Dry skin
Dry skin symptoms happen more often in winter, when the
cold temperatures outside and warm air inside (extreme temperatures)
initiate low humidity.
Dryness can be trigged off by wind,
air -conditioning, frequent bathing (especially with harsh
soaps) and contribute to the appearance of the cracking, peeling,
irritation and inflammation.
This type of skin feels tightly
drawn over bones. It looks dull and dehydrated, especially
on the cheeks, around the eyes and mouth, where tiny lines
may form expression lines.
Dry skin happens to have a low level of sebum and could
be quite sensitive. The skin loses moisture and may crack,
chap and peel, or become irritated and inflamed; it is caused
be the skin’s inability to retain moisture.
Very often it
is described by the patients as uncomforting feeling of tightness,
especially after washing (unless some type of dry skin moisturizer
is applied).
What can cause the dry skin?
• genetic condition
• conditions like eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea, etc.
• exposure to the outside elements, such as sun, wind, cold,
chemicals or cosmetics;
• excessive bathing with harsh soaps
• poor diet (nutritional deficiencies, especially of vitamin
A and B)
• limited supply of lubrication to the skin by oil glands,
result – dehydration
Dry skin can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
People with diabetes may have serious skin complications,
including symptoms of dry skin.
Certain drugs can contribute to dry skin (diuretics, antispasmodics,
antihistamines).
Care for dry skin
When cleansing your skin, try to avoid the use of tap water
as the deposits of it could be quite drying on the skin. Use
mineral water to freshen your face, you could apply it with
a plant sprayer (of course, if it hasn’t been used for other
purposes, but spraying clear water before) and lightly pat
dry.
Never use hot water. Washing your face with a face cloth
is not a good idea either, as a rough texture of face cloths
can easily irritate the dry skin.
Dry skin needs thorough but gentle cleansing, generous quantities
of oil and moisture, regular stimulation by massage. If you
have dry skin, you have to take extra care to protect it.
Bear in mind that washing your skin with soap and water not
only removes the grime, but also the natural oils that protect
your skin.
Moisturizing is an essential part of the hygiene
regimen for dry skin; moisturizer rises the level of the water
content of outer layers of your skin and gives it a smooth,
moist look.
Get hold of non-detergent, neutal-pH skin care products to
cleanse your skin.
Keep away from commercial soap. Always touch your face gently.
Double-cleanse with a cream, so that thin, light trace of
it left on the skin after the second cleansing to provide
longer lasting moisture supply.
After having a shower or a bath, apply baby oil. Use home-made
nourishing creams every night before going to bed and be generous
spreading the cream around the eyes and mouth where wrinkles
are likely to appear.
Avoid contact with highly alkaline soaps and detergents
like washing powders and washing sodas. Patting your skin
with mineral water and applying a thin film of air-excluding
moisturizer will help to restore the suppleness of your dry
skin.
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