Natural Face Care

There are thousands of skin irritants in our modern environment that didn't exist only 50 years ago. These irritants can strip the protective barrier off your skin causing dry skin, eczema and other skin problems. These changes in our environment have brought about the need for a new type of dry skin care solution – a shielding lotion.
Shampoos, antibacterial soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, colorants and other irritants bombard and penetrate the skin. These harsh chemicals and irritants can break down the skin's natural protective ability. Some strip away moisture, while others lodge in the pores where they cause irritation and other negative reactions.
Unfortunately, traditional lotions have one basic goal - to simply make up for the moisture that our bodies are losing by adding an external source of moisture. Many common household products and even soaps are absorbed directly into your skin, causing skin disorders or just plain dry cracked skin. Also, when participating in other activities from gardening to painting, furniture restoration to fishing, or exposure to harsh weather, you are further drying and irritating your skin.What Dermatologists Say
"Your skin wasn't designed to deal with soap and the thousands of other everyday chemicals," explains Dr. Peter Helton, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology. "Nearly everyone's skin is exposed to harmful chemicals on and off the job. That is why Shielding Lotions are so important."
According to Dr. Helton, shielding lotions help prevent damage to the skin by bonding with and protecting the skin. "They not only add moisture, but also help stop the loss of your natural moisture."
Skin needs help to keep out these moisture-robbing irritants. A fundamental difference between Shielding Lotions and traditional lotions is that a Shielding Lotion enhances the skin's own natural protective abilities by turning the outer layer of skin into what could be described as a hydrating invisible shield. This makes Shielding Lotions many times more effective than mere "protective lotions and moisturizing creams".
"Shielding lotion is a lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better. It is a big advantage that shielding lotions are light and go on without a greasy mess," says Dr. Brian Zogg, a dermatologist in Albert Lea, MN.
"When you have dry, itchy skin you know that the protective outer layer of skin has been stripped away. In southern Minnesota most people need to use a shielding lotion. In the winter they all get very dry skin. We also recommend shielding lotions for anyone who is exposed to chemicals in their work environment. Your skin is exposed to irritants and chemicals almost every day, even in a normal household environment, so a shielding lotion can be a useful dry skin care solution for most people.. And it won't create the negative moisture message skin can get from conventional lotions.
The artificial moisturizers in conventional creams and lotions can send a signal to the moisture producing parts of your skin that enough moisture is present. Your skin then makes less of the natural moisture needed to resolve a dry skin problem. With a shielding lotion you protect your own natural oils and moisture in the skin, so it heals faster," says Dr. Zogg.
"A conventional lotion is not formulated to protect the skin like a shielding lotion does. Conventional lotions only add surface moisture to temporarily alleviate dry skin or itching. Shielding lotions stay on because they bond with the skin and protect it for long periods of time. With this protection in place your skin keeps its own moisture in and has a chance to use this natural moisture in the deep layers of the skin to heal itself," states Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist of Burbank, CA.