Winter is here! Is your itchy skin driving you crazy?
Today I read a great post that I want to share with you about protecting your skin in winter, when temperatures just seems to destroy the look and feel of your skin, no matter what you do.
Dr. Payman Danielpour had this to share. "The sesame Shower". According to the article:
"I want to talk you about something really… uncomfortable. But it’s important to address. Of course you do! Most of us experience it every winter... … when freezing temperatures, blasting indoor heat, practically “zap” the moisture right out of your skin. It can be pretty uncomfortable, right? But here’s the real issue: that winter dryness doesn’t just make your skin feel parched and brittle… it can permanently alter its appearance. Because that tight, itchy sensation is a sign of extreme dermal dehydration… Which means wrinkles, thinning skin, and creases can form much faster — on every part of your body. So even if you’re already using moisture-rich skincare products from head to toe… This time of year, I recommend adding an EXTRA line of defense to your daily regimen… Sesame oil! Now, before I explain what makes sesame oil so incredible (and it truly IS incredible), I know what you’re thinking… Won’t slathering myself with oil leave me feeling greasy and stain my clothes? And the answer is yes — if you do it the “regular” way. But here a little trick: Apply it liberally all over your skin — including your face — BEFORE you shower. (Let it set for 2-3 minutes prior to wetting your skin, then lather up as usual.) Once you step out, your skin will feel luxuriously soft, silky, and ultra-hydrated… without feeling the least bit slick!
Now, you can do this with any type of body oil… But here’s why I’m urging you to use sesame oil:
It contains a powerful antioxidant called sesamol... which is has been scientifically proven to help slow the skin’s visible aging process, by improving key areas like collagen production, UV resistance, and elasticity.1(Plus, sesame oil is loaded with Vitamins A & C… making it a great natural wrinkle-preventer.)
It boasts a unique blend of fatty acids (linoleic, stearic, and palmitic). This trio helps restore lost moisture — and locks it in long-term by creating a protective “barrier” on your skin’s surface.2 So your skin feels hydrated all day long… and becomes less susceptible to winter’s drying elements.
When applied topically, sesame helps improve circulation — so it’s going to give your skin a healthy, vibrant glow (which is a BIG plus when your skin’s luster is being “dulled” by moisture loss!).3
And you can pick up a bottle at the grocery store for about $5... so it’s a highly effective AND extremely affordable way to fortify you winter regimen in one easy step. Just make sure you continue to use all your regular skincare products — both face and body — as usual (with winter dryness in full swing, now is definitely NOT the time to skip any applications)... And use sesame oil before every shower for an added boost of age-fighting nourishment. Not only will that uncomfortably tight, itchy feeling will fade away…
Your skin will start to look healthier, smoother, and more radiant too! Your Beverly Hills MD, Dr. Payman Danielpour" Sources: 1. Srisayam M., Weerapreeyakul N., Barusrux S., Kanokmedhakul K., Antioxidant, antimelanogenic, and skin-protective effect of sesamol. J. Cosmet. Sci., 65, 69–79 (March/April 2014) 2. Mao-Qiang M., Feingold K., Thornfeldt R., Elias P., Optimization of Physiological Lipid Mixtures for Barrier Repair., Journal of Investigative Dermatology Volume 106, Issue 5, May 1996, Pages 1096-1101 3. Kulkarni, A., Kaushik, J.S., Gupta, P. et al. Indian Pediatr (2010) 47: 771.
