By Kay Kribbo

There are a number of reasons why dry skin develops.  Often, lotion only masks the underlying issues, not solving the problem.  by exchanging a few moisture-stripping habits in favor of skin nourishing ones you can help reduce the woes of rough, dry skin. 

Our faithful armor–our skin–is the largest organ of the body.  It shields us from all sorts of environmental woes while providing a safe, protective shell for our internal organs.  Our skin performs a duty each day; it’s essential to take steps to restore and nourish this loyal organ regularly. 

What causes dry skin? 
Your skin may be genetically inclined to retain less moisture than others.  Living in a region with low humidity may cause dry skin.  Taking too many hot showers or baths can destroy your skin’s natural moisture.  Soaking in hot tubs with very hot water and chemicals will invariably leave your skin dry and scaly.  Bathing or showering too often can impede natural oil production.  In-door air conditioning and heating can severely dry skin out.  A poor diet can dehydrate you from the inside out, exacerbating dry skin.  Things like caffeine, alcohol, junk food and smoking can wreak havoc on skin, zapping natural moisture in an instant.  Using skin care products that actually work against your skin’s natural chemistry will leave your skin dry.  Some or all of these reasons disrupt the natural oils that the body normally produces to keep the skin moist and supple.  Addressing these moisture-reducing habits is the first place to start. 

4 Healthy Skin Habits 

1 • Bath or shower in room temperature or cool water.
In nature, with the exception of a few hot springs, most natural water sources are either cold or room temperature.  They also contain essential minerals vital for the skin.  While we may not be able to mimic the minerals that are vital for the skin, we can adjust our water temperature.

2 • Exfoliate the skin from head to toe at least twice per week.
Exfoliation helps rid the skin of dry, dead skin cells, creating a renewed surface.  Make your own exfoliates with raw sugar, a few drops of essential oil, and coconut or avocado oil.

3 • Moisturize skin with natural emollients.
Instead of store bought lotions that contain chemicals that may work against your skin’s natural chemistry, try using natural oils to moisturize your skin.  Some oils include coconut oil, avocado oil, or almond oil. 

4 • Stay well hydrated and reduce caffeine intake.
Fruits and vegetables have a high water content, making them an ideal part of a moisture-rich, skin-enhancing diet.  Drinking adequate amounts of water each day will prevent symptoms of dehydration, like dry skin. 

TRY THIS

Sweet Citrus Body Scrub

• 1/2 cup of raw coarse cane sugar
• 1 drop of essential orange oil
• 1 tbsp. of fresh squeezed orange juice 
• 1 tbsp. of orange zest
• 2 tbsp. of coconut oil (use more if needed to obtain desired consistency)
• Mix sugar and coconut oil.  Add remaining ingredients.  Store mixture in an air tight container, perhaps a Mason jar.  Use two applications within one week. 
• Place 1 tbsp. at a time in the palm of your hand.  Rub your hands together and begin massaging the mixture into your skin from head to toe.  Once your entire body is coated, rinse with cool or room temperature water. 

Your morning cup of coffee may be wrecking your efforts toward healthy skin.  Coffee is a natural diuretic which means it extracts moisture from the skin as it makes its way through your body.  Reducing the caffeine habit can really help skin flourish, as moisture stays locked in, leaving you with glowing skin.