Dry Winter Skin
Oh what a beautiful day
Monday, gray dreary misty. Yuck.
How wonderful -- another day. Another day to try to improve, another day to spend with my friends and family. Another day to enjoy. Wonderful swirling mist with the bare winter trees peaking out. So serene. Moisture to easy my dry winter skin. Moisture after a month of none. Even the birds are quiet barely speaking to the day. My neighborhood squirrel is sleeping in and has not yet added his scolding to the sounds of the morning.
The way you look at each day is a matter of choice. Same day same people different attitude and outlook.
Like all things, this too will pass. When I drag the trashcans down to the curb in a little while, I will be shivering in the cold. When the dogs go in and out today they will leave wet dirty tracks across my stone tile floors. (On the other hand, I won't have to mop today - not much point)
Oh, that dry winter skin. Because it is cold, I spend longer in the shower just soaking up the hot water. Your choice may be to soak in a hot tub. Either way, we are just leeching the moisture out of our skin. And regretfully, older skin does not have that much moisture to start with before we stick it in hot water.
My husband is very much a "man". He puts on the lotion in the winter, but does it privately so no one can see - it is not a manly thing to do. Come on guys, what would you rather have, dry scaly itchy skin or a little unscented lotion. I know there are lots of manly lotions out there but that can makes a bit of overkill on the fragrance. You have learned to put on chap stick to keep your lips from cracking. Life will be much more comfortable with a little manly lotion.
Ladies, I am sorry but if you put scented lotions on, you are adding to the clash of smells. Just consider how many different smells you put on. Make up, hair products, body wash, lotions and then a spritz of perfume. For many ladies, the end result is an overpowering mix of scents that can make your eyes water.
I had a lovely lady as a customer many years ago. She was always elegantly dressed, hair perfect and make up that would make a teenager blush. The clerks in the store fought -- to not have to wait on her. She stunk so badly that only the strongest stomach could stand the encounter. I am sure she bathed once a month if she needed it or not. However, deodorant was not in daily use and strong rose scented perfume was.
Older folks are encouraged to NOT bath daily. They seldom get really sweaty and their skin is thin fragile and dry. I agree. However, don't make the mistake of using scent to cover smell - it does not work.
For older folks, use a lukewarm washcloth to wipe the skin to remove daily soil and sweat. Use an unscented lotion lavishly - not perfume. If you are a care giver for an older person, use gentle strokes with that washcloth, you don't want to damage the skin.
What kind of lotion? I have known people who used Vaseline daily. I know people who use the expensive $40 a bottle stuff. I know people who use the $.99 specials. What works for you.
You want to put on your lotion while your skin is slightly damp. Guys, don't just put lotion on your hands, smooth it all the way to your elbows.
This is not a vanity thing. This is a health issue. Skin tears are an open invitation to infection.
So buy an extra bottle of lotion. Try different brands, you can go on the internet and find coupons for the more expensive ones. And if you don't like the smell or the way it feels, then use it on your feet and get something else for your hands and arms. Oh, if you try the Vaseline - a little goes a very long way.
Yes, that old recommendation that you slather on lotion and then put on cotton gloves before bed - it does work. I just can't sleep with gloves or socks, so I put some TV time to double duty and just moisturize while I'm entertaining my brain.
Dry skin gets to everybody in the winter. For us older folks, it goes beyond inconvenience and becomes a trial. Little things like an extra glass of water and a little lotion go a long way in keeping skin soft and healthy.
until next time - smile and stay warm
Sharon
Answers For Your Health
Monday, gray dreary misty. Yuck.
How wonderful -- another day. Another day to try to improve, another day to spend with my friends and family. Another day to enjoy. Wonderful swirling mist with the bare winter trees peaking out. So serene. Moisture to easy my dry winter skin. Moisture after a month of none. Even the birds are quiet barely speaking to the day. My neighborhood squirrel is sleeping in and has not yet added his scolding to the sounds of the morning.
The way you look at each day is a matter of choice. Same day same people different attitude and outlook.
Like all things, this too will pass. When I drag the trashcans down to the curb in a little while, I will be shivering in the cold. When the dogs go in and out today they will leave wet dirty tracks across my stone tile floors. (On the other hand, I won't have to mop today - not much point)
Oh, that dry winter skin. Because it is cold, I spend longer in the shower just soaking up the hot water. Your choice may be to soak in a hot tub. Either way, we are just leeching the moisture out of our skin. And regretfully, older skin does not have that much moisture to start with before we stick it in hot water.
My husband is very much a "man". He puts on the lotion in the winter, but does it privately so no one can see - it is not a manly thing to do. Come on guys, what would you rather have, dry scaly itchy skin or a little unscented lotion. I know there are lots of manly lotions out there but that can makes a bit of overkill on the fragrance. You have learned to put on chap stick to keep your lips from cracking. Life will be much more comfortable with a little manly lotion.
Ladies, I am sorry but if you put scented lotions on, you are adding to the clash of smells. Just consider how many different smells you put on. Make up, hair products, body wash, lotions and then a spritz of perfume. For many ladies, the end result is an overpowering mix of scents that can make your eyes water.
I had a lovely lady as a customer many years ago. She was always elegantly dressed, hair perfect and make up that would make a teenager blush. The clerks in the store fought -- to not have to wait on her. She stunk so badly that only the strongest stomach could stand the encounter. I am sure she bathed once a month if she needed it or not. However, deodorant was not in daily use and strong rose scented perfume was.
Older folks are encouraged to NOT bath daily. They seldom get really sweaty and their skin is thin fragile and dry. I agree. However, don't make the mistake of using scent to cover smell - it does not work.
For older folks, use a lukewarm washcloth to wipe the skin to remove daily soil and sweat. Use an unscented lotion lavishly - not perfume. If you are a care giver for an older person, use gentle strokes with that washcloth, you don't want to damage the skin.
What kind of lotion? I have known people who used Vaseline daily. I know people who use the expensive $40 a bottle stuff. I know people who use the $.99 specials. What works for you.
You want to put on your lotion while your skin is slightly damp. Guys, don't just put lotion on your hands, smooth it all the way to your elbows.
This is not a vanity thing. This is a health issue. Skin tears are an open invitation to infection.
So buy an extra bottle of lotion. Try different brands, you can go on the internet and find coupons for the more expensive ones. And if you don't like the smell or the way it feels, then use it on your feet and get something else for your hands and arms. Oh, if you try the Vaseline - a little goes a very long way.
Yes, that old recommendation that you slather on lotion and then put on cotton gloves before bed - it does work. I just can't sleep with gloves or socks, so I put some TV time to double duty and just moisturize while I'm entertaining my brain.
Dry skin gets to everybody in the winter. For us older folks, it goes beyond inconvenience and becomes a trial. Little things like an extra glass of water and a little lotion go a long way in keeping skin soft and healthy.
until next time - smile and stay warm
Sharon
Answers For Your Health
Labels: dry skin care, winter dry skin
posted by sharono at 5:48 PM
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