The frigid winter temps have been less than kind to the skin. In most cases, hands are left feeling dry, chapped and rough after one hand wash; while feet become callous-like.
Many scientists believe, but not all of them agree that the skin on your palms and soles are lighter and thicker because it produces more protein and has a double sheath of papillae (tiny slivers of connective tissue) in the epidermal layer of the skin. Both the protein and dual papillae are integral in the creation of footprints and fingerprints. Nevertheless, you can avoid ashy, alligator skin with these three tips that'll help keep your skin feeling soft and smooth:
1) SOAP: If you're in a cold or dry, dessert-like area, then use a moisturizing soap to keep skin feel silky soft. On another note, while anti-bacterial soaps are tough on germs, they're also harsh on your skin and can be extremely drying. Include a quality, moisturizing soap (the more natural, the better) in your body care routine,especially when there is dry and winter weather. Apply moisturizers to your skin while it's still damp for deep penetrating absorbency.
2) MOISTURIZERS: Speaking of moisturizers, all of them are not treated equally. Use richer moisturizers during the winter, and avoid lotions and butters that are filled with toxic chemicals, preservatives, parabens and hormone disrupting ingredients. Quality is best, so if you avoid being skimpy with your body care products, and your skin with thank you with a soft, supple glow.
3) WATER: Like with anything, getting to the source of your issue is best. Opt to drink as much water as you can stand, or half your body weight in fluid ounces of water, or eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day. Whichever regimen best suites you, stick to it. If you fall off the wagon, get back on and try again.
Lastly, repeat the above steps frequently. Add your own preferences to the mix, but whatever you do... hope you keep it all natural!
- Avec Amour
