Skin Care
Skin Types
Oily
Combination
Sensitive
Conditions
Eczema Part I
Eczema Part II
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Cellulite
Aging and Wrinkles
Sun Protection
Introduction
Maximum
Factor
Tanning and Burning
Other
Babies
Women
Men
Winter and Summer
Natural Ingredients
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Skin Types – Dry Skin
Dry skin can Possibly sometimes be a blessing, but more often it is, if not a curse, at the very least, troublesome.
Those with dry skin generally need not worry about blemishes except for the occasional stray that appears from hormonal changes or stress.
But dry skin looks dull and flaky. And worse, it can emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Age and the environment are two factors that contribute to this skin type. 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 also lessens 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.
When this layer begins to break apart, it becomes more difficult for skin to hold in moisture.
As moisture escapes, skin becomes drier.
Other causes of dry skin include climates that are arid, windy and dry. Use of harsh soaps and
detergents and too much unprotected exposure to the sun's damaging rays can also negatively influence
skin. Genetics plays a role as well.
How do I know I have dry skin?
First consider where you live. Windy areas and areas with low humidity cause dryness by stripping
skin of its natural oils. Living in areas where winters are cold causes skin trouble as well. 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.
Visible indicators of dry skin include skin that flakes easily. Plus, dry skin often looks tight
and taut because pore openings are very tiny. If you don't yet see these tell-tale signs of dry
skin but you're at or approaching mid-life, it's time to start looking.
Caring 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. Recommended ingredients for dry skin
include alpha hydroxy, lactic acids, petroleum, lanolin and glycerin so take time to read 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.
Click here to find some good natural skin care products.
After washing your skin, pat it dry using a soft towel. Then apply a light moisturizer. Those containing
Vitamin E are excellent choices. If you wear make-up choose foundations that contain the moisturizing
ingredients mentioned above.
Help keep skin hydrated by drinking water and increasing your consumption of high water content foods
such as cucumbers and watermelon. 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.
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