Dry skin is sometimes more of a problem than at other times, but, in general, there are five main factors which cause dry skin:

Aging. As we get older, the skin produces fewer lipids, which means our skin becomes drier. In addition, cell turnover slows as we age, which can leave skin looking flaky and uneven.

Cold, windy, and dry weather. If we constantly move from cold weather into dry heat (such as when you’ve walked outside and go into your office building), skin can lose water due to the fact that there is so little humidity in the air. You can combat this by running an humidifier, which will keep the water level higher in the ambient air.

Genetics. Some people are born with fewer oil glands, which means their skin is drier. The challenge with dry skin is that since the lipid barrier has broken down, there is nothing to prevent dry skin from getting drier and drier, without significant intervention.

Smoking. Smoking is very bad for the skin. Smoking prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin, and also leads to premature wrinkling. The smoke dries out the skin’s surface, allowing environmental toxins and pollution to enter.

Too hot showers and too long baths. It’s funny to think that too much water can be bad, but it’s true. Using very hot water and harsh soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Avoid too hot showers and strong soaps if you have dry skin. 

Scratchy wool clothing. These can rub off the oils and lead to red, rough, and chapped skin. Always wear something soft next to your skin, even if you wear a wool sweater over it.

Used by Australian aborgines for centuries, emu oil has beautifying and healing properties. It’s natural composition is very close to that of our own skin, so our bodies accept it as a natural addition to our skin care regimen.

Emu oil has been used to treat dry skin, wrinkles, and acne. It works, in part, by supplying the essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6, and 9) that our bodies require.

Emu oil is useful for skin care and skin management because its molecules are small enough to penetrate the skin’s deepest layers.

Incidentally, emu oil has also been used as a topical pain killer- you can get rid of your aspirin or ben gay, replacing either of these with emu oil.

Your baby may also benefit from emu oil, as it helps heal diaper rash and cradle cap. (Check with your child’s doctor to make sure it’s safe).

Emu oil can also reduce scarring, so it’s perfect for spot treating of any burns or scrapes you (or your little ones) might get.

If you’re looking for a natural dry skin and wrinkle reducer, which is also good for pain relief and treating conditions like eczema, be sure to add emu oil to your medicine chest. A little goes a long way, so a 1 oz. bottle should last you at least a month.

When skin is exposed to the sun, the ultraviolet radiation causes a chain reaction of free radicals on the surface of the skin. Left untreated, free radicals can destabilize the skin molecules, leading to skin damage. The physical signs of free radical damage include lines, wrinkles, redness, and age spots. Skin also seems dry and less elastic. It may also tend to sag, reflecting a breakdown in the underlying layers containing collagen and elastin.

The second skin benefit of Vitamin C is that it aids in collagen production. Collagen is one of the skin’s building blocks. Increased collagen gives skin a firmer, more toned look- and is often associated with a younger looking appearance and healthier looking skin.

In order to be beneficial to skin, Vitamin C treatments must be kept stable and in a cool, dark environment. They work best in low pH (acidic) skin conditions and in high Vitamin C concentrations (greater than 10–15%).

If your skin is lined, wrinkled, or looks damaged, Vitamin C treatments may be just the thing you need to improve the appearance and texture of your skin.

If you’re one of those suffering from pregnancy-related acne, it can be tempting to use an over-the-counter acne medication to control the outbreak. Before you do, though- consider your baby.

The medications in many over-the-counter and prescription acne medications can be harmful to your baby.

This includes medications such as Retin-A, which has been shown to have some negative effects on the fetus, including cleft lips, retardation, spina bifida, and it may increase your chances of losing the pregnancy.

Clear skin is not worth the risk.

Talk with your doctor about caring for your skin during pregnancy- and don’t use any medications or ointments without your ob-gyn’s consent.

Because your skin may change during the course of pregnancy, you will be wise to practice good, basic skin care habits: use a gentle cleanser or mild soap, wash your makeup off before bedtime, wear moisturizer with sunscreen, and consider using natural skin care products- such as orange peels for exfoliation or lemon water for a refreshing toner.

Keep your doctor aware of your skin care routine, and you’ll protect your baby’s health and well-being.

This study reviewed previously published research involving more than 600 infants, ranging in age from 0-6 months of age.

Parents in this study had been trained in the correct techniques for baby massage. One of the referenced studies found that regular massage impacted the release of the hormone melatonin, which is known to help sleep patterns.

Another study offered that women with postnatal depression may bond more fully to their infants by the act of infant massage.

Aside from the internal benefits, massage can also help keep baby skin well hydrated and protected from environmental toxins.