Solutions for Dry, Cracked Skin

We are in the middle of the winter and everyone is exposed to the drying effects of heaters that are in our homes, offices, cars and stores. Add to that the warm fires in our fireplaces and the howling winds that often wreak havoc on our already dry, cracked skin and the opportunity for a very itchy skin is great. The skin is the largest organ of the body and having dry, cracked skin breaks down the barrier to bacteria that the skin provides for us. Itching all over is never comfortable. So, what can we do to moisturize our skin during these dry, winter months?

The first step is to drink a lot of water. I find it helps if I put a jug of water out each day in the amount of water I want to drink for that day. For example, a gallon jug of water on the counter-top where I can find it and watch the water level go down motivates me to keep drinking it. And I find that I do better if I drink small amounts more often rather than trying to drink a large glass of water each time. I have even used shot glasses to drink my water if I am going to be in the kitchen a lot for that day. Otherwise, I use a smaller juice glass.

Drinking coconut water is also very hydrating. I try to drink a couple of glasses of it per day whenever I am feeling especially dehydrated. Coconut water was used in place of plasma for IV's during the Viet Nam war when plasma supplies ran out. Coconut water is full of natural electrolytes. I also like the taste of it and it is alkalizing which is good for the body as well. We have a tendency to be overly acid so drinking coconut water is good for balancing that acidity.

The second step to moisturizing the skin is to use a humidifier as often as possible. Be sure to clean it out once per week so it doesn't get any mold. A humidifier also helps to moisturize the lungs and nostrils which dry out during the winter season too. And essential oils can be added to any humidifier to keep mold out and to add fragrance. And, depending on which essential oil is used, other benefits may be possible. For example, if a few drops of cypress is added to the water in the humidifier, it will help to flush mucous out of the body besides keep mold out.

The third step to keeping your skin moisturized during the winter is to use lotions or baby oil. The best time to apply them is after a shower but before drying off. Pat the skin fairly dry and apply a light layer over the moisture from the shower. This will hold moisture on the skin and help to reduce the dryness. And showering in warm water rather than hot water will help keep the skin from drying out as much.

The fourth step to moisturizing is to take fish oils daily. These are available in capsules, enteric-coated pills (which means they dissolve in the intestine rather than the stomach so there is no back burping of the oil) and liquids. Fish oil moisturizes the body internally and often help with lubricating the joints as well as the skin. Take according to the directions on the bottle and take them year to produce better results each winter.

Another product for internal moisturizing is Acai which is a fruit from Brazil. It can be found in pills, frozen and in liquid form. The health food store may be the most likely place to find it. It is also reported to help with celiac disease because of its moisturizing effects to the body including the intestinal tract.

And the last step to moisturizing is to slough off dead cells by participating in what is called skin brushing. A natural bristle back brush is used on the skin before showering. Brush towards the heart as the whole body is brushed. This brushing not only takes off the dead skin cells but also stimulates the lymphatics. The lymphatics are the internal system of cleansing. When the lymphatics are healthy, the body can fight bacteria and toxic wastes much easier. Skin brushing can be a part of your regime year round as well.

So, let the winds howl, turn up the heat, and go outside to build snowmen. With this five step program for moisturizing, you will be comfortable and your skin will stay fresh year round. And each winter, you will find that you itch less and enjoy the winter more.