What Exactly is Dry Skin? It’s actually a very common skin problem. Plenty of factors can exacerbate this problem, including drying soaps, age, sun exposure and low humidity. Dry skin is sometimes only a temporary problem which is caused by dry weather. Showering too often, especially in water which is too hot, can cause dry skin.
Dry skin can look dehydrated, shrunken or flaky. It is common for the skin to appear rough. Redness, itching, flakiness or deep cracks are common in a dry skin sufferer. Some of the more severe dry skin cases might require the help of a dermatologist but a lot of dry skin troubles can be treated at home, using adequate skin care and modifying the diet.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Almost everybody experiences dry skin at some point in their life and finding out more about this common complaint can help you to take measures to prevent it. These are some common risk factors:
Age – Oil production often decreases as you become older and your skin changes over the course of your life. Skin products suitable when you were in your teens might be unsuitable if you are now in your thirties for example.
Bathing – If your showers or baths are too hot or too long, your skin can be stripped of its protective oils. These protective oils are necessary for keeping your skin moisturized. If you wash your hands too often, they might become red, chapped and sore.
Dehydration – If your skin is dry, it means it lacks water. If you fail to drink enough water, your skin will look and feel dry. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is essential for optimum health, not just in your skin but your whole body.
Gender – Both genders can suffer from dry skin problems but the menopause makes dry skin worse in women.
Health – Various health issues can affect the ability of the body to care for the skin, which might result in dry skin. Illnesses such as diabetes can mean you are more likely to experience dry skin.
Exposure to Sunlight – The sun can make existing dry skin problems worse or dry out your skin to create problems.
Sometimes, having dry skin can result in other problems which need the help of a medical professional, such as a dermatologist. Eczema is one example of a dry skin condition. An eczema sufferer will have cracked skin, redness and inflammation.
Cellulites is another dry skin condition, where the skin layers are inflamed due to a bacterial infection. It is best to take care of dry skin as soon as you know you have it, rather than allow more serious complications to develop.
How to Prevent Dry Skin:
One way of preventing dry skin is to spend less time in the bath or shower. Bathe or shower once a day and make sure you are in and out within fifteen minutes. This means your body’s natural oils are not stripped. Use gentle cleansers on your skin, preferably ones which contain added moisturizers.
You can buy soaps with added moisturizers, such as Dove, Olay and Neutrogena. If you prefer not to use soap, you can get dry skin cleansers, such as Aveeno or Cetaphil. Antibacterial soaps and deodorants are known for causing dry skin. When you wash, be gentle with your skin and blot yourself with a towel rather than rubbing.
How Do Moisturizers Work?
A moisturizer is like a barrier between your skin and the elements. The moisturizer holds water in your skin tissue, making it feel and look better. Washing removes the skin’s natural oils and moisturizers replace them. Moisturizers need to be applied after cleansing the skin and throughout the day as you need it. If you apply moisturizers to damp skin, this can reduce dry skin problems too.
Sunscreen and moisturizer combinations are not normally as good together as using a separate cream for each purpose. Use a good moisturizer and also use a good sunscreen.
Selecting the best moisturizer for your dry skin is simpler if you understand how various moisturizers work. You can find cheap moisturizers or very expensive ones. Knowing exactly what is best for your skin is vital.
Aloe is an ingredient commonly found in good moisturizers. It is an emollient which has been extracted from aloe vera plant leaves. This helps to remove dead skin and lock in water, keeping the skin moisturized.
Alpha hydroxy acids help with exfoliation. Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, help to protect cell membranes and fatty tissues. They repair damage caused by sun rays and air pollutants. Dimethicone is a silicon which lubricates and protects the skin.
Emollients are a mixture of water and oil, meaning they are heavier than other moisturizers. Emollients help to lubricate the skin and replace lipids. Glycerin attracts water to the skin and is a natural by-product of soap production. Humectants attract water and work best in humid places.
Vitamin A (retinoic acid) improves sun damage and helps to keep the pores clean. Rosehip seed oil can decrease imperfections including wrinkles and can repair dry skin.
You might have to try a few different products on your skin until you find one you like the look, feel and smell of, and one that suits your particular skin type. Some people do not like greasy creams or runny lotions. Remember that some products are supposed to be used once a day and others require more frequent application.
You should feel the benefit as soon as you apply your moisturizer. If your skin is very dry it might take a bit longer, perhaps up to a couple of weeks, to notice the results.
It is vital to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, for your overall health. Wash your face once a day and steer clear of harsh cleansers. Do not bathe or shower in very hot water and keep the bathing time under fifteen minutes.
If you have dry skin or your skin is drying out more as you age, apply a good moisturizer every day. These simple measures can have a great effect on maximizing the health and appearance of your skin.
By: Ken Black
In this fast moving world there are many diseases which affect people. There is lot of dust and dirt in the air which causes various infections. Skin is the most exposed part in the human body and so it is the first which gets affected.
Acne is a common problem which is increasing a lot among teenagers. Adult acne affects 25 percentages of men and 50 percentages of women. The statistics given are approximate and might be more. Acne could cause depression and social anxiety. No one knows the cause of adult acne. Most of the doctors say it is because of the hormonal change.
Even though the cause of adult acne is unknown, doctors say stress and hormonal imbalance could be the important reason. Stress can bring lot of internal change because stress is directly related to hormonal change. Adult acne cause frustration and depression but it is treatable.
People with acne can contact a dermatologist. In general there are various skin care products. There are various adult acne skin care products. There are various cream and pills available in market but it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting the medication.
Adult acne mainly starts with blackheads or white heads. People with chronic acne have to take proper medication. In general people who are affected with adult acne have oily and sensitive skin. Itchiness and dryness are common side effects from adult acne. There are various chemical products which can be used to control black heads. Blackheads are the main cause of adult acne.
There are various adult acne skin products. Cheese and chocolate does not cause acne. Adult acne is different from teenage skin problem. People should not treat teenage skin problem and adult acne the same. They should consult a dermatologist and take proper care. It is advised not to use hard soaps, unknown facial cream etc.
Adult acne is common in women when compared to men because majority of the women are affected more by hormonal change. It is advised to wash your face with clean water, wash with doctor prescribed soaps and cream.
By: Ricky Lim
It never fails. Doesn’t it seem like acne always picks the worst time to appear? Luckily, there are many changes you can make to your cosmetic routine that can help heal acne. Always remember that what works for your best friend may not work for you. Everyone’s skin is unique, and you may have sensitivities to something your friend does not. Try the following suggestions and see if they work for you.
Try over-the-counter medications first. If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a mild soap or cleanser. You may need to experiment to find one that works best for you and doesn’t irritate your acne. Wash your face gently only once or twice a day. Do not use a rough washcloth or scrub your skin. Keep your hands away from your face to keep from spreading bacteria. If you are worried about an outbreak after eating a meal of junk food, try laying off it for awhile to see if there is any connection.
If you use cosmetics, check all the labels and only purchase make-up labeled non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. These cosmetics were made for sensitive skin and should not add to your breakouts. Don’t share your makeup with anyone else, and always make sure your towels, washcloths, sponges and other items you use on your face are clean. Re-using these items without cleaning them may spread bacteria that can lead to an acne outbreak.
If, after trying all this on your own, you are still suffering from acne breakouts, get a referral for a dermatologist. A dermatologist can give you a prescription for medical acne treatments. These may include antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin. Tetracycline will increase your sun-sensitivity. Other common therapies include Tretinoid, or Retin-A. The latter is a fairly strong medication applied to skin that uses vitamin A as an important ingredient. Most frequently, Retin-A is a gel, a cream, or liquid applied once a day. Most people apply it at night, since Retin-A will make you sensitive to the sun.
You can also create your own acne medicines at home from items around the house. Many people follow this approach, and recipes have existed for such products for generations. Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to treatment, but household recipes are pretty safe and pretty effective for those suffering from mild to moderate outbreaks.
Three skin care recipes are included here if you’d like to give them a try:
1. Baking soda scrub: a baking soda scrub’s main use is to exfoliate. Exfoliation is an important part of treating acne… it removes dead skin cells that can fill your pores and create acne inflammations. Mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with a little bit of water until it looks and feels like paste. Gently rub the scrub into your skin. Let it rest for about a minute, and then rinse gently with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
2. Apple cider vinegar : has long been used as a healthy ingredient, and treating acne is one of the areas it is recommended for. Some people insist that apple cider vinegar can get rid of bacteria, keep your face fresh, get rid of excess oils, and balance your skin’s pH level. It contains a lot of citric acid, which makes a good exfoliating ingredient. Dilute the apple cider vinegar into a one part vinegar, eight parts water solution. Use purified water in this solution if possible. Dip a cotton ball into your vinegar solution and use it to moisten your skin. A little goes a long way. Too much vinegar can dry your skin and make your acne worse.
3. Another old favorite is egg whites : egg whites are rich in vitamins and protein, and have been used in skin preparations for a long time. They can help tone and tighten your skin. Beat two egg whites into a bubbly froth. Apply the froth to the face and let sit approximately fifteen minutes. Rinse the egg froth off gently with lukewarm water.
If you have any concerns, or your acne is severe, see your family doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist, who is a skin specialist.
By: Black