 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2005-12-29 10:39:00
How do I take care of dry skin?
: When-ever the weather gets cold, my skin gets dry! What causes dry skin in the winter and how do I fix it without spending a lot of money?
ANSWER: : Let me start off by saying that you are not alone! Many men and women deal with dry skin during the cold winter months. Dry, flaky skin is caused by the cold air outside and hot air inside causing low humidity. When the air becomes dry in winter, it causes skin to lose moisture, thus making it flaky and itchy. Many of my clients have told me that as they get older, they have a harder time maintaining their skin in the winter. This is because as we age, the natural oils in our skin that are supposed to protect us from losing moisture, are worn-out. I can speak from personal experience that when it is cold inside, nothing warms me more then taking a long, hot bath followed by bundling up in my coziest, thickest winter clothes. This actually assists in drying out skin. Frequent showers or baths, especially with hot water, further removes the protective layer on the skin. Hot water dries the skin out more, making it feel more itchy. Also, when bathing, be cautious of what soaps you are using. Soaps with more perfumes and scents tend to dry the skin out. This also applies to laundry detergent. Another major factor in winter dry skin is the clothing we wear. Thick fabrics such as wool irritate the skin, causing it to itch.Relief for dry, itchy and flaky skin isn't as difficult as you think. The key word in solving this problem? Moisturize! Expensive moisturizers aren't necessarily better. Sometimes, the things that make them expensive are what makes your skin worse. Try using plain facial soap and lotion without a lot of fragrances. About every other day, try using a spray bottle to lightly mist mineral water on your face after washing, and lightly pat dry. This will help in reversing the damage caused by hard, tap water.Once a week, use a facial mask to clarify the skin and remove dull, dry surface skin cells. You can even give yourself a facial at home using items from your pantry and refrigerator. Here is one of my favorite "recipes:"1 tablespoon dry oatmeal1/2 mashed ripe banana2 ounces plain yogurtCleanse face, steam, splash with cool water and pat dry. Massage with the dry oatmeal. Rinse off. Then apply a mask made by mixing yogurt and banana; spread evenly on face. Leave on for 20 minutes; rinse off.
