Dry, tichy winter skin needs moisturizing, not scratching. (Photos.com)
It strikes near the beginning of every winter. Unless I find a solution, it will relentlessly attack and ultimately destroy my enjoyment of the otherwise beautiful but wickedly cold season.
How ironic to see the snow knee-deep on the ground outside. So much moisture locked up in that vast vault of cold icy inaccessible water. I’m stuck inside unable to sleep because the ache of dry skin torments my very soul. The contrast is maddening.
Tossing and turning, trying to get two seconds of reprieve, is a test of one’s mettle. The onslaught is seemingly eternal. I’ve had enough.
It’s time to get up and take action. This is the first time this winter that I needed to tap my ultimate weapon.
I walk with great purpose toward the anticipated demise of dry skin. Standing on newspaper, I rub oil onto my skin and let it soak in for about 10 minutes. The oil penetrates, soothes, and protects my skin. When it’s over I step into the shower and rinse off the excess.
At the end, I’m free. The freedom to sleep peacefully and with abandon empowers me. Dry skin no longer plagues me.
I first learned this little trick at a yoga seminar. The instructor suggested using sesame seed oil. I’ve found that olive oil works far better. I don’t need that really expensive fancy olive oil that is from the pre-virginal first press either. No. The cheap stuff will do just fine. I’ll save the good stuff for cooking.
I’ve experimented with other kinds of oils. But olive oil has worked the best so far. Never mind that this play must be staged every other night. It is worth the price of admission.
Sleeping without dry, itchy skin is better than a lot of things. It even beats being the victim of severe arm-twisting, if you can believe that.
All kidding aside, this little ritual has put an end to dry, itchy skin for me year after year, ever since I learned this secret. It would be nice if we never had to put up with dry, itchy skin, but at least I know what to do about it now.
Some soap is very drying to the skin and switching soaps can be helpful. Overall, there is little, aside from an “oil bath,” that has been able to put a stop to the side effects of dry skin for me.
I’ve found that some lotions can have a temporary effect. However, after the second day of rubbing oil into my skin, I seldom have to worry about dry skin again—so long as I repeat the ritual every other day or so.
Sometimes dry skin is a sign of a more serious condition, so be sure to check with your doctor or dermatologist if you are suffering from dry skin or any other health condition.
David Snape is a wellness writer.
His blog is tobeinformed.com
