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Dry Skin
By Trish Mc Carthy
Cause
Dry skin is caused by damage to the skin's protective barrier, called the stratum corneum, which creates a deficiency of water and sebum (oil) in the skin cells.
Under normal circumstances, the sebaceous gland inside the skin-pore makes an oily substance called sebum, which mixes with water within the skin's surface layer to form a protective surface barrier. This protective barrier prevents water from evaporating from the underlying skin tissues. By trapping moisture within the skin, the protective barrier enables an environment for cellular activity that allows the skin to stay fresh and healthy. When the skin's surface barrier is damaged, water evaporates and the skin becomes dry.
Dry skin and depletion of the skin's protective barrier is caused when the skin suffers prolonged exposure to harsh conditions such as: i) arid environments, including dry climates, heated buildings and airplanes, and ii) the use of harsh cleansers, soaps and other irritating skincare products that strip the skin of water and oil. If left untreated, the dehydrated skin can become irritated, flaky, red, inflamed and cracked. The complexion loses its lustrous appearance and looks dull.
Treatment
The best way to cure and prevent dry skin is to:
Supply the skin with plenty of humectants and emollients
Use high-end exfoliants to promote cellular turnover
Minimize exposure to dry environments
Avoid the use of harsh skincare products
We can reverse the effects of dry skin by: i) supplying the skin with water binding agents, ii) recreating the skin's own protective barrier (stratum corneum), and iii) promoting exfoliation. Together, these actions recreate normal skin functionality. As a result, cracked, itchy and irritated skin heals, and the complexion becomes soft and smooth again.
We can supplement the skin's impaired water retention capabilities with the application of water-binding agents, such as phospholipids, triglycerides and carrageenans, also called humectants. These substances attract water to the skin and help keep it there. All of EverWell's anti-aging products contain humectants. Also, by supplying the skin with emollient substances that resemble the skin's own sebum, we can replicate the role of the skin's protective barrier by trapping and sealing in moisture. EverWell's Anti-Aging Daily Nourisher, Anti-Aging Overnight Replenisher, EverLight UnderEye Diffuser and Natural Illusion Perfecting Cream are all rich in emollients, such as natural plant oils and silky silicones.
By using high-end exfoliants, we can accelerate cellular turnover and promote the replacement of aged skin with new more hydrated skin. This causes the complexion to feel smoother, firmer and take on a glow for a fresher, more lustrous appearance. You can use granular based scrubs, such as EverWell's Toasted Coconut Sugar Scrub. For deeper exfoliation, use a high-end glycolic acid based product. Try EverWell's Anti-Aging Overnight Replenisher, which boasts a generous 8% glycolic acid concentration balanced with abundant natural plant oils for a gentle, but effective, exfoliation.
Also, stay out of dry climates and add humidity to dry indoor environments to reduce the evaporation of water from the skin. More importantly, discontinue using lower grade skincare products with harsh ingredients, so as not to damage the skin's protective barrier. In particular, avoid detergent based cleansers, alcohol based astringents and other skincare products.
Myths
M. Greasy moisturizers should be used to combat dry skin.
F. We do not recommend the use of greasy moisturizers. While greasy moisturizers may temporarily relieve dry skin, they can clog pores, cause acne and give the complexion an oily, stale appearance. Instead, we recommend high-end moisturizers made with natural plant oils and/or silicones. These ingredients impart emolliency and protection without the greasiness. EverWell's Anti-Aging Daily Nourisher, Anti-Aging Overnight Replenisher, EverLight UnderEye Diffuser and Natural Illusion Perfecting Cream contain an abundance of natural plant oils and silky grease-free silicones.
M. Specialty bar soaps don't cause dry skin.
F. Bar soaps made with harsh, synthetic cleansers and perfumes are likely to cause dryness, regardless of price or where they're sold. Look for spa-quality soaps made with natural emollients and degreasers that won't leave the skin feeling parched and itchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is it important to use a non-detergent based cleanser?
A. Non-detergent-based cleansers are both gentle and effective at removing impurities from the skin. On the contrary, detergent-based cleansers strip the skin of its moisture barrier (stratum corneum) causing dryness and exposing the skin to wrinkle-causing free radicals. To view a list of harmful ingredients found in skin care products, click here.
Q. Why does my skin feel so dry after I take a bath?
A. Soaking in a tub for a prolonged amount of time, especially if the water is hot, can remove the protective barrier (stratum corneum) on the skin. After your next bath, try applying an emollient moisturizer over damp skin. This will replace any sebum lost and seal in the hydration.
Q. Will using an air humidifier help prevent dry skin?
A. Yes. Adding humidity to dry indoor environments is a clever way to reduce evaporation of water from the skin.
Recommended Products
Anti-Aging Overnight Replenisher Delivers intense hydration; provides deep exfoliation; excellent for promoting cellular turnover – very potent.
Anti-Aging Daily Nourisher Delivers intense hydration; contains natural sunscreens – protects throughout the day.
Natural Illusion Perfecting Cream Delivers hydration; contains natural sunscreens; covers flaws to give skin a glow – great for regular use throughout the day.
Toasted Coconut Sugar Scrub Exfoliates; promotes cellular turnover.
About the Author
By: Trish Mc Carthy May, 2005
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/3002.html
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