Dry Skin Care
Dry skin (also known as xerosis) is characterized by rough, often itchy skin and is greatly impacted by environmental factors. Contrary to most popular beliefs, dry skin conditions are not caused by a lack of moisture (water). Tests have shown that the moisture content of skin that is considered "normal" and skin that is considered dry are for the most part, the same.
What is different in dry skin is the ability to maintain water which takes place in the area between the cells of the skin. When this area weakens (loses its ability to maintain correct amounts of water), the outer layers of the skin can become ruptured or torn which can cause roughness. Dryness in the skin most often occurs on the face, arms, legs and abdominal area.
Cold and dry climates also promote dryness in the skin as do genetics. Some of the harsh chemicals found in soaps, skin cleansers and other skincare products can even cause dryness in normal or oily skin. The good news for those with dry skin is that there are some definite steps that can be taken to treat and prevent these problems.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
Tightening of the skin (especially after exposure to water) usually occurs as a result of shrunken pores as well as the presence of flaky skin and itching. Fine lines may give the skin a "cracked" appearance which may actually bleed in very dry skin. These symptoms are more pronounced in the winter months and in climates that lack humidity. Redness is another symptom associated with itchy dry skin.
Dry Skin Care
The intercellular matrix is where most dry skin conditions occur. This region is made up mostly of elements such as glycerin, lecithin, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid but, ironically, it does not contain water. As a result, the focus of dry skin care should be to support this matrix.
Cleansing - moisture rich cleansing solutions such as those found in cream and milk based cleansers are preferred. Soap based cleansers (and especially pure soap products) should be strictly avoided. Skin products that include lavender, calendula or chamomile enrichments are useful for dry skin relief. Oatmeal based products are great choices for treating dry skin on the body. It is important to avoid the use of skin cleansing products more than once a day with dry skin as this may end up actually increasing the problem.
Moisturizers - these type of skin care products are perhaps the most effective in the battle against skin dryness. Look for those moisturizers that contain lipids and emollients as these are well utilized by the skin. Common ingredients like lanolin, vitamin e, antioxidants and humectants can benefit the skin and both attract moisture and remove pollutants. Dry skin cream and dry skin lotion that can be purchased over the counter are easy and inexpensive way to treat extra dry skin.
Avoid harsh scrubs and astringents which can remove oils and moisture, these things are already scarce in dry skin and removing them further can cause severely dry conditions.
Additional Treatment Approaches
-Using a humidifier in your home and other places where you spend considerable time can help moisturize the skin and provide dry skin relief.
-Use an emollient based moisturizer in the morning each day that contains sunscreen which can help deflect harmful UV rays from the skin. These rays can further damage the intercelluar area between skin cells.
-Add plant or essential oils to your nighttime moisturizing treatment. Things such as almond, canola and olive oil can keep the skin extra hydrated during sleep.
-Avoid prolonged periods of time in the water. Too much water can be a problem (this includes drinking too much water) and end up leaving you with oily skin.
-For dry lips use a balm or lipstick that contains both sunscreen and petroleum to keep the lips hydrated.
