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Skin Types – Dry Skin
A particular skin type has its positives and negatives. Individuals with dry skin usually don't have issues with blemishes except for the occasional instance that appears when also experiencing hormonal changes or stress. Dry skin can look dull and flaky, and worse, can over-emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The environment is a main contributing factor to this skin type, however, aging adults often find their skin just becoming more dry as they get older. Over time, the sebaceous glands within the dermis layer slow their production of sebum, the body's natural moisturizer. The skin's ability to retain moisture degrades as we grow older. This is caused by the breakdown of the intracellular matrix, the collagen and elastin layer that helps hold skin tissue together. It then becomes more difficult for skin to hold in moisture. As moisture escapes, skin ultimately becomes drier.
Other causes of dry skin include arid, windy, or dry climates. Harsh soaps and detergents can also cause the skin to dry. Let's not forget the exposure to the sun's damaging rays and its negative effects on the skin. Lastly, genetics can also play a role in the type of skin you have.
How do I know my skin is 'dry skin'?
Visible indicators of dry skin include skin that flakes easily. Additionally, dry skin often looks overly tight because pore openings are very tiny. If you do not see these characteristics of dry skin now but you are at or approaching mid-life, it may be time to keep watch.
Windy areas and areas with low humidity cause dryness by stripping skin of its natural oils. Living in areas where winters are cold are very likely to dry the skin more than those that don't live in colder climates. Even if you don't spend much time outdoors, interior heaters as well as air conditioning units in hot, dry climates can sap the air of moisture and cause dry skin.
Skin Care for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, proper care involves retaining as much moisture as possible. One way is to avoid using products containing alcohol because alcohol dries the skin. Alcohol is in many cleaners and anti-bacterial soaps so read the ingredient listing. Recommended ingredients for dry skin include alpha hydroxy, lactic acids, petroleum, lanolin and glycerin so take time to read your product labels.
Dry skin won't always feel like it needs to be cleansed, but it does, twice daily, morning and night. Using a gentle cleanser made especially for skin that's dry, cleanse using warm, not hot water. Finish off with a cool rinse. It's never a good idea to use hot water to clean any type of skin or to soak in a tub because doing so will only strip skin of its natural oils.
After washing your skin, pat it dry using a soft towel so that the skin is still moist. Then apply a light moisturizer. Those containing Vitamin E are excellent choices to replenish any deficiencies. If you wear make-up choose foundations that contain the moisturizing ingredients mentioned above as many seem to include it these days.
Skin is an organ, so what goes into your body helps just as much as what goes on top of it. Drink plenty of water to help keep skin hydrated. Increasing your consumption of high water content foods such as cucumbers and watermelon will also contribute. Most fruits and vegetables are excellent hydrating foods plus they're excellent sources of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial in helping maintain the skin's intracellular matrix.
Live healthy and your skin will thank you for it!
Link to this article:
<a href="http://www.expressskincare.com" target="_blank">Skin Types – Dry Skin</a>
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