The Skinny on Dry Skin

You might think that your skin is impervious to dryness, but think again. For most people, especially as we get older, dry skin is a very common problem.

What is it?

Often, dry skin can easily be confused with dehydrated skin, yet the two are very different. Dry skin is skin that has stopped producing the natural oil (sebum) which lubricates and keeps the skin soft and moist. Dehydrated skin is skin that has lost surface moisture, such as from bathing in extremely hot water or a swimming pool. Aside from environmental conditions, experts point to several factors that can play a role in causing the skin to feel dry.

• Moisture loss. Moisture is lost through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. This layer is made up of skin cells, oils and fats and it keeps the skin hydrated while also creating a barrier against harmful substances. According to the Physician's Desk Reference, "...when the stratum corneum dries out, it loses its protective function. This allows greater water loss."
• Sun damage. The sun emits dangerous UV radiation that can damage and weaken skin. Over time, this exposure can lead to intrinsic damage to skin cells, which also means the skin loses its ability to retain moisture. As previously discussed, moisture loss is a key component of dry skin.
• Less oil production. As the skin matures, the production of sebum typically tends to slow down, causing the skin to feel and look dry.
• Weather and climate. Each season, the humidity level of the air changes, in turn causing a change in the moisture level of skin. Also, different geographic regions can also affect the skin. Extreme northern climates or arid deserts of the southwest both suck away dryness and leave the skin papery dry. Interior climates also affect the skin: heat and air conditioning force moisture from the air, and the skin.
• Medical conditions. Some health problems are also related to dry skin. Examples are diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, AIDS and cancer. In addition, dry skin is often seen in patients with eczema or psoriasis.
• Medications. A variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to dry skin including diuretics and drugs for high cholesterol. Retinoid treatments for acne and aging skin are also notorious for their drying effects. Plus, some medications increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, which means a greater risk of UV damage, affecting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

What to do

First and foremost, dry skin needs moisture, however; there are several practical, everyday tweaks to your normal routine which will provide relief.

• Avoid hot water. Although a steamy hot bath may be your favorite way to unwind, hot water strips skin of moisture and the natural protective oils. Adjust the water temperature to warm or minimize taking hot baths to once a week. Also, don’t soak for longer than 10-20 minutes.
• Creamy cleansers. When washing your face, pick a gentle, creamy, soap-free cleanser which will remove dirt and impurities yet respect the moisture balance of the skin. Try Murad Moisture Rich Cleanser. Also, forgo heavily scented or perfumed cleansers as these can also lead to dryness and instead, go for a fragrance-free option: L’Occitane Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk. And for the shower, lather up with moisturizing body wash instead of bar soap such as MD Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash.

• Moisturize often. Moisturizers bind water to skin and help the stratum corneum lock in hydration. Look for formulas that contain lanolin, shea butter or hyaluronic acid to keep skin from feeling dry or itchy. For face, Murad Perfecting Night Cream will moisturize with sunflower oil and squalene and for the body, butter up with L’Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion with 15% pure shea butter.
• Wear Sunscreen. Defend yourself from harmful UV rays which break down skin and zap moisture. Plus, sunscreen protects against age spots, wrinkles and can help ward off skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen made specifically for dry skin to boost moisture levels, with an SPF 15 or higher such as Ole Henriksen Sun Light Protection Crème with Green Tea SPF 30.
• Use a humidifier. It’s an easy way to put moisture back into the air when humidity levels are low, especially during cold winter months.
• Drink up. We’ve all heard how important it is to drink plenty of water — up to eight glasses a day, say many experts. Sufficient water intake is critical for all bodily components so strive to drink enough water each day.