November is Healthy Skin Month

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By Nurse Diane

After giving birth to my son, my face seemed to dry out.  It was dry, flakey and painful.  I tried all kinds of moisturizers and beauty products to help this problem, and I finally found Clinique moisturizer.  A hypo allergic product that didn't burn when I rubbed it on my face.  The dryness was gone, and I have used it every day since.  It not only protects my skin, but moisturizes it and gives me a healthy glow. With the birth of each of my husband’s grandchildren, I have also gifted their mothers with a set of Clinique soap and moisturizer to start them on the way to good skin care.

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The skin is the body's first line of defense against diseases and infections. Any break in the skin's integrity will allow evil germs and bacteria an opening to your body.  Not only is it important to care for cuts or scrapes, but to prevent any type of skin damage.  The use of sun screen is important when you are outside, not only does it prevent the sun's rays from burning your skin, but also prevents the UV rays that can cause types of skin cancer.

With the winter months ahead, the skin can become dry with the use of artificial heat.  Dry skin can become dry and flaky.  Applying a lotion to the skin helps to prevent openings that allow germs to enter.  My father has the tendency to place his elbows on his desk or table.  This causes them to become chaffed and dry.  When I notice this, I grab his tube of lotion and apply it to his elbows and arms.

There are many types of lotions available.  There are some that are scented, and some for medical use.  One of the best things I have tried is Aquaphor.  this is a very thick petroleum lubricant that I use on my feet and hands.  After I rub some on, I will cover with socks and gloves to prevent it from getting everywhere.

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The lotions available help the outside of the skin, but water and good nutrition helps the skin from the inside out. Make sure that you not only drink plenty of water, but that you eat a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals to help the skin maintain that healthy glow.

November is Healthy Skin Month.  Using this month to be aware of your skin and use proper precautions to keep your skin healthy will be a great way to start a lifelong routine in proper skin care.  For an extra tip, I recently read an article about the use of honey and cinnamon for the care of pimples and other skin infections.  The directions from fatal facts.com are as follows:

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PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

If you don’t have a regular skin care routine -start one this month and keep your skin healthy and happy.

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Healthy Skin Month

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By Diane Forrest, RN

After the birth of my son my skin seemed to dry up.  My face looked like those pictures you see of the desert, dry and flaky.  I tried all kinds of products to moisturize, but they only seemed to cause burning and pain, and the flakes kept coming.  I finally found something that stopped the flaking without burning, and I have used it every day since.  I have also sent it to all the other women in the family after the birth of their first child, just in case they had the same problem I did.

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The skin is the body's first line of defense.  It’s like the armor the knights used in ancient times.  A break in the armor could be fatal to the knights, allowing swords or arrows to enter, just like the body's skin.  A break in the skin allows bacteria and viruses to enter the body.

There are a few things you can do to keep your skin healthy.  

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First of all drink plenty of water.  Water is good for the whole body, it:

• Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells;
• Moisturizes the air in lungs;
• Helps with metabolism;
• Protects our vital organ;
• Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better;
• Regulates body temperature;
• Detoxifies;
• Protects and moisturizes our joints; and
• Keeps the skin hydrated.

Next, eat a healthy diet.  Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.  I diet full of Vitamin C and low in fats and carbohydrates will promote younger healthier looking skin.

Third, wear sun screen when outside.  If possible, avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 p.m. and wear protective clothing.

Finally, treat your skin gently; don't use harsh chemicals when bathing.  Strong soaps will strip your skin of natural oils that protect your skin.  Don't use hot water, and limit bath times. Pat dry.

There are many products on the market for moisturizing your skin.  There are some just for your face, hands, feet and whole body.  I find these work better right after bathing while the skin is still moist.

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This month is Healthy Skin Month, so pay close attention to your skin, and don't get a break in your armor.