Defeat Dry Skin!~ Renee Arnold

Do you have dry, flaky skin? If you do, do you know there are easy and effective ways to minimize the itchiness and self-consciousness?

First, you can use lukewarm water to shower, not hot water. Hot water robs your skin of needed nutrients, thus making it dry. Limit your showers to once a day and don't take baths because that is even worse for your skin, no matter how soothing it may be.

Secondly, always, always moisturize everywhere! Any time you wash your skin, including your hands you need to restore moisture to your skin by applying lotion. If your skin is dry, stay away from fancy scented lotions and use a St. Ives or Aveeno instead. Same goes with body wash. Make sure that it is for sensitive skin and stay away from bath gel.

Thirdly, instead of slathering your lips with lip gloss or lipstick in the morning, use lip balm. If you find the right lip balm it will not only keep your lips super soft, it will also give your lips the shimmery glow that gloss does.

Did you know that cup of coffee in the morning is dehydrating your body? Yes, caffeine acts as a diuretic that will suck your body dry of water. If you are thinking that you can't live without your coffee because you will be too tired, try having an apple in the morning! Apples actually give you more energy than a cup of coffee!

Lastly, incorporate omega-3's in your daily diet. Foods like cold-water fish, walnuts and flax seeds are guaranteed to replace moisture in your skin and hair.

Follow all these tips and you will be well on your way to having soft skin that you will absolutely love!

Did you know that Renee loves running and dancing?!

Did you know that Tara is shorter than her little sister?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Tara Willinger.