Busy moms and dads can get dry skin relief quickly, so they can look and feel better. An important thing to remember is to stay hydrated. The human body is composed of seventy to eighty percent water. Eight daily servings of eight ounces of water or other noncaffeinated drinks will ease fatigue and hydrate the skin.
IN THE SHOWER
To revive dull, dry, flakey skin quickly, use an inexpensive exfoliating moisturizing body wash in the shower, daily or at least three times per week. Body wash that contains tiny, crushed granules of seeds or another natural material will remove dead skin while you gently rub to lather. The moisturizer in the body wash will revitalize your skin.
For especially dry skin, use a lightweight body oil to lock moisture in. Simply turn off the shower when you are done and apply the oil to your wet skin. Pat yourself gently to dry with a towel and be sure the rinse the shower floor so it is not slippery.
CERAMIDES
Advancements have been made to dry skin lotions over the past few years. Lotions with ceramides help your skin hold onto moisture longer which will make it look and feel better. They can be found reasonably priced at supermarkets and drugstores. Look for ceramides in the ingredient list.
GIVE YOUR FACE A DEWY GLOW
A gentle facial scrub, followed by facial moisturizing lotion or cream, will soothe, calm, and add a dewy glow to the skin. Lotions are lighter than creams. Cream is good for drier skin. Lots of newer facial moisturizers contain chemical exfoliants, such as vitamin C, fruit acids, lactic acid, or glycolic acid, eliminating the need for a physical exfoliant or scrub.
It only takes a few minutes to care for your skin—so you can feel and look great.
HYDRATION TIPS
- Feeling tired When you don’t drink enough water, you feel tired—and you need all the energy you can get to keep up with kids. Heat, dry air, and aerobic activity increase sweating. Be sure to increase water consumption during and after exercise. Make sure children are getting enough to drink for their body weight. Your pediatrician or nurse practitioner can advise you online or at your next wellness checkup.
- Wellness Moms, if you are breastfeeding, you need more water to make breast milk or you will become dehydrated. Women can help prevent urinary tract infections by keeping properly hydrated to move fluids through and out of your body in shorter time periods, which will help prevent bacteria buildup.
- Keep track When you are busy you can forget to replenish your body with fluids. Keep a sticky note next to your cup. Each time you finish an eight-ounce serving, mark it with the time. Besides tracking water consumption, you will know how long it has been since you had a drink and when you are most likely to forget to stay hydrated.