Nothing is more romantic than a cold winter night, sitting by the fireplace, candles lit, drinking hot chocolate with your favorite person right next to you. Unfortunately for those of us who live in colder climates low humidity can bring on dry, itchy skin. (So much for romance!)

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air which is why we don’t get dry skin in the summer! Low humidity dries out your skin and mucous membranes. You might also notice that you have chapped lips or a dry sore throat when you wake up in the morning. Ever wonder why there is static electricity in the winter…yep…it’s the low humidity thing again. (I hate getting zapped every time I get out of the car don’t you?)

Indoors
While we can’t do anything about the humidity outside we can certainly improve it on the inside. Heating your home with a fireplace or wood stove helps leach the moisture out of the air resulting in low humidity. One way to put moisture back into your home is to purchase a humidifier. Commercial humidifiers are all fine and dandy but if you are anything like me you want a simple, low cost, and fun way to put that moisture back into the air.

Simply fill a saucepan with water and simmer it on your stove. Adding orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves will give your home a wonderful aroma.

Helping Your Skin
Dry skin is due to water loss so using a good moisturizer after your bath or shower is a must. After bathing dry yourself just until damp then apply your moisturizer. By leaving yourself a little damp water will be trapped next to the skin helping it rehydrate.

If you want a basic low-cost moisturizer any oil will do. Mineral, sunflower or sweet almond oil all work great but they will leave you feeling greasy! If you have a favorite moisturizer or lotion then by all means use it. All moisturizers do the same basic thing… it’s just a matter of personal preference in choosing the one that works best for you.

Oatmeal can work in the bath as a soothing agent. Pour 2 cups of colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal into a tub of warm (not hot) water. Soak, then towel dry until damp. Apply moisturizer.

Choose your soap carefully. Most commercial soap is actually detergent and can be harsh on your skin. If your skin is dry and already compromised then this may not be the correct cleaning agent to use. Some of the best, natural soaps to use are handcrafted. The natural oils, butters and glycerin are retained in the soap resulting in a gentle, less irritating product that will not strip your skin of necessary moisture.

Nutrients can be helpful in reducing dry skin. According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. Balch MD and Phyllis A. Balch CNC the following may be useful in preventing dry skin.

Primrose Oil – Contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid needed by the skin.

Vitamin A – Strengthens and protects the skin tissue.

Kelp – Supplies balanced minerals for good skin tone.

Vitamin E – Protects against free radicals and can minimize wrinkles

Collagen – Good for very skin. Can restore a healthy skin tone to damaged skin.

Herbs can be used topically to help sooth irritated skin.

Aloe vera has excellent soothing, healing and moisturizing properties.

Calendula and Comfrey have skin softening properties. They can also be used in a facial sauna. Comfrey also reduces redness.

Herbal/Floral Water can be misted on your skin to help replenish lost moisture. You can purchase commercial waters or make your own by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to 4 oz. of distilled water. Store in the refrigerator.

Diet can also play a role in helping dry skin. Eat a balance diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts. Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables as these are high in beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these have a diuretic effect causing the body, including skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals.

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

www.countrymeadowsoaps.com