Skincare Q&A with Yoshiko Roth
My Skin is Flakey
Hi Yoshiko,
No matter how much body lotion I put on my body, my skin, especially on the legs seems to be completely dry and flakey by the end of the day. What can I do to make moisturizers last longer?
Jessica
Hi Jessica
First of all, if you have particularly dry skin, which some of us do during the cold winter months in the North East, make sure that you use a body cream or body lotion formulated specially for very dry skin. It does not matter so much whether it’s a cream or lotion formulation. Important is that the product contains ingredients that act as heavy-duty emollients and keep moisture from leaving the skin over the course of time.
It is very important that lotion or cream is applied right after taking a shower or bath while skin is still damp and the bathroom is balmy. It takes only a minute after taking a shower until moisture starts evaporating, so it’s crucial to apply lotion and cream right away.
If you skin is still dry and flakey at the end of the day, add a body oil to the program. Jojoba, almond, apricot kernel or calendula oil are all excellent choices, but even ordinary baby oil will help.
You can either mix some oil with your body cream or lotion directly in the palm of your hand and apply on damp skin skin. Alternatively, you can apply oil directly on wet skin right after the shower, pat dry with a towel and apply body cream or lotion on top. Applying oil on wet skin helps immediately sealing in moisture, while the added cream or lotion on top will create an extra barrier effect that keeps hydration locked in.
Leave your questions for Yoshiko and she will answer each and every one!
March 17, 2008 - 10:01am
Luminous Skin
I am 24-years old, a few months shy of 25, and am beginning to lose the youthful luminosity in my skin. I have been using whitening products for many years now (mostly Shisheido, some Godiva products) to maintain an even tone, use spf 15 in both my daily moisturizer and mineral foundation (and usually avoid sun at all costs), exfoliate once a week, drink plenty of water, try to keep a regular exercise routine, etc. I am also beginning to see some light age spots on my cheeks - both a very faint honey color and some pink spots. My skin is on the dry and sensitive side and so I cannot exfoliate too much or else I get itchy bumps on my cheeks. I havn't had acne problems, so I use the Shiseido serum to treat my spots but it has not shown any improvement. What can I do? Am I just getting old? Am I losing elasticity in my skin? Thanks!!