Caring for Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, especially in cold and dry weather. It occurs when skin does not retain sufficient moisture, causing the skin to be dry, flaky and sometimes itchy.
Our skin has its own natural moisturizing factor components (NMF), comprising mainly of amino acids, and humectants. The skin also has ceramides which are lipids or oils in between skin layers, this together with the NMF components, form a barrier to prevent water loss. This barrier can be disrupted by daily conditions such as the use of soaps, and natural factors such as wind and sun. The skin in turn, loses its hydration causing dry, flaky skin.
There are two main ways to relief dry skin –
- Cosmetic moisturizers – creams, lotions, balms, oils etc. can help repair the skin’s barrier and restore hydration. Using moisturizers of any kind that contain certain key ingredients allows your skin to do its job of restoring and replenishing itself.
Here are three major ingredient types to look out for in your cosmetic moisturizer:
- Humectants: These are ingredients such as glycerin, Lactate, PCA and urea. Their simple function is to attract water and help keep water bound in the skin’s layers to keep it hydrated.
- Occlusive Agents: These ingredients provide a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. Examples are petrolatum, waxes, and butters – Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Mango butter etc.
- Emollients: They impart partial occlusiveness as well as improve the appearance of dry skin, by softening and smoothing flaky skin cells. They moisturize similarly to the lipid components of the skin. Examples are Ceramides, Vegetable oils such as – Olive oil, Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Apricot oil, Canola oil, Corn oil, Safflower oil, Sesame oil, Soybean oil, Sweet almond oil etc.
A good cosmetic moisturizer which effectively combats dry skin, should incorporate each of these ingredient types at effective levels. They work synergistically to ameliorate the symptoms of dry skin.
2. Exfoliation – For very dry skin, especially during extreme cold and dry weather conditions such as winter, there is the need to exfoliate the skin.
The legs are the most affected during the winter or very cold seasons. Leaving them dry, scaly and sometimes itchy.
In order for your moisturizer to be effectively absorbed into your skin, there is the need to constantly exfoliate your skin using gentle natural scrubs, before applying your moisturizer.