Such Dry Skin…

Everyone has had dry skin at sometime. Flaky skin, dry lines, red patches; dry skin can sometimes all of a sudden add a couple of years on to you. Fortunately there is a lot that can be done, but before taking action you first need to determine the cause.

Cosmetic products

Funnily enough dry skin is very often caused by cosmetic products. Too much scrubbing, washing with harsh de-greasing cleansers and cosmetic products with irritating ingredients such as denatured alcohol break down the barrier function of the skin. And the older you get the more difficult it is for your body to keep repairing this. The result: too much moisture evaporates from the skin, flaky skin accumulates and bacteria can spread. The answer is usually straight forward; if you have dry skin washing with a mild facial cleanser once a day is more than enough. Follow by rinsing your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. Apply a more rich moisturizer, which doesn’t contain perfume, whilst your face is still damp. This ensures that less moisture evaporates and that active ingredients can work more effectively.

There is help! Ingredients for dry skin

Suitable ingredients for dry skin are Glycerine, Panthenol, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. Apply these several times a day if necessary (for example in a cream). Although it is tempting to scrub away flaky skin, it’s best not to. This often aggravates the problem even more. Preferably choose an exfoliant such as Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid or Gluconolactone. These substances work the flaky skin loose, as it were, and help the skin to retain moisture more effectively.

One last tip: for one night apply a thick layer of Vaseline or olive oil to your face. This can work wonders. Only you’d best warn your partner in advance…..

Regards Jetske

(Dr. Jetske Ultee-Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)

You can also read the blogs ‘Dehydrated Skin(and Hydrating Substances),
‘Make Your Own Mask’,
‘Help with Choosing Your Moisturizer’,
the Impact of stress or smoking on your skin,
‘A Hypo-Allergenic Product; What That Means’, or
‘Burning Skin Sensation’.