Massage Therapy Careers Today

Massage therapy careers have the potential to provide positive working environments, flexible schedules and lucrative earnings. Because physicians frequently recommend massage therapy to patients these days, candidates with "healing hands" can pursue a massage education at one of several accredited massage therapy schools.


In a massage program, students gain hands-on instruction in a variety of health-related science like anatomy, physiology and musculoskeletal pathology. In addition to general biosciences, healing arts schools will regularly extend training in CPR and first aid, as well as muscular testing (kinesiology).

Traditionally, the vast majority of vocational massage courses give students practical training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; however, a growing number of technical schools and alternative medicine schools have integrated Asian bodywork therapies like acupressure, Shiatsu, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage), craniosacral therapy, Rolfing, Trigger Point, medical massage, as well as numerous other modalities.

Some of the more centralized curriculums involve studies like reflexology, chair massage, and meridian therapy. While each educational program varies, the normal length of a massage course will range between 300 and 500 hours. However, with the expansion of integrative medicine, more and more health schools have begun increasing these training hours to well over 1,000 and in some cases, may provide degree programs in medical massage or massage therapy. Candidates who successfully complete all required coursework and clinical training achieve certification, diplomas or a degree.

Massage practitioners help patients relieve pain and other chronic conditions using various bodywork techniques and touch therapies. But in addition to helping in healing, massage therapists also help clients to improve blood circulation, enhance overall wellness and for relaxation purposes. Additionally, many massage patients often report increased energy levels.

The great job aspects of being a massage therapist are that in addition to gaining a sense of worth from helping others, massage practitioners have the opportunity to work aboard cruise liners, holiday retreats, day spas, wellness clinics; and in a great number of other healthcare related facilities like hospitals, primary care clinics, and chiropractic offices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, qualified massage therapists can anticipate an abundance of job opportunities as the field is expected to increase faster than average over the several, coming years. Furthermore, depending on education and experience, massage therapists can earn over $30 hourly.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage classes or schools, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Read more...

Detoxification for a Healthier and More Energetic You

Do you feel tired all the time and have low energy? Do you have frequent headaches or are you sensitive to certain foods or chemicals? Are your hands and feet cold? These are some of the indications that your body may be toxic. Today there are 77,000 chemicals that are in active production in North America and more than 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply. And one of the best ways to rid the body of these toxins is with the far infrared sauna.


Chemicals are everywhere. The EPA estimates there are more than 20,000 chemicals that our bodies cannot metabolize and everyday, we ingest tiny amounts of these chemicals. Pesticide residues are detectable in 50% - 95% of the food consumed in the U.S. “Silver" dental fillings contain mercury (a cause of Parkinson's disease and many other neurological disorders) that leaches out and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue and lungs. The average carpet outgases more than 12 chemicals (such as benzene, a known cause of leukemia) all of which can cause disease.

Dr. Sherry Rogers in her book Detoxify or Die elaborates of the pervasiveness of chemicals. “Air pollution and water pollution are only a small part of the toxicity story. There are thousands of harmful environmental toxins, some of which we’re aware of -- such as pesticides, chemicals, household cleansers, fertilizers -- and others, which seem perfectly innocent, such as those ubiquitous plastic water bottles, styrene cups, dental fillings, and plastic wrap. These are just a few small examples of the alarming amount of harmful toxins our bodies are absorbing every day.”

Studies show that most of us have between 400 and 800 chemical residues stored in the fat cells of our bodies. The Columbia University School of Public Health reports that 95% of cancer is caused by diet and environmental toxicity. If the chemicals are unable to be excreted from the body, they find their way into our liver, and then migrate to fat cells in organs throughout the body where they are stored. When our bodies exceed the limit for toxins we can excrete, those too are stored. Chemicals and heavy metals make up our "total toxic burden". This bioaccumulation compromises our physiological and psychological health and leads to chronic disease. As these chemicals build up, they alter our metabolism, cause enzyme dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies, create hormonal imbalances, damage brain chemistry, and cause cancer.

Because the chemicals accumulate in different parts of the body and at different rates and in different combinations, there is a disturbingly large variety of different chronic illnesses that can result. And because the complex interrelationship of these chemicals to the unique health history of each individual, the symptoms of chemical toxicity can manifest differently in each of us. Some of these may include:
HeadachesSkin ConditionsInflammatory DiseasesAutoimmune DiseasesChronic Fatigue and more
The sauna generates infrared light which is part of the Sun's invisible spectrum. It has the ability to easily penetrate human tissue. You can be exposed to Far Infrared heat for hours, and it will never cause your skin to burn. Far Infrared heat is completely healthy and safe for all living things. It is what makes the sun feel warm to you. Infrared heat is not the UV rays that cause sunburn. The temperature range for an infrared sauna is from 100-130° F and is much less than a normal Finnish sauna which ranges from 150-220°F. The waves of the infrared sauna penetrate the skin about 1 _-2 inches deep. This creates a natural resonance, which has many beneficial properties. Primarily it causes water in cells to react, causing the release of toxins in blood, sweat and urine.

Some of the benefits of an infrared sauna experience are:
Enhanced circulation and oxygenated tissuesIncreased energy production facilitating healingIncreased metabolismEnhanced sex lifeElimination of toxinsOpening of nasal passagesMore rapid healing of infectionsHastened tumor deathImproved nervous disordersRelief from digestive disordersEnhanced weight lossNormalization of blood pressure These are some of the many benefits that may accrue to the user of an infrared sauna. The sauna can be used by just about anyone and there are very few contraindications. Everyone has some form of chemical toxicity in their bodies, the only difference is the amount of chemicals and how the symptoms manifest. The infra red sauna is one of the best ways to rid the body of these unwanted toxins.

Read more...

Gentle Therapy For Seniors And The Infirmed

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork that enhances the body's natural healing mechanisms by helping it dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. This therapy is increasingly used by many as a preventative measure to maintain good health. Because of the gentle application of CranioSacral Therapy it is especially appealing to seniors and the infirmed.


Seniors
I first began treating on of my clients, who is 73 years old, because he had been suffering from chronic migraine headaches his entire adult life. Especially under times of stress, he would experience an unrelenting headache that would last 4 or more days at a time. Pain medication would barely bring him relief. He had come to accept the headaches as a way of life, but decided to try CranioSacral therapy on the advice of a friend.

During his first therapy session I discovered that the patient had experienced a blow to the head at the age of 19 when he was in the military. After his first 2 CranioSacral sessions this patient noticed a reduction in the frequency of his headaches. He continued therapy sessions with me twice a month. After 6 sessions, this patient noticed that he would get the feeling that a headache was about to begin, but the sensation would disappear and never turn into a full-blown headache. By his eighth session this patient was no longer experiencing migraine headaches. He now receives treatment once every two months to maintain the state of his health.

Seniors, especially once their spouse has passed away, are rarely touched in a nurturing way. The same situation exists for those who are infirmed. They are usually only touched by someone who is caring for their medical needs. CranioSacral Therapy gives me the opportunity to give seniors and the infirmed healthy, nurturing touch.

The Infirmed
My work as a hospice therapist brings me in contact with seniors in nursing homes and those who are bedridden and terminally ill. CranioSacral Therapy is such a gentle therapy that it can be used even on patients to are seriously ill. It can safely be used in conjunction with other therapeutic and medical procedures.

One of my CranioSacral patients was a 69 year old who had recently revocered from surgery and chemotherapy for bladder cancer. The patient's main complaint when he began treatment was that he was having trouble sleeping. He explained that since the surgery he could sleep for no more than 2 hours at a time. He had to get up all night long with the urge to empty his bladder. The morning after his first CranioSacral session this patient phoned me to say that for the first time since his surgery he had been able to sleep for 6 hours straight. This patient received only 2 more sessions and now, a year later, reports that he continues to sleep through the night.

How CranioSacral Therapy Works
The cranium, or skull, is made up of 22 separate bones. There is a misconception that the cranial bones grow together and fuse as we age. In fact, barring some trauma or rare condition, these bones continue to move throughout our lifetime, ideally in a rhythmic, healthy pattern. CranioSacral Therapy involves the therapist following the rhythm of the CranioSacral system and balancing and gently aligning the cranial bones and the sacrum. A very light pressure of as little as 5 grams is used. This is about the weight of a nickel.

A CranioSacral session usually takes place with the patient remaining fully clothed and reclining on a treatment table. For the patient who is seriously ill, the session can take place with the client on a bed. A therapy session can last from about 15 minutes to more than an hour. As a practitioner of CranioSacral Therapy I have seen my senior and infirmed clients benefit with better memory, better circulation, more energy and fewer aches and pains.

Read more...

Whatever Happened to Biofeedback?

In the 60�s, Biofeedback was just at the beginning stages with teaching a patient to monitor his body�s response to pain. In the 40 + years which have passed, Biofeedback has grown and expanded into the Neuroscience field we have today with various applications being used from Peak Performance training for athletes to reducing Seizure Disorder. Vast research exists today with wonderful results often surpassing the medical communities own research, surgical procedures and new pharmaceuticals. But no one knows about Neurofeedback. When quizzed about Biofeedback, people often say,� I heard about that in the 60�s. It didn�t work.� We heard about rocket science then too, and look where the Space Program has gone!


Neurofeedback is the use of EEG-driven computers to enhance brainwave training. The brain is run by four power frequencies: Alpha, Beta, Delta and Theta. It should function like a well oiled machine, but too often we use drugs, have car accidents or are subjected to illnesses and stress which can strip the brain of its self healing power. This can cause the brain frequencies to become out of sync, or to act like an engine �out of tune�. Using the computer and a Neurofeedback instrument, we can inhibit undesirable frequencies or enhance good frequencies to produce a better state of health. Once trained, the brain will maintain this new state of health. It�s like learning a new language. When you submerse yourself in training, your brain learns quickly and works to retain what it has learned. Your reward is better health, a calm and focused mind where things are accomplished more easily and quickly without stress or strain.

Success rates are amazing such as 85% for ADD/ADHD and 92% for Chronic Pain, and can generally see improvement in as little as 20 hours. With more complex diagnoses, greater numbers of sessions must be done in order to achieve success. Those with symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury can have better cognition, memory, improved speech and gait, a reduction in seizures and lessening of paralysis. Quite often, a patient may also reduce the need for medication.

Through the use of the Quantitative Brain Map or QEEG, we can see the whole brain functioning at once and identify points of treatment. Seizure focal points can be noticed and treated before problems arise. ContraCoup injuries (whiplash) can be positively identified and specifically site treated. Some instruments can even help the therapist diagnose on a session-to-session basis. Our goal is to balance the brain and reduce our response to stress. Neurofeedback could well be the North Star to modern medicine. Whatever your diagnosis, be an informed patient. Do the research and see if Neurofeedback can help in some area of your life.

Explaining Neurofeedback:
�Symphony in the Brain� by Jim Robbins

Some helpful websites:
www.Biofeedbackcalifornia.org
www.Aapb.org
www. Snr-jnt.org
www.Eeginstitute.com
www.Neurofeedback-dribric.com


For research papers see the Byers Neurotherapy Reference Library. It contains thousands of publi8shed works on Neurotherapy. Contact your EEG professional for more information.

Read more...

Comparing Skin Care Products

Women from all walks of life have forever sought endless beauty. The shift today, however, is that men are also doing the same. Longevity and beauty have stepped into the limelight as countless numbers of baby boomers begin to “grow” wrinkles.


We no longer just worry about survival, but we also fret about the quality of our health and the manifestation of such to be exhibited outwardly – our appearance. The biological sciences are making rapid advances in all areas.

If you are in the market for a skin care product, beware. Know what you’re buying before you buy it. Effective skin care products must include ingredients that protect the skin during the day and repair it at night.

This is the first secret of an effective skin care program; the second is having effective products. So what is the difference between products that work and products that do not work?

Commercial products that are successful must also be profitable. Two methods are used to sell skin care products. The first is to promise something good will happen when the product is used. This is the “hope in a jar” method. It requires constant and expensive advertising to suggest the buyer will look just like the woman in the ad if she uses the product.

As long as the commercial runs, the product will sell. However, cost of the commercials is so high that it is next to impossible to make a quality product for this market.

The second method is to make a quality product and let the product’s performance speak for itself. Only a certain amount of advertising is needed, and once the product is established, the name will carry future sales. Many professional products are marketed this way.

Most companies of mass-market products must keep the cost of materials very low, including the ingredients and the packaging. The ingredients are the key to an effective product – not only the type of ingredients but also the quality. Most inexpensive products will contain ingredients such as mineral oil, stearic acid, and some alkali to form a soap emulsion. A little fragrance and color and, voila, you have a skin care product.

Many people are misled that if a product looks good and smells good, it must be good. Not so. Actually, it may do your skin more harm than good.

Sometimes these poorly-formulated products will list exotic ingredients on the label to impress the buyer. Usually, they are in the product at very low levels-at levels that cannot possibly affect any kind of change to the skin. It is the same as making a pot of tea with only one tealeaf. It can be called tea, but it is not really tea, or, at least, not very good tea.

The consumer needs to be aware that a good skin care product cannot be made cheaply. For example, one ingredient in a major skin care product line cost about $3,000 a kilogram, a gram cost $3, so 0.9 grams will cost $2.70 just for that one ingredient. Consider that a good skin care product may have more than 15 ingredients. It is easy to see why the cost of skin care products can be so expensive.

On the other hand, the average cheap skin care product contains less than 30 cents’ worth of total active ingredients. No matter what claims are made for a cheap product, the quality and quantity of active ingredients tell the story.
Whether or not you go out and buy the most expensive skin care product on the market or the cheapest, just be aware that not all skin care products are made equal-read the label carefully and judge accordingly.

Read more...

The Best Treatments for Dealing with Psoriasis

Choosing a psoriasis treatment can be difficult, as people react differently to different treatments. While choosing a treatment, it is important to consult your doctor and to discuss your psoriasis symptoms. Specific psoriasis conditions (like scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis or pustular psoriasis) may require different treatment.


What is Psoriasis?


Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. There are different forms of psoriasis (including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic). Psoriasis can also affect different areas of the body (including scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis, psoriasis on the face, psoriasis on the hands and feet and psoriasis of the nails).


Usually people have only one type of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes psoriasis can change from one form of psoriasis to another. It is most likely to appear on the scalp, knees, elbows or torso, but it can develop anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not infectious and cannot be caught from another person.


People suffering from psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but not as severe. It may affect the fingers, toes, neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, it can cause irreversible damage to joints.

SCALP PSORIASIS


About fifty percent of people suffering from psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the body producing too many skin cells on the scalp, resulting in red lesions covered with a white scale (made up of dead skin cells). In extreme cases of scalp psoriasis, thick plaques can cover the scalp and cause hair loss.


What Causes Psoriasis?


The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to be a genetic condition. It seems that the immune system speeds up the growth of new skin cells, so that the skin cells pile up. Often, there is something that triggers the immune system to act in this way and the resulting psoriasis. Some of the triggers that can cause psoriasis are:


?Stress;

?Injury to the skin;

?Infection;

?Reaction to drugs;

?Vaccinations;

?Sunburn;

?Scratches;

?Weather;

?Diet;

?Allergies.


Symptoms of Psoriasis


Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. People suffering from plaque psoriasis will develop 'lesions' on their skin, which are covered by a white scale (from dead skin cells). The skin will also be itchy.


Remedies


Treatment for psoriasis depends on the type of psoriasis you are suffering from and the psoriasis treatment that works best for you. Discuss any treatment with your doctor or skin specialist.


RELIEVING THE ITCH
One of the most uncomfortable things about psoriasis is the associated itchiness. Cool water can help relief this itchiness. Try a wet towel, a cold shower, a cold bath or a cold pack. Many of the medication and natural treatments mentioned below will also help combat the itchiness.


NATURAL REMEDIES


When considering treatment for psoriasis, it may be beneficial to know some of the natural treatments that are available. Although none of these treatments will cure psoriasis, they may relieve the symptoms and itchiness and help prevent further outbreaks from occurring. All natural treatments should be discussed with your doctor, as it may affect any psoriasis treatment he or she prescribes.


?Baths can be beneficial by themselves in relieving itchiness. Oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts can help remove the scales and also help in soothing itchiness.


?Aloe Vera is often used to soothe and moisturize skin.


?Apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe the skin. You may also add it to a bath.


?Capsaicin is found in cayenne peppers. It can help treat red, scaly and itchy skin.


?Evening primrose oil can be found in cream or lotion form. It can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.


?Tea tree can be applied to the skin or added to baths.


?Fish oil, taken as a supplement, can help improve the symptoms associated with psoriasis.


?Milk thistle can be purchased in tablet or fluid form. It helps stop T-cell activation.


?Turmeric can help relieve psoriatic arthritis.


MEDICATION


Psoriasis medication is available to treat all types of psoriasis.
Some of these medications will need to be prescribed by a doctor. Others may be bought over the counter.


?Tar was used for many years to treat psoriasis. It is available over-the-counter.


?Anthralin is a steroid-free topical psoriasis treatment, generally used to treat plaque psoriasis.


?Dovonex is a synthetic vitamin D3 product. It is available by prescription. Dovonex slows down the rate of skill cell growth.


?Salicylic acid helps removes scales. It is available by prescription or over-the-counter.


?Tazorac is a derivative of vitamin A. Tazorac can be bought as psoriasis cream or gel.


?Topical steroids are available by prescription.


?Phototherapy (including UVB phototherapy and PUVA) exposes the skin to light.


?Psoriasis medicine may be prescribed by your doctor. Some common ingredients in psoriasis medicine are amevive, raptiva, cyclosporine, methotrexate and soriatane.


PSORIASIS CURE


As yet, there is no known cure for psoriasis. Researchers are studying psoriasis and trying to find a psoriasis cure.


Preventative Strategies
It can be difficult to prevent psoriasis outbreaks, but avoiding some of the possible triggers for your psoriasis can reduce the amount of outbreaks that occur. It is important to know the symptoms of psoriasis so that you can recognize psoriasis as soon as it occurs and identify any possible triggers. It is not always possible to avoid all psoriasis triggers, but try to avoid triggers as much as you can.


?Stress. This is a very hard one to avoid, especially as the psoriasis may, in itself, be a cause of stress.


?Learn some relaxation techniques and strategies for coping with stress.


?Extreme weather conditions. Protect your skin from the sun and the cold.


?Skin injuries or traumas. Skin injuries may trigger a psoriasis episode. Be extra careful in trying to avoid any injuries to the skin.


?Respiratory infections. Keep your immune system healthy by eating well and resting. A healthy immune system will be better able to fight off any infections quickly.


?Dry skin. Keep your skin moisturized. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a good moisturizer for your condition.


Treating Psoriasis


Treating psoriasis needs to be done on an individual basis. Different people will respond differently to medications and treatments. Specific types of psoriasis may need specific types of treatment. Discuss all of your psoriasis symptoms with your doctor. Make sure you mention any specific psoriasis symptoms (such as those associated with scalp psoriasis or genital psoriasis). You should also tell the doctor if there has been anything that may have triggered a psoriatic episode. Your doctor will then be able to help you find the best psoriasis treatment, according to your particular needs.


http://www.skinii.com/skin-rash/the_best_treatments_for_dealin.html

Read more...

Dry skin care

Dry skin is common; as skin loses moisture it cracks. The inherited form of dry skin is known as ichthyosis. Dermatologists often call dry skin in later life xerosis or asteatosis. Dry skin looks dry, sometimes flakes, and often feels tight, especially if you have washed it with soap and water. Sometimes it is lacking some of the protective sebum and so it reacts to very hot and very cold weather by tightening up.


Dry skin most often occurs on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age.


One of the best and most effective things you can do to help dry skin is to moisturize your dry skin. Moisturizers are a very important part of dermatology since keeping the skin moist is one of the key factors in healthy skin. Most moisturizers available are composed of some formulation of oil and water, with added ingredients that may or may not help to combat dry skin. However, moisturizers are only capable of keeping moisture from escaping out of the skin, not putting moisture back into the skin.


Make sure you choose a product specifically for dry skin and apply as directed. For moisturizers that work by trapping moisture in the skin, the most effective available is petrolatum or vaseline, which provides a coating over the skin through which water cannot escape. Unfortunately, because it is greasy, not many people like to use it. Ointments are usually like petrolatum, since most have an oily base. They are also very greasy and are usually used at bedtime rather than during the day. Moisturizing creams contain more oil than water and, as a result, are also very effective. These also may feel a little greasy, but less so than ointments or petrolatum. Lotions are the most popular moisturizer because the absorb quickly, but because they contain more water than oil, they are not as effective. Moisturizers are now adding other ingredients to help add to their moisturizing capabilities.


Humectants are a class of moisturizers which do not contain oil and may be classified as oil-free. These contain glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. Humectants work by drawing moisture out of the air and trapping it next to the skin. These are especially effective in more humid climates. Exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids actually improve the skin's ability to retain moisture by getting read of dead, dry skin. Dead, dry skin cells can add to the problem because these dead skin cells alllow water to escape through their cracks. Alpha hydroxy acids help the skin shed these skin cells and replace those skin cells with healthy cells that are able to creat a more effective water barrier.


Very dry skin often lacks the lipids found in healthy, young skin. These lipids help the skin keep moisture in the skin and keep it well hydrated. Without these lipids, water escapes easily and skin is left even more dry and cracked. If your skin is extremely dry, a lipid-replacement moisturizer will be the most helpful. Many moisturizers are now adding the lipids into their formulas in order to restore lipids where they might be lacking in the skin. Lipids are located in the outer layer of the skin and work by trapping water within the skin. When the lipid content is reduced, water in the skin evaporates quickly, resulting in dry skin. Use of lipid products can help restore the lipid content in the skin, allowing the skin to retain water naturally.

Be diligent, develop a routine, make it a priority. Apply a touch of your natural moisturizer over the freshly cleansed, toned, and dampened skin on your throat, cheeks, and around your eyes. Men should follow a two-step process. Apply moisturizer immediately after shaving. Wait ten minutes. Then moisturize again. It is very important if you have dry skin to have a skin care regimen that you follow daily. You should have a good nighttime moisturizer as well as a good day time moisturizer. After you clean and tone your skin, apply a splash of water or a water-misting. Pat almost dry with a soft towel, then smooth moisturizer from bosom to hairline. Allow five minutes for immediate absorption (cover your face and throat with warm washcloths to hasten penetration), then blot off any excess moisturizer with a tissue. Men can skip the toner but should moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area.


Reduce how often you bath or shower, using lukewarm water. Showers are better than baths. Each day when you take your bath or shower, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. Bathing should be done no more than once a day. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin causing dryness. In the morning, just splash cool water or use a moisturizing toner and apply moisturizer. Because cleansers can strip away sebum and natural moisturizing factors from your skin, washing at night gives your skin time to replenish itself, before you need to face outside elements. Morning scrubs don't give your dry skin time to recover its defenses before you go outside. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.


Do not over-indulge in sunbathing. Excessive exposure to sun rays can cause dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer. All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily. As much as possible, stay out of the sun. The sun is responsible for most of the damage done to the skin. It causes dryness, wrinkles, and even rashes and blisters. Always apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin if you must be in the sun.


Those with dry skin should stay away from deodorant or antibacterial soaps, since they can be drying to the skin. If the odor-fighting capabilities of these soaps are desirable, then it is recommended that they be used only on areas such as the armpits, etc...Cleansing creams and lotions are the most useful for particularly dry or sensitive skin. They leave behind a layer of oil that helps lubricate the skin much as moisturizers do, but they are only moderately effective at cleansing the skin. Mildly moisturizing soaps are probably the most useful for general use since they clean adequately without stripping the skin of it's natural oils.


Always rinse and dry hands carefully, particularly after contact with household products. Chapped and irritated dry skin on the hands is a common problem for people with dry skin. Try rubber gloves to protect them from hot water and detergents. If you are allergy-prone, wear a cotton pair underneath. You could develop contact dermatitis from the rubber in the gloves. Wear PVC waterproof gloves to avoid contact with detergents and other household irritants, or wear thin cotton gloves underneath waterproof gloves. Do not wear the gloves for long periods of time. Cotton gloves are useful for dirty work. Wash cotton gloves frequently. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don't wear clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.


Extreme weather conditions exacerbate and cause dry skin. - hot and sunny, cold and windy. At Home, do not set your central heating too high - hot air can be detrimental. Use a simple humidifier - a bowl of water beside a radiator is sufficient. Wear cloves in cold weather. Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%). Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.


Do not smoke. Smoking has a harmful effect on the skin for several reasons. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries that serve the skin. This deprives the skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health. Smoking also can make the skin dry and leathery.

http://www.skinii.com/skincare.html

Read more...