subject: Dry Skin Care - 6 Tips To Battle The Signs [print this page] One of the common skin problems women have to battle with is that of dry skin. Contrary to popular belief, dry skin is not simply a result of lack of moisture. Rather, it is caused because the intracellular matrix (the substances between skin cells that keep them intact, smooth, and healthy) depletes or gets damaged. This further leads to water loss thus making the skin dry and parched. Therefore, in order to prevent and treat dry skin, you should seek to reduce damage to the intracellular matrix and preserve it.
Causes of Dry Skin
Use of Harsh Ingredients
Skin care products like soaps, harsh cleansers or products containing irritating ingredients can be very damaging They can disrupt the outer layer of the skin and destroy the intracellular matrix and lead to flakiness and roughness of the skin.
Environmental Irritants
Skin's matrix can be damaged by several factors like prolonged exposure to arid environments, cold weather, low humidity levels, dry air from heaters and air conditioners etc.
Unprotected Sun Exposure
The UV rays of the sun damage the outer layer of the skin where skin cells are poorly connected to one another. As a result, the surface of new skin that is formed is unhealthy and impaired.
Aging
As we grow older, the body's levels of estrogen drop down and the skin becomes thinner and the fat deposits under the skin.
Treatment for Dry Skin
1. Wear Sunscreen
In order to prevent sun damage, make sure you slather on sunscreen all over your body before you venture out. This will not only protect your skin from the UVA/UVB rays but also hold moisture or feel smooth.
2. Use Rich Moisturizers
Use moisturizers that are rich in antioxidants, water-binding agents, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. The best time to apply moisturizers is immediately after you get out of shower when the skin is still damp. Also, make sure you store the moisturizer in a cool dry place in order to retain its stability.
3. Reapply Frequently
Be it sunscreen or be it moisturizers... Reapplication is the key to retain effectiveness. Make sure you reapply sunscreen every couple of hours when you are out and as and when your skin starts feeling dry, give it a dose of moisturizers.
4. Avoid Soaps
Instead of using harsh soaps, use gentle, nondrying cleansers that clean the skin without stripping off the natural oils.
5. Avoid having bath in Hot Water
A leisurely bath or shower using hot water may feel wonderful but too much water is bad for skin because it breaks down the skin's protective covering and destroys the substances that keep skin cells intact. Therefore, keep showers or baths as short as possible.
6. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is a key requirement for healthy skin that helps to remove the dead skin cells from the surface and promote the growth of new cells. Use a well-formulated AHA or BHA based exfoliating product or scrub that help skin cells turn over in a more natural, youthful manner.
