Dry Skin Care

Dry skin is an issue people both young and old have to deal with. Not only is this common on the face, but other parts of the body, such as the legs, arms, and hands are also susceptible. If you are lucky, you may never have to deal with dry skin, but of course, there are millions who are dealing with this problem day in and day out.

Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Causes For Dry Skin

-The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.
-Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter.
-Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition.
-Poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.
-Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps.
-Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea

Top 5 Tips On Dry Skin Care

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Avoid the use of tap water when cleansing dry skin. The deposits are too drying on the skin. And never, ever use hot water. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.

-Avoid coming in contact with highly alkaline soaps and detergents like washing sodas and powders which contain highly alkaline and drying ingredients.
Moistening with water, then applying a thin film of air-excluding moisturizer, restores the suppleness of the dry skin.

-Increase your intake of oily fish or take a supplement of essential fatty acids. One of the main tell-tale signs of deficiency of these essential nutrients is dry, flaking skin.

-Never dry your skin completely. One of the best ways to hydrate dry skin is just to pat it with the towel after washing, then apply moisturizer to seal in that extra moisture.

-Never expose your skin to really hot water. It dries out parched skin.