You've had the bariatric weight loss surgery and you're looking fabulous as well as feeling healthier. You're able to live a more active lifestyle and wear more fashionable clothing — but there's one thing you begin to notice: dry skin. If you've had problems with acne or oily skin before, then you might be elated that your skin has cleared up and is less oily. For those who started out with normal to dry skin, this new extra dry skin transformation poses a bit of an issue, and can cause genuine discomfort from itching and flakiness. Here's what to know about taking care of your skin post-surgery.
Why Do Some People Get Dryer Skin After Surgery?
Developing dry skin after surgery can be an issue for many people. Not getting enough fluids is probably the biggest culprit, but not solely responsible. Acne and oily skin often come as a result of certain foods, but since bariatric patients basically cut out such fatty, fried, greasy foods, that tends to go away.
Why Is Our Skin So Important?
The skin is the largest organ of our bodies. It is a breathing and functional covering of our body that contains our skeleton, muscles, and vital organs all in one neat and safe package. Our skin sweats, absorbs, feels sensations, and also protects everything inside. It is important that we take care of it so it can continue to function at its best for us.
What to Look for in a Moisturizing Skin Product
Hand and body lotions are the easiest remedies that offer a wide range from simple moisturizers to vitamin-enriched formulas. Experimenting with samples of these products is wise in order to find out what soothes your skin and what might irritate it or make it worse. Purchase the smallest amount possible at first so in the event your skin doesn't like the product, you won't be wasting money on something you'll never use again. When you do find the product that works best for you, remember where you purchased it so you can buy more — because you will need to buy more when you use your favorite hand, body, or face lotion every day.
Hand lotion should be used several times a day, after each time you wash your hands, so carry some with you in your hand bag or car. Washing your hands can really dry out the skin since soap and tap water are a harsh combination. Your hands may be clean, but they could get so dry you won't be able to pick up a single piece of paper!
Bath Salts
Along with daily applications of hand and body lotion, I highly recommend the use of bath salts at least twice a week as well. A good soaking bath in bath or epsom salts will give your dry skin the extra treatment and care it needs. Bath salts soften the bath tap water for the skin while the skin absorbs the softness from the salts, like clothing absorbs fabric softener. If you do a lot of swimming in chlorinated pools, your skin will truly thank you after a good soak with bath salts.
Bath salts provide a long-lasting effect and make the skin feel refreshed, and the muscles relaxed. Bath salts come in loose crystals or in solid forms that dissolve under running warm water. Crystals are nice since they allow you to control the amount you want to use during each bath, be it a lot or a little. Plain epsom salts are the barebones, but you can also purchase bath salts that are colored and perfumed to enhance your soaking pleasure ambiance.
Lip Products
Don't forget your lips! Lips can also suffer from dryness after surgery. Use a good moisture-rich lip product to treat dry or chapped lips. For problem lips that need help instantly, try a medicated lip balm that has special healing medicine or Vitamin E that will take immediate effect and stop the cracking or burning, Lip balm should be worn throughout all seasons as the cold, heat, wind, and sun are not kind to unprotected lips.
Start Pampering Your Skin
If you've never pampered your skin prior to surgery, then you need to begin doing it afterward. You'll find that you're experiencing more “touching” encounters than ever before, since people will want to hug you in congratulatory embraces as they tell you how happy they are for you. Make it a “softer” experience for everyone involved with the use of great, moisturizing skin products.
Skin care is something that should become a part of your daily routine as much as getting enough fluids in after surgery. If you do this, your skin will feel healthier, look more radiant, and you will most likely knock a few years off of your appearance too! Continue to amaze others, not only with your successful surgery, but with your general healthy appearance thanks to quality skin care as well. Remember, those hugs and handshakes are coming! Learn more by contacting our Houston MedSpa today.
