C Pick of the Month

Caring for Parched Skin (Part II)

In our previous issue, we learned about why and how the skin may dry up. In particular, we discussed the importance of water retention for our skin and the several factors that may worsen the dehydration of skin. For this issue, we will wrap up our special article on dry skin by sharing useful tips on the proper way of treating parched skin, so that the condition won't get worse but instead be improved.

Treating Thirsty Skin

So how do we take care of our skin so that dryness may be prevented? Here are some helpful tips:

Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily. Developing dry skin due to not drinking enough water or becoming dehydrated is accordingly not common, but not impossible either. For instance: "...very active [people who] perspire heavily but don't replace the fluid [they] lose in sweat...[may develop dry skin]", said Dr. Howard Murad, a pharmacist, board-certified dermatologist, and author of "The Murad Method", a unique system of repairing and rejuvenating the skin.

When bathing or taking a shower, make it quick. Remember, excessive contact with water strips off the skin's natural oils. Actually, for people who are "not-so-young but always young-at-heart", it is advisable to limit baths and showers to every second or third day (if possible). Now, if that sounds, let's just say, not very hygienic, "spot-washing" of areas that need to be regularly cleaned out (like armpits, genitals, and feet) can be done instead of taking a whole body plunge.

 Avoid "hot baths". Hot water reduces more skin oils than lukewarm water.

 If you think bath oils can help your skin lock in additional oils, think again. Remember that bath oils and warm water are a duo. Even if you may be able to lock in additional oils, the warm wtaer can wipe out more of the skin's oils and water.

Always avoid harsh soaps. Use mild soaps and cleansers, preferably one formulated with glycerin (an ingredient that is proven to have moisturizing effects due to its ability to attract moist from air), like Godiva Green Tea Transparent Soap.

Godiva Green Tea Transparent Soap is also equipped with disease-fighting capabilities and anti-inflammatory benefits because it has Green Tea Extract. Green Tea contains a super-oxidant called EGCG, which 100x more powerful than Vitamin C and 25x better than Vitamin E. In particular, EGCG can revitalize dying skin cells. Aside from its antioxidant properties, Green Tea has very good effects on wrinkles and wound healing.

 Do use a very good moisturizer. Moisturizers help the skin as they: (1) repair the skin barrier; (2) increase water content; (3) reduce water loss; and, (4) restore the skin's ability to attract, hold, and redistribute water. Good moisturizers combine these three ingredients:

• Humectants, water-attracting agents from either the dermis up to the epidermis or from the external environment, especially during humid conditions. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), agents that are proven to be effective in treating dry skin, are examples of humectants.

• Occlusives, reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), or the loss of water from within the skin into the atmosphere. Occlusives help prevent TEWL by forming a barrier over the skin. Fatty acids and fatty alcohols, which help improve the repair of skin barrier, are some commonly used occlusives.

• Emollients, which improve the skin's appearance as they hydrate the skin, thereby making it softer, smoother, and flexible.

Godiva Fruit Acid Cream contains all three. It has a mild 5% naturally-derived AHA content, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. To further boost the benefits of AHAs, Godiva Fruit Acid Cream  is also equipped with fatty alcohol (i.e. cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol) and squalane, so that water that comes from the dermis won't be lost into the atmosphere and stays locked in the skin. In addition, squalane is a nutrient-rich oil that instantly mositurizes the skin. Finally, Godiva Fruit Acid Cream is formulated with fatting emollients (i.e. glyceryl stearate) that help make skin smooth and supple.

Godiva Fruit Acid Cream also has Green Tea Extract, an anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and super-oxidant, as well as Zinc Oxide, a non-chemical ingredient that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

 The best time to apply moisturizer is when the skin is still damp, like after bathing. Remember, one of the important jobs of moisturizers is that they help "seal-in" moisture in the skin.

 Finally, don't forget to apply daily broad-spectrum sunscreen products, like Godiva Green Tea Sunblock (SPF 25).

It is always wiser to apply Godiva Green Tea Sunblock daily -- whether it is cloudy or sunny, or whether you're mostly in the office or out in the field. Because wherever you are, the harmful effects of UVA rays -- which, by the way, is virtually present throughout the day and can cause wrinkles, decreased skin elasticity, and sun spots -- will get you if you have no adequate sunscreen protection (because these rays can even penetrate glass).

 To sum up, caring for parched skin boils down to two simple rules: be gentle with your skin, and help it retain its moisture. Just always bear these in mind, and soon you'll reap your reward: that healthy and noticeably younger-looking skin you've always longed for.

[ Testimonial of the Month

Submit your testimonial for inclusion in this section to [email protected] or [email protected].

I would like to post my own testimonial on your whitening products and would be pleased if I saw it posted on your website.

First and foremost, I would like to admit that I was at first skeptic about your product. I've use it for well over a month and I couldn't tell if my skin was becoming lighter or not. But recent photos of me suggested otherwise and I was so glad to know that your product descriptions were up front and honest. Thank you for this and please continue selling these great products!

Sincerely,

Solstyce
San Jose, California, US

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