Dry skin: Moisturize your way to healthy skin!

Dry skin: Moisturize your way to healthy skin!

Dry skin is not necessarily lacking in water, but rather in oil – or sebum. While sebum has a bad reputation, it plays an important role in protecting the skin; it also lubricates it and boosts its elasticity.

Causes

Dry skin can be caused by a defect in the sweat and sebaceous glands. However, many external factors can also cause temporary dryness of the epidermis:

  • Cold temperatures or hot, dry climate
  • Excessive sun or wind exposure
  • Heating in homes during winter
  • Hot baths
  • Frequent use of soaps or fragrances, especially those containing alcohol
  • Certain medications.

Complications

If you tend to have dry skin, it is important for you to adopt a regimen that involves cleansing and moisturizing your skin well. In fact, neglecting the issue or adopting an inadequate skin care routine can cause a series of problems, such as:

  • Cracked skin, leaving it more vulnerable to bacteria, toxins and impurities
  • The appearance of flakes and fine lines
  • A rough appearance
  • Skin discomfort and sensitivity
  • Older-looking skin
  • Difficulty in applying makeup.

It should be noted that dry skin does not cause wrinkles, but can make them more visible. Wrinkles are, in fact, due to aging and exposure to the sun.

Solutions

Here are a few ways to prevent or limit dryness of the skin:

  • Maintain an adequate level of humidity in your home
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Use sun protection
  • Get enough sleep
  • Manage your stress level
  • Avoid hot baths and showers
  • Choose soaps made with moisturizing agents such as glycerin.

You might also want to apply generous quantities of moisturizer. For dry skin, the best creams are those containing fatty ingredients, such as:

Antioxidant moisturizers (e.g. vitamins A and E) are also recognized for their rehydrating properties.

If over-the-counter products don’t work, consult a health professional, because dry skin can be related to certain health problems, such as eczema or psoriasis.

If you have any questions regarding skin care, consult our dermo-cosmetics consultants! They can help you select the products that suit you best.

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