When skin looks dry it is because there isn’t enough sebum to lubricate the surface cells and keep them compacted together. Dry skin is uneven in texture and has a matt appearance often looking dull. When natural moisture becomes lost from the upper layers the surface layers begin to curl up and flake. The skin begins to loose suppleness and often feels tight. Dry skin is usually thin and fine with no visible pores. When skin is not hydrated lines and wrinkles begin to show prematurely, particularly around the eyes. Commonly dilated capillaries appear on the nose and cheek.
What causes Dry Skin?
- Hormone imbalance
- Incorrect skin care
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Extreme temperatures
- Over-exposure to sunlight
- Prolonged illness
- Crash dieting
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol
- Medication
Dry skin is a common side effect of hormonal imbalances – especially in women. Ageing menopause, and a woman’s menstrual cycle can all be linked to the production of the hormone, oestrogen. Oestrogen has water-attracting properties, which influence the amount of moisture held in the skin. If the amount of Oestrogen circulating in the body is reduced, as is the amount of moisture that is available for the skin.
Will drinking water help?
Yes, Water hydrates and plumps skin cells to make your skin look brighter, vibrant, and more youthful. Nothing will happen overnight but by drinking the recommended 8 glasses a day you will begin to notice how hydration begins to improve your skin. But remember that no amount of water is going to solely replenish your skin. Drinking enough water will help to flush your digestive system and flush toxins from the body. This in turn will improve your complexion for healthy and glowing skin!
Will exfoliation help?
For most of us, exfoliation is a key step in our skin care routine. It’s not just great for your face, either: exfoliating skin on your whole body is just as important to keep it happy Medik8 Smooth Body exfoliating Kit, leaves you’re skin smooth and radiant. It’s like giving your body a well-deserved hand to help clear away its dead skin, making way for younger cells to come through. If you have dry or very dry skin, many exfoliants can be a no-go, leaving skin drier and more irritated than before. When skin is dry it is usually tight and sore so you need to go steady with what you are using on the top. Ingredients like acids aid in the repair of skin damage but always phase new products in. All skin types need hydration to stop them becoming dry, using Hyaluronic acid can help enhance hydration Medik8 Hydra B5 Intense a popular choice for a good reason, the ingredients are very hydrating and keeps the moisture locked into our skin. Dry skin needs bursts of hydration while it exfoliates products containing lactic acid maintain stability. Lactic acid works to dissolve the glue between cells on the surface making is a great gentle exfoliator, by keeping the skin soft. Lactic acid has a Pac Man effect on the surface of the skin, gently eating it away. Swissline Cell Shock Age Intelligence Perfection Booster
It is important to remember no chemical exfoliants should be taken lightly. Make sure you stick to ingredients and formulas that are specifically for your skins needs. The frequency you use the exfoliants are important just because a product says daily, doesn’t mean your skin does! At ‘The Skin Experts’ we recommend using a phase in process in-order to eliminate irritation. If you over work your exfoliants the damage could become irreversible and could accelerate the skin into prematurely ageing.
For more information on Dry skin book a 1-1 virtual consultation with our Skin Therapist.
