Dead Skin vs Dry Skin: Are Moisturizers The Answer?

[stephL]

Just want to throw out some ideas on skin care here. We Sjogies tend to have vulnerable skin so I've done some research on skin care products. Back in the old days, after shampooing, women of my grandmother's generation would rinse their hair with diluted vinegar. I assumed it was merely to rinse soap away, but there's more to it than that. It's like a second process that further cleans the scalp and inhibits dandruff. Maintaining a mild acidity level on the scalp and skin encourages healthy 'good' bacteria to thrive, (a probiotic effect), and they in turn, defend skin from unhealthy bacteria and fungal infections.

The main stream skin cleansers we all use like commercial bar soaps, body washes, and shampoos, are alkaline in nature and only loosen dirt and dead skin cells from the very uppermost surface of the skin. Soaps and shampoos leave a layer of dead skin cells lingering just under the surface of the skin that build up over time, and they are suspended in naturally occurring lipids (oil, fats) which act as a glue that prevents them from rising and being shed at the skin surface. This layer of old skin cells is a breeding ground for bacteria and contributes to body odor. This can't be good for the immune system! When lipids are removed with acidic skin cleansing methods, the dead skin cells are released. Some experts believe that applying oily skin care products (which we call moisturizers), we only lock these dead skin cells in place more firmly.

My primary care doc had posted a sign in the office advertising that they offered facial "chemical peels". I looked it up online. The chemical peel uses acidity instead of alkalinity to remove the layers of dead skin cells trapped under the skin surface. A chemical peel in the doctor's office involves use of a high concentration of acidic substances, one of which is malic acid, a natural substance found in many fruits.

I decided to try a milder version of acidic skin cleansing at home, with vinegar or lemon juice, well diluted with water as a foot bath, on my face with a washcloth or by adding a few cups of vinegar to a warm bath to soak in. You can use lemon juice if you can't tolerate the vinegar smell.  I was pleased with the results because with each bath, foot callouses began to melt  away like butter, and dead skin that I didn't even know existed rose to the surface and was effortlessly removed with my washcloth. My skin felt as soft as a newborn baby's, not dry at all! It was amazing.

I've come to the conclusion that the appearance of ashy dry looking skin, callouses, and the like, is not necessarily dry skin. Nowadays I use moisturizers sparingly, for instance, in winter, when hands become chapped, sore, and cracked, then I know this truly calls for a heavy oily moisturizing cream.

If you wish to try it, remember that just like using soap and water, acidic skin cleansing can be drying. You may want to check with your doctor first before trying this. Even diluted, vinegar or lemon juice can possibly irritate skin, worsen already irritated skin, or sting on an open wound or rash. If spilled full strength on clothes or towels, they can weaken fibers, so wash those right away. Oh and lemon juice can lighten the color of your hair and bleach fabric so be careful about that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_peel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exfoliation_(cosmetology)

[A66eyroad]

Very interesting! I love taking baths, and I'm looking forward to a hot, lemony soak! Thnks for this very thoughtful gift!

[12lovehim]

There are some great Grape Seed and Grapefruit seed bath oils.. and your so right... great post..