Last time we discussed dry skin’s Do’s and Don’ts. Since the cold, arctic air is still with us, here are some questions you may still have about dry skin.

Question: What makes the skin dry, especially during the cold or winter months?
Answer: Oil that is naturally produced for the skin is the secret for keeping skin soft and moisturized. Frequent baths and showers in hot water can strip away the natural oils from the skin, which can cause the skin to feel dry and itchy. Seasonal and environmental factors such as a dry climate, low humidity, high winds or extreme temperatures can also deplete the amount of natural oil in the skin.

Question: I have oily skin. Why do I need to use a moisturizer?
Answer: All skin types need some kind of moisture to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth and looking more youthful. Women with oily skin sometime think adding a moisturizer means adding extra oil. But oil and moisture are two different things. In fact, oily skin can become as dehydrated as dry skin. Women with oily skin should use oil-free moisturizers to keep their skin looking its best.

Question: I already use a moisturizer for my face and body. Why do I need special moisturizers for specific areas?
Answer: Extra moisturizers for specific areas can give women that “extra something” to achieve the beautiful, younger-looking skin they want. Eye creams and gels can do amazing things for the eye area: firm, tighten reduce puffiness, reduce wrinkles and, best of all help women appear younger. Lip balms and exfoliating products can help lips stay soft, moist smooth and comfortable. Areas such as the feet and elbows require richer, dense moisturizers that can penetrate and soften the tough thick skin in those areas.

Call Margaret for your dry skin care needs.

Helpful Hints

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home in the winter
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold weather.  After washing your hands, always apply a moisturizer, such as Sating
• Hands hand cream to lock in moisture
• Use a sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF, such as Mary Kay’s SPF Sunscreen and Mary Kay Lip Protector Sunscreen SPF15from the Mary Kay Sun Care Collection, year-round to protect your skin.