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| corneum cells, leaving the skin rough, chapped and red. Thin, fair, dry-skinned people are more likely to wrinkle than those with dark, oily skin. Very dry skin can be due to a depletion of fluids and internal moisture in the body. Though dark, oily skin may have tendency to break out during puberty, it does age more gracefully. |
| One way to affect the moisture of the skin is by eating fruits, vegetables and cooked grains, which are full of water. Herbs like marshmallow root, Irish moss and violet leaves taken as tea or in capsules can also help to moisturize from within. |
| How we cleanse the skin can also alleviate dryness. If you use soap, avoid brands that contain deodorants and detergents. Soaps made of glycerin, oatmeal or olive oil are the least drying. Your local natural food store has gentle cleansers available with soothing ingredients for dry skin such as Vitamin E, aloe vera and lecithin. |
| The best time to apply a moisturizer is right after bathing as water helps to keep the skin's outer layers from drying out and oil seals it in. When applying a moisturizer in cold weather, put the bottle in a cup of hot water for a few minutes before applying. Avoid poor-quality cosmetics that contain mineral oil, chemicals and artificial colors and fragrances. |
| During the day, it may be helpful to rehydrate the skin with a spray mist, especially on the face, which is the part of the body that is most exposed to the elements. A mister bottle may be filled with various moistening ingredients, such as mineral water with essential oils, and sprayed lightly (with eyes closed), even over makeup. One could also fill a mister with a tea of chamomile, fennel and orange blossoms. These mixtures should be kept refrigerated when not in use. One half-cup each of rose water and mineral water may also be used. An easy-to-prepare spray can be made with 8 ounces of pure water and 10 drops of lavender oil. Shake before spraying. Other spray-mist recipes are provided at the end of this book. If you fly a lot, remember that cabin air is very drying, and a spray mist is great to use. |
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