Are you suffering from dry, itchy skin? You are not alone. There are several factors that may be contributing to your condition, including: sun damage, environmental factors, dehydration, hot water, dry air, poor moisturizers or lack of a proper moisturizing routine. Let’s explore a few ways to hydrate that skin below!
Drink Water
Do you remember learning in school about drinking 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water per day? Of course you do! Our body makeup, is predominantly water. While water helps your body to stay hydrated, flush out toxins and maintain a healthy weight, it is also a necessity for radiant, hydrated skin. Make sure to drink your recommended daily water intake. Add a lemon, cucumber or lime to the glass to zest it up a bit!
Eat Hydrating Foods
There are several foods that can help to nourish your skin from the inside and out! Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as they strengthen skin cells. In addition, omega-3’s reduce inflammation, help guard against sun damage and skin cancer. The most widely acknowledged food for consuming omega-3 fatty acids are fishes, including: sardines, mackerel, salmon, white albacore tuna and rainbow trout. However, you can find omega-3’s in other foods, including: walnuts, avocado, hemp hearts (Costco) and flaxseed.
Eat your veggies! Beta-carotene, is an antioxidant found in orange and yellow vegetables, that helps combat dry skin, guards against sun damage and protects against environmental elements. Dark, leafy greens contain phytochemicals and folates, to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Fruits are packed full of vitamin A and vitamin C, that help hydrate your skin by replenishing nutrients and promote the production of collagen. The best skin boosting fruits, include: pineapple, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe, grapefruit, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Practice Sun Safety
Who doesn’t love sunshine? While catching some rays, can be an enjoyable experience, it is imperative that you take the proper safety precautions to avoid dry skin, sun damage and skin cancer. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF 30, every two hours while out in the sun. Reapply more frequently if you are in and out of water. Avoid the sun’s peak hours for harmful UV (ultraviolet) exposure. Peak hours when the sun’s UV light is strongest, are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. PST, or 11 a.m and 4 p.m. daylight savings time. Wear protective clothing if out during these hours.
Moisturize Your Skin
The best way to hydrate your skin, is by properly moisturizing it! Moisturize with ceramides, particularly, ceramide 3. Be mindful about the ceramide ratio in the product. Any product can promote ceramides as an active ingredient. However, due to their expense, many products do not incorporate enough ceramides into their product, for your skin to benefit from them. Heavy cream and ointments are more effective with locking in moisture. Use them rather than a lotion. The TrueLipids line has been formulated to cater to these moisturizing needs. Apply a moisturizer at least twice per day. It is best to apply 3-5 minutes after your shower, for maximum moisture lock.
Below are some results from using TrueLipids Cracked Hands & Feet Kit , which includes products that address cracked and dry skin.
It is important to be strict about your moisturizing regimen. Develop a schedule and stick with it. Dry, itchy skin is not only displeasing to the eye, but can be uncomfortable. Because the skin is itchy, it poses the possibility of you scratching at it. Scratching can lead to serious infections. To avoid this, keep on top of your moisturizing routine!
