Dry Skin Care

Does your skin feel dry and parched when you get up in the morning? Do you experience flaky skin that is tightly drawn over the bones? Chances are that you have dry skin. Identifying your skin type can help you chalk out your daily skin care routine. Skin becomes more dry as we age. It is essential to follow dry skin care and keep it well moisturized and hydrated to prevent premature age lines and wrinkles. Read up on appropriate dry skin treatment.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by low levels of sebum. The oil glands do not supply adequate lubrication to the skin. When the natural protective hydrolipid layer of the skin becomes weak, it results in dry skin that has a parched and taut look and feel. This type of skin is usually fine and thin and rarely breaks out into blemishes. Dry skin is less likely to develop acne. Dry skin can be a genetic condition or a result of nutritional deficiencies. Deficiency of Vitamins A and B has been known to cause dry skin. Excessive exposure to sun, wind or cold can turn your skin dry. Some women experience dry skin due to chemicals and cosmetics that strip the skin of its natural oils.

Sometimes dry skin is a sign of an under-active thyroid. Drug reactions to antispasmodics, antihistamines or diuretics can cause the skin to become dry. Dry skin is more prone to developing early signs of aging, Wrinkles may form around the eyes, mouth and throat. Laughter lines may develop. As anyone suffering from very dry skin will tell you, itching is often experienced especially on hands and lower legs. The dry skin tends to feel rough and scaly to the touch. Dehydration, sun exposure, smoking, and stress also may cause dry skin.

Dry skin care

Dry skin needs to be gently cleansed and regularly stimulated with massage. Avoid hot water baths. Harsh soaps will wash away the natural oils that protect the skin. If you have dry skin, then the moisturizer is a must-have on your cosmetic table. A moisturizer can increase the water content in the outer layers of the skin lending it a soft and moist look.

Apply it generously on areas surrounding the eyes and mouth where crows feet make their first ugly appearance. Moisturizers are available as ointments, creams or lotions. Lotions for dry skin have a high water content and do not leave a greasy film on the skin. Ointments and creams for dry skin care are usually lanolin based.

Don't forget your lips. Peeled and cracked lips are not a pleasant sight. Rubbing your lips with a soothing and moisturizing balm can keep them soft and supple and kissable. Soaps containing olive or almond or avocado oil work best with dry skin. Avoid the use of creams and soaps made from hydrogenated oils as they can result in dryness.

An essential routine in dry skin care is to exfoliate your skin and thereby stimulate the skin and remove dead cells. But do not embark on over zealous scrubbing as it can strip the skin of some essential lipids. Makeup products for dry skin must also be carefully selected. Oil based foundations can help trap the moisture within your skin. A soufflé foundation works well for very dry skin.

Dry skin treatment

Dry skin tends to get worse during winter. The effects of drying can be reduced by using a good moisturizer that will replenish the parched skin with sufficient moisture. You can add oils to your bath water to nourish and penetrate the skin. Though a long warm soak can be very inviting at the end of a tired day, it can strip the skin of its moisturizing fats or lipids. Avoid harsh soaps and alcohol-based products such as astringents. Rejuvenate your dry skin with rich night creams containing mineral oils or other moisturizing agents.

Creams containing retinoid may help reduce premature wrinkling and development of age spots. Night creams containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHAs) contain derivatives obtained from milk, fruit and sugarcane. They gently exfoliate dry layer of the skin and reveal a more moisturized layer. Get rid of the dull flaky look. Don't forget your sunscreen even in winter. Humidify your environment during winter to prevent loss of moisture from your skin. Overheated rooms can wreak havoc on your dry skin.