Guest Author - Grace D. Dooley

Winterizing extremely dry skin is a must for those who suffer with Xerosis, extremely itchy, dry skin which has an ashen appearance. Didn't know they had a scientific name for it did you? Neither did I, I just always figured it was extremely dry skin people had to deal with. This condition is found in every population of ethnicity. The difference is that the ashiness shows up on dark ethnic skin. The skin is white and a little scaly when scratched. It itches and feels tight, like if stretched it will crack and hurt.

This problem can be solved by using a good personal care regimen and moisturizing consistently and regularly. The skin needs to be hydrated with a formula that is hydrating, nourishing and moisturizing. It is best to look for products that contain olive oil, shea butter or coconut. It is also important to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest too.

When we talk about winterizing extremely dry skin we are talking about relieving the itching and tightness that accompanies this type of skin. As with everything, you must begin with a good personal care regimen. Shower and after, bedtime and those special pampering times.

Winter is unpredictable in that the weather is cold and dry. Your skin becomes very dry and more itchy in the winter months. The buildings we live in and work in all have very dry heat during the winter months, this process dries out everything including your skin. Even your clothes leaches a certain amount of natural oils. Finding ways to put it back in or conserve what you already have is what this article is about.

Let's start with your shower. Use your shower as a steam bath. Find a good moisturizing body wash preferably creamy. When used in the shower your pores are already open, the skin is stimulated and the cleasner can do it's cleaning. With all of this the skin is more pliable in accepting the skin moisturizing agents in your product.

Use your show as hot as you can stand for a few seconds. Turn down to a medium heat for your skin. Wash yourself under the medium hot water. After last after washing rinse with cool or lukewarm water. This calms the skin from the hot water. It closes the pores and cools down the skin. Do not use the water so hot you turn red. You are working with the steam from your shower. Before leaving the shower apply a body oil of some sort to help seal in the moisture your body just absorbed. Then dry off. The towel will absorb some of the oil but not before giving your skin a chance to drink it's fill.

Next is applying a quality moisturizing lotion or cream to back up your shower. Some things to consider when looking for a body moisturizer is the texture, smell and feel. Ask yourself how does it feel to the skin? How does the smell make me feel? Is the texture smoothing and soothing?

You should enjoy your body moisturizer. Find something that works for you. Something you truly love and enjoy so much you commit to a regimen. Believe it or not your skin will respond to certain skin conditioning agents in different ways depending on the type of skin. Don't be afraid to use your instinct. It's like allowing your skin and body to tell you what it needs.

During the day I use Avon's Moisture Therapy new addition of Shea Butter body Lotion. This body lotion is for dry, dehydrated skin. The smell is great. I find the smell and feel of this lotion to be very sensuous. It provides 24 hour protection against moisture loss.

Avon's SSS Night Body Cream is a luxurious way to make sure your skin is hydrated through the night. When applied You feel an instant softness to touch. The smell is soothing and relaxing. It helps to calm the skin even more from your shower. This body cream last throughout the night with an incredible soft touch and powdery feel.

The key here is keeping your skin super hydrated and moist at all times. Drink plenty of water. You have to hydrate and moisturizer from the inside as well as from the outside. If you suffer with eczema try mixing a little hydrocortizone with your cream or lotion. It aids in helping the itching of the skin.

Protect your skin from the elements of weather. Carry a travel size container of your favorite moisturizer for those times when you need to moisturize.

If you consider what is said here you will find some relief from your dry, itchy, scaly skin this winter. A good personal body care regimen will help maintain moisture in your skin at all times.

Avon's Moisture Therapy