Environmental conditions (been outside lately?), aging, and some illnesses can cause dry skin when protective oils are lost and water escapes. The top layer shrinks as it dries, and then scales and flakes and fissures can develop. Then we start looking like the BEFORE picture in a plastic surgeon’s office!

People seek relief by applying emollients, lotions, creams, and oils. Some work, and - as we all know – some do absolutely nothing but feel greasy and shiny!

Emollients (moisturizers) moisten, soften, and lubricate the skin. The oil in the emollient traps the water in the skin and the skin becomes softer and smoother. Common emollients are Neutrogena and Nivea.

Lotions are suspensions of oily chemicals in alcohol and water. Lotions contain two major ingredients: humectants, which draw moisture to the skin surface (glycerin), and a barrier type ingredient that traps moisture on the skin (mineral oil). Their moisturizing effect is not long lasting, and the lubrication is minimal because over time the cumulative effect of the alcohol is drying. Commonly used brand-name lotions are Lubriderm, Moisturel and Curel.

Creams are semisolid emulsions of oil and water that moisturize and lubricate more effectively than lotions. Examples on the market are Vaseline Cream, Eucerin Cream, Moisturel Cream, and my personal favorite Cetaphil (not the lotion - the cream in a vat – looks like mayonnaise!) - - ? - -

(maybe it IS mayonnaise!) Ointments are oil-based emulsions that contain little water, are most effective for moisturizing, and tend to feel greasy.

Vegetable shortening and Vaseline (petroleum jelly) are also considered to be moisturizers. Vaseline was created by Robert Augustus Chesebrough in the mid 1800’s. The word Vaseline is a combination of the German word for water and the Greek word for olive oil! For wound care, white petroleum jelly is as effective for healing and blocking bacteria as bacitracin ointment, and much cheaper. However, when used to block moisture in babies, it does increase yeast infections under those diapers, so maybe we should just use it on our dry feet, legs, arms, --. But be careful, because rarely contact dermatitis can occur.

The goal of treatment for dry skin is to hydrate and lock in moisture. For maximum benefit, they should be applied to moist skin three times daily.

Whether you choose to cover yourself in Vaseline, shortening, or the higher priced spread, hope this helps you have a beautiful simmer – uh – summer! ( and fall, and winter, and spring)

Lynne Fiore, NP