How to Combat Winter Dry Skin
Dry skin results in flaky rough surface texture and a feeling of tightness and sometimes itchiness. If left untreated, dry skin can become inflamed and lead to redness and discomfort. Aging issues of wrinkling or poor elasticity can appear worse when symptoms of dry skin appear. There are two types of dry skin. The most frequent type of dry skin is a result of dehydration. This is usually caused by unprotected exposure to cold weather, low humidity, indoor heat, or lack of proper skin care. Dehydrated skin lacks water in the surface cells. It also lacks lipids in the epidermal level. The other type of dry skin is called Alipidic skin, also known as oil-dry skin. This type of skin lacks oil as opposed to water. This skin usually has very mall pores. This type of skin is often dehydrated due to the lack of protective sebum on the skin's surface, which allows moisture to escape. Below are Six Must-Dos for Dry Skin:
- Use protective moisturizers that contain petrolatum, plant derived emollients, or silicones to help prevent water loss in less humid, cold environments.
- Ceramides and other lipid ingredients can be incorporated in products to help improve barrier function.
- Use gentle exfoliants to remove dead, dry surface cells.
- Choose products appropriate for the individual skin type.
- Hydrating facial treatments can help boost moisture and speed recovery.
- Physically protect skin from sintry conditions with a hat, scarf, glasses and gloves.