to a lack of oil, the skin’s ability to hold moisture is hampered. The main requirement of the outer layer of the skin is moisture. Habitual lack of moisture can lead to rough skin with scaling and white flakes. Atmospheric conditions, exposure to the sun, air conditioning and heating, soaps, chlorinated water, make-up cosmetics and air pollution can aggravate the problem by causing further moisture loss. Therefore, daily care routine should be adjusted according to the requirements.
It is important to know that the skin absorbs moisture in the form of an emulsion of oil and water. It cannot absorb water or oil by itself. Therefore, the only way of dealing with the problem is to apply moisturizers daily, to replenish the loss of moisture and keep the skin soft and moist. Dry skins also need daily nourishment with the application of rich creams, so that the skin receives emollients and is able to hold moisture better. The skin also needs to be protected from further moisture loss. This can be done with the use of sunscreens and moisturizers. The removal of creams should be done with moist cotton wool.
Moisturizers are available in both liquid and cream forms. During the dry season, for normal to dry skin, it is better to use a creamy moisturizer, applying it after cleansing and toning. It should also be applied under make-up. A liquid moisturizer can be used at night, after cleansing and nourishing the skin.
Oily skins can hold moisture better than normal or dry skins. But, oily skins can also be short of moisture during winter. The skin feels taut immediately after washing. A light moisturizing lotion should be applied. For oily skin, look for an “oil-free” day cream. Or, mix together 100 ml rosewater with one teaspoon pure glycerine. Keep in an airtight bottle. This helps to moisturize oily and combination skins and is also suitable for arms and legs.