Skin Care 101

The majority of this information is a re-print of a similar article originally written in January 2005. If you're new to the newsletter or you'd like to reread any of our other newsletters, visit our newsletter archive.

Sincerely,

Katie Weaver & The National Allergy Newsletter Team
http://www.nationalallergy.com

• The average adult has 21 square feet of skin, weighing approximately 7 lbs.
• Skin is made up of about 300 million cells.
• Human skin is nearly as thin as a few sheets of paper.
• The thickest skin is found on the palms and soles and the thinnest on the lips and around the eyes.
• Skin serves to waterproof the body and protect it from invaders.
• Touch is one of the first senses to develop - even in the womb, a baby feels its way to bring hand to mouth.

Doctors also recommend keeping our skin hydrated to prevent cracking and pre-mature aging. If you ever feel overwhelmed when looking for the right skin moisturizer, here is a summary of the four basic classes of body moisturizers, in order of effectiveness: ointments, oils, creams and lotions.

Ointment Moisturizers do the best job at trapping moisture in the skin. However, they usually have a greasy feel. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is the most common example of an ointment moisturizer. When applying these moisturizers, use only a small amount and rub it in well.

Oil Moisturizers have less of a greasy feel. The most common oils applied directly to the skin are baby oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil and bath oil (like RoBathol). Pure vitamin E oil for eczema is another moisturizing agent that I often use after a shower, especially during the winter. Vitamin E oil, available at many health food stores, is said to promote healing of cuts, burns, eczema, and other skin problems, and I'm hoping it fends off those squint lines I'm developing! Another way to get the benefits of vitamin E oil for eczema is to use a product that includes it as an ingredient like Vitec - a high potency lotion that leaves skin soft and nourished.

Cream Moisturizers are more popular than ointments because they don't leave as much of a greasy residue. Typically white in color and of a rather thick consistency, creams are rubbed into the skin. Common examples of cream moisturizers include Vaseline Cream, Eucerin and Neutrogena Hand Cream. My sister's allergist, along with many of National Allergy's referring physicians, recommends Vanicream, a non-greasy, non-scented moisturizer formulated especially for eczema and other dry skin conditions.

Lotion Moisturizers are suspensions of oily chemicals in alcohol and water. Lotions are the most popular moisturizers, available in an endless variety of scents and colors, and usually not as thick as creams. However, those with skin or chemical sensitivities should be cautious since many lotions contain alcohol, lanolin and fragrances. Also, if a lotion does not feel at least a bit greasy when being applied, it may not be providing the hydrating protection you need. Some doctor-recommended lotions include Vaseline Intensive Care, U-Lactin, Lubriderm, and Nivea. We love U-Lactin for its super-absorbency and soft, non-greasy feel.

What Causes Dry Skin?

The National Allergy Educational E-Mail Newsletter is © 2007 National Allergy Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

All trademarks not owned by National Allergy Supply, Inc. or its subsidiaries that appear in this newsletter are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by National Allergy Supply, Inc. or its subsidiaries.