Dry skin develops as a result of under-active sebaceous glands. What are sebaceous glands? They are small glands in the skin which secretes a lubricating oily matter "sebum" into the hair follicles to lubriate the skin and hair. Dry skin, while hereditary like oily skin is also a result of aging. As all body activities slow down with time, oil gland activity slows down as well.
Dry skin tends to be dehydrated, it can feel scaly, rough and even itchy. It rarely has comedones and when it does it tends to be on the nose area. The lack of oil in dry skin reduces its ability retain moisture, since oil in the skin acts as a natural barrier against moisture loss.
Dry skin is characterized as very fine, overly delicate and thin. Insufficient oil secretion deprives the skin of enough "glue" to retain cells in the corneum layer. As a result dry skin has fewer cells in the corneum layer than does oily skin. In dry skin pores are almost invisible. The skin also tends to wrinkle easily and is often filled with tiny superficial lines.
Dry skin problems are aggravated by exposure to the sun, wind and heat. Imporper skin care, especially the lack of protection against moisture loss, further exacerbates this problem. Caring for dry skin should include the use pf products that will stimulate skin functions, activate oil gland secretion and provide deep hydration.
Moisturizers that can form a "sealing" film on the skin surface will prevent or reduce moisture loss. These should include high molecular weight ingredients, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and natural silicones other moisturizing ingredients are also essential to activate the skin's natural water retention ability and to place additional moisture into the skin. These ingredients include glycolic and lactic acids, glycerin, urea, ceramides, and cholesterol. Such multifunctional moisturizers are essential for dry skin. Nourishing creams that can stimulate oil gland secretion and skin functions are highly recommended. As with every skin type the use of products with antioxidant ingredients is essential to delay cellular damage. The use of nourishing hydrating masks is also advisable for dry skin.
Appropriate ingredients for dry skin can include but are not limited to Vitamin E, PCA, ginseng, dandelion extract, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and mucopolysaccharides. Specifically beneficial botanicals can include St. Johns wort, effective for improving circulation, Aloe Vera, for its deeply hydrating capacities; sage, which is calming and soothing.
Do you suffer from dry skin? What products are you using?
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Nat
xoxo
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