Skin Care Products, Redness and Psoriasis Creams

How do I Choose a Skin Care Cream?

In order to choose a skin care cream, an individual must first consider the skin’s needs and the desired goals for it. There are many kinds of skin care creams available, but only a few will be a good match for any particular type of skin. One of the first considerations is how sensitive an individual’s skin is. A gentle type of product that does not irritate the skin helps if it is prone to rashes, breakouts, and sunburns. Natural creams that are made with no, or very few, chemicals may be a good choice. Also, those made with aloe and/or chamomile help to calm distressed skin.

The next consideration is the level of oiliness or dryness the skin has. A thick cream that nourishes the skin and restores moisture can be used for very dry skin. Skin care cream made with jojoba oil, olive oil, or vitamin E can be very helpful for those with dry skin. If the skin is oily, then a lighter cream will keep the skin moisturized while also helping to control the amount of oil the skin produces. A skin care cream which is made with tea tree oil benefits oily skin.

Some have combination skin, which means there are oily patches as well as dry patches. There are creams made specifically for this type of skin and are labeled as such. Others have skin that is neither especially oily nor dry, therefore, creams labeled for normal or balanced skin are for those who fall into this category.

What is a Barrier Cream?

The benefit for a barrier cream is to provide a barrier between the skin and the outside environment. A common need for these types of ointments is for those who suffer from urinary incontinence. The skin in that area is very sensitive and urine is an irritating substance. It can be normal for those suffering with this condition to experience irritation and even infections where the skin is exposed to the urine. To keep the skin from becoming irritated, using a barrier cream is effective. The type chosen will depend on the degree of irritation an individual is experiencing.

If the skin is in good condition, and the desire is to keep it that way, a barrier cream alternative such as petroleum jelly may be all that is needed to keep the skin in shape. Something stronger may be necessary if already experiencing irritation. This same type of barrier cream can be used with diaper rash, also. It may be required to use an antifungal or antibacterial cream to treat the area if the irritation is more severe, or if it appears to have developed a skin condition. And, a protective layer of petroleum jelly may be added over the top of the antibacterial or antifungal cream. It is possible to prevent many skin conditions that develop as a side effect of urinary incontinence by using barrier creams regularly. However, complications can still happen. If the skin condition does not quickly respond to treatment, it may be necessary to see a healthcare professional.

How can I use Cotton Gloves for Dry Hands?

A common cause of discomfort for many is dry skin on the hands. Chapped, dry hands can be unsightly, painful, and open a pathway for infection. Causes of dry skin may include exposure to extreme weather, eczema, natural predisposition, frequent hand washing, and other factors. The symptoms, in many cases, can be alleviated by a few simple measures. One of the first things recommended by many dermatologists, when treating dry skin on the hands, is hand lotion. Lotion which contains certain ingredients, such as vitamin E or lanolin, can give special benefits to those suffering from this condition. Because of the varied compositions of many hand lotions, some may respond better to one type of lotion than another. Allergies to ingredients or fragrances in some cases may worsen the problem.

An overnight lotion therapy may be beneficial for more advanced cases. For this therapy, an individual applies a layer of hand lotion to the hands before going to bed for the night. Covering the hands with a pair of cotton gloves after applying the lotion keeps moisture from rubbing off onto the bed and the clothes. The cotton gloves help to moisten the hands while allowing for air exchange. Many who suffer from dry skin on the hands find relief from the condition by utilizing this method on a nightly basis.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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