Moisture For Healthy Skin

Although skin is the largest organ of the body, it can often be the largest neglected part of the
body as well. Our skin is subjected to so many different factors, from the change of seasons,
environmental factors, possible irritations and allergens, and daily activities. Even in the South,
in the winter season it is especially important to take extra special care of our skin due to the
changing seasons that can cause chapped lips, cracked hands and feet, and dry flaky skin
(often referred to as ashy skin, when the skin takes on a grayish flaky appearance). So to give
you some pointers, let’s begin from head to toe.

Your scalp must be given some TLC. If you suffer from dry scalp, using oils such as Moroccan
oil or Argan oil can be beneficial in giving your scalp some necessary hydration without weighing
your hair down and making it heavy. Moisturizing your hair and scalp will also help to prevent
dandruff, which essentially is dry skin that flakes and sheds. Research which hair oils are
recommended for your hair type.

When we think of healthy skin, the face is most often what we will think of, but don’t forget your
neck and decollate (or chest). For your skin type, whether it is dry, oily, sensitive or
combination, you MUST moisturize your skin. Use the same type of moisturizer on your face for
your neck and decollate. Oily skin types should use a moisturizer that is water-based, or
hydrophilic. Drier skin types should use moisturizers that are lipophilic, or oil-based. If you
have combination skin, using two different types of moisturizers is not unheard of. You can
concentrate the water-based moisturizer in the oilier area (which tends to be the T-zone, which
includes the forehead, nose and chin.) Applying the moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing is
ideal as well. You never want to “dry” your skin anyway. So remember after cleansing your
skin, never blot your skin dry, but use that time to apply your other skincare products and
moisturizer. And don’t forget those lips! Exfoliate your lips to rid any dry and flaky chapping
lips, and using lip balms regularly will keep your lips moisturized. Avoid licking your lips, as it
will only exacerbate chapped lips and make them drier.

For all day moisture, it is recommended to use a longer lasting form of moisture for your skin. I
love Shea butter! I’m talking all natural Shea butter in it’s purest form. When purchasing Shea
butter, it will be harder and yellow in color, but melts with heat and room temperature. You can
even purchase whipped Shea butter, because it will be easier to apply, but it will cost a little
more simply for the convenience. I recommend moisturizing your skin in the shower. As a
licensed esthetician, I know there are a lot of skincare products on the market, but for the body I
tend to favor all natural products for the moisturization of the skin. So whether you choose
coconut oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, etc., just make sure it is pure. Work the product into your
skin while in the shower immediately after cleansing and while the skin is still damp. Pay
special attention to the elbows, knees hands and feet, as these areas are either exposed more,
and/or have the thicker layers of skin for natural protection. Applying your moisturizer this way
will help to increase the moisture of your skin for a longer lasting effect throughout the day. As
an added bonus, you can use moisture masks with gloves and socks on your hands and feet
overnight once a week or once a month for deeper hydration.

I hope you found these tips useful, and you are on your way to healthy glowing skin! Keep your
largest organ happy, healthy, and moisturized. You will be so thrilled with your skin as you see
the difference these tips will make. We are obsessed with natural skincare at Carolina Eye
Candy in Summerville Columbia and Charleston, and will continue to give you tips to help you
keep your skin moisturized, glowing and healthy.

Beauty & Blessings,

Licensed Esthetician. Master Lash Artist. Minister of Beauty. Go-to Authority on Eyelash Enhancements and Education in South Carolina. To book a VIP service visit www.CarolinaEyeCandy.com