Dry Skin Care

Last week I highlighted oily skin and how to control it, this week I continue the series with a write up on dry skin.

Dry skin also known as Xeroderma is a very common skin condition characterized by lack of the appropriate amount of water in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis. 

The epidermis is normally composed of fat (lipid) and protein. The lipid portion of the epidermis helps prevent skin dehydration. 

When the skin's fatty oils are removed, the skin loses its protection and loses moisture more easily.

 As skin becomes dry, it also becomes more sensitive and prone to rashes and skin breakdown.

While all genders are affected by dry skin, older people are more prone to it because they older you grow the less natural skin oils you produce.

 Areas such as the arms, hands, and particularly lower legs tend to be more affected by dry skin. 

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.

Because it is caused by lack of adequate moisture all control mechanisms should be geared towards increasing moisture.

First things first, water, drink it, and actually guzzle it throughout the day to increase moisture, drink least eight large glasses a day.

Your bath regimen should not last longer than 5 to 10 minutes and the temperature should not be high just warm.

Hot water is not a good idea for your skin, it strips you body of its natural oil barrier which you absolutely need to keep your skin moist and deliciously soft.

Do not dry yourself too thoroughly with a towel keep the body wet because anything you apply is meant more as a sealant.

A sealant keeps in moisture.

Avoid coming in contact with highly alkaline soaps and detergents like washing soaps and powders which contain highly alkaline and drying ingredients.

Don't use a washcloth because a rough texture can irritate.

Go easy on toners, peels, and other astringents made with alcohol, which is drying. When you exfoliate, don't scrub too much or too hard.

  

Add Glycerine, some olive or avocado oil and a little water to your lotion. Try as much as possible to ensure that your beauty products are for dry skin not oily skin.

Oil based creams or greasy moisturizers are recommended.

 For itchy or severely dry skin use an oil such as coconut oil, always carry petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to use on your hands.

Apply lotion every night before sleeping especially the elbows, and the area surrounding your eyes.

Always apply some lotion before applying makeup because makeup doesn’t sit well or even look good on dry skin.

Use liquid foundation and minimise the talcum you use by this I mean white powder (if people still use that).

Most powders are extremely drying so use a foundation which says hydrating or moisturizing on the label.

By all means eat foods that are rich in protein like Fish, Chicken, eggs and include sulphur rich foods such as such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus.

Make it a point to add garlic to the food you are cooking, your skin, and body will thank you for it.

 Vitamin A and C are good for skin, so eat foods that contain these vitamins such as carrots and apricots. 

Avoid alcohol and caffeine (or reduce your intake) as they cause the skin to loss fluids which leads to dry skin. 

Make some face masks at home using one egg, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of olive oil with a few drops of rose water.

Rose water can be found in most Indian shops and is quite cheap. Put on a clean face and leave for about 20 minutes then rinse off.

You can also add avocado to the mix. 

The infographic below also helps you.

 

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