Chapped Skin

Chapped skin can be easily identified by its rough texture, accompanied by the appearance of cracks. There are many causes for dry skin. Sometimes it's because of the weather, other times it could be due to the lifestyle that is being followed.

• Exposure to certain environmental factors such as excessive cold or extremely windy conditions, or direct sunlight.
• When the skin comes in contact with strong chemicals in cosmetics, such as soaps, creams, etc.
• If the skin is not taken care of on a regular basis, i.e. it is not cleaned or moisturized, it can deteriorate the skin's condition.

• Intake of low quantities of fluids and water, resulting in dehydration.
• Wearing clothes washed with strong and harsh detergents can cause friction, resulting in dry skin.
• Wearing rough or tight clothes.
• When household work such as cleaning, washing, and scrubbing is done without wearing protective gloves.

Diet
Eating foods that are rich in vitamins A, B and C, will help to promote skin repair. An effective remedy is to include food such as tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, carrots, vegetable oils, whole grains, legumes, and wheat germ in your diet.

Saline Bath and Massage
If the entire body is chapped, take a saline bath every day to repair it. For this, simply add table salt to water and soak in a tub for about twenty minutes. After that, towel dry and massage the skin with either olive or almond oil.

Other Tips:

• The baths should not be long, and only lukewarm water should be used. Very hot water can rob the skin of its natural oils.
• Only cosmetics that have very mild chemicals should be used. A good idea is to go for herbal skin care products.
• Wash clothes properly so that no detergent residue is left behind.

• Moisturizing dry skin on a regular basis is very important. Chapped skin around the lips can be taken care of by applying a lip balm or petroleum jelly. Skin creams or moisturizers specially formulated for dry skin should be applied on the face every day, especially before sleeping at night. 

• Olive oil should be applied all over the body to moisturize the skin.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 and above, cover your face with a scarf, and put on gloves before stepping out into the sun.

Keeping the skin clean, moisturized, and well-protected is the key to getting a healthy and radiant glow.