Moisture is most important for the skin. It helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and supple. The skin can be dry due to various reasons. There may be under-activity of the oil producing glands of the skin. Due to a lack of oil, the skin’s ability to hold moisture is hampered. Seasonal changes also cause moisture loss. In winter, the skin loses moisture to the atmosphere and become dry. Habitual lack of moisture can lead to dehydrated skin, with dry patches. Scaling of the skin can also occur, giving rise to tiny white flakes, or even redness. Atmospheric conditions, exposure to the sun, heaters, soaps and chlorinated water, make-up cosmetics and air pollution can also lead to moisture depletion and further aggravate the problem of dry skin patches. If there dry patches with itching and redness, consult a doctor.

Moisturizing plays an important protective role in skin care, by sealing in natural moisture and also preventing moisture depletion. The skin absorbs moisture in the form of an emulsion of oil and water. It cannot absorb water or oil by itself. Therefore, the only way of dealing with the problem of dry skin and dry patches is to apply moisturizers daily, to replenish moisture loss and keep the skin soft and moist. Moisturizers are available in both liquid and cream forms. During the dry season, for normal to dry skin, use a moisturizing lotion, while for dry, flaking patches, use a moisturising cream. Apply moisturiser under make-up too.

Moisturizers are available in both liquid and cream forms. During the dry season, for normal to dry skin, use a moisturizing lotion, while for dry, flaking patches, use a moisturising cream. Apply moisturiser under make-up too.

Dry skin, with rough, flaky patches can show visible signs of premature ageing, like tiny lines and wrinkles. The daily care routine is extremely important. A regular skin-care routine, according to skin type, helps to delay aging signs in dry skins.

Avoid soap. A cleansing gel containing aloe vera and lemon, like Shacleanse, should be used. Aloe Vera is a powerful moisturizer and also an antioxidant. Use a rich moisturising cream, like Shaglow on the dry patches, instead of a lotion. Apply sunscreen with high SPF of 30 or 40 before going out in the sun. Keep the skin moisturized at all times and use a moisturizer under make-up.

Nourishing is an important aspect of care for dry skins, because it provides emollients and improves the skin’s ability to hold moisture. So, every night, after cleansing your skin, use a nourishing / night cream, like Shalife, which contains ingredients that are rich in Vitamins A and E, like wheatgerm oil, carrot seed and almond. Spread the cream lightly on the face. Adding a few drops of water helps the massage. Remember that when you massage, use gentle strokes, without pulling or stretching the skin.

The secret of a good skin lies in the right kind of care according to the individual needs of the skin.

Tips for dry patches:

– Protect the skin with a sunscreen lotion or cream. Re-apply the sunscreen if you are in the sun for long durations.

– Remove all creams with moist cotton wool. Moist cotton wool does not absorb further moisture from the skin.

– If the skin is very dry, avoid scrubs and grainy packs.