Dry Skin Care
Dry skin is sensitive and uncomfortable unless frequently moisturized. Dry skin has a low level of sebum and usually looks parched or chalky due to its inability to retain moisture. Dry skin feels tight, uncomfortable, and sometimes itchy, unless moisturizer is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin.
Dry skin is often worse in the winter, when dry heat and extreme cold combine to rob even more moisture away from the skin. Wind, air conditioning, and over exposure to the sun can also cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. Dry skin tends to look dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics plays a role in the dryness of skin. Oil glands that do not supply enough sebum fail to lubricate the skin properly. Dry skin can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps. Diet also plays a role in the lubrication of the skin. A poor diet lacking in essential nutrients, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can cause the skin to become dry.
Skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema may also aggravate the skin and cause it to become dry, flaky, and dull. Other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes may develop dry skin as a side effect of their condition or of the medication they are taking. Other medications, such as diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines can contribute to dry skin.
Caring For Dry Skin
Dry skin requires special care and attention. Here are some special techniques you can use to cleanse, moisturize, and protect dry skin:
Cleansing: Like other skin types, dry skin needs regular and gentle cleansing. However, you must be very careful with the products and methods you use to cleanse dry skin, as it’s easily aggravated. Use a gentle organic cleanser, such as Aquaspirit®, that’s made especially for dry skin. Gently massage the cleanser into the skin and splash off with lukewarm water. Be sure not to use water that is either too hot or too cold. And never rub with your hands or with a washcloth. Lightly pat your skin dry with a soft, clean organic cotton towel.
Moisturizing: Cleansing the skin helps to remove dirt, debris, make up and pollutants, but it also strips away the natural oils protecting the skin. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and helps to lock in the skin's natural moisture. Again, choose a moisturizer, such as Parfait Visage™, that’s made for dry skin. Apply it liberally after cleansing with a gentle massaging motion. For skin on the body, an organic moisturizer can be applied directly after a bath or shower. Apply organic facial moisturizers generously, paying careful attention to the neck, and the areas surrounding the eyes where tiny lines and crows feet tend to pop up.
Protecting: Dry skin is highly susceptible to damage from environmental conditions. Use organic sunscreen everyday with an SPF of 15 or greater to protect your skin from damaging sun rays. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows your skin to breathe and to reduce irritation. A wide brimmed hat can help protect the delicate facial skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Tips for Dry Skin care
People with dry skin are prone to having chapped lips as well. Care for your lips by covering them with a gentle organic lip moisturizer available at OasisAdvancedWellness.com several times throughout the day, and before you go to bed in the evening.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to your home or work environment, especially in the winter.
Use an organic facial mask especially made for dry skin on a weekly basis to remove dull, dry surface skin cells.
Drink plenty of purified water to keep your skin nourished and moisturized on the inside. Personally, I recommend the Wellness Water Purification Systems.
Herbs for Dry Skin Care
Aloe vera is soothing, healing, and moisturizing. It also helps to remove dead skin cells. Apply aloe vera gel topically on affected areas.
Calendula and comfrey have skin-softening properties. They can be used in a facial sauna or to make herbal or floral waters. Comfrey also reduces redness and soothes irritated skin.
Lavender oil is great for softening and moisturizing your skin. Try adding a few drops to your bath water.
Tea tree oil can improve the condition of the skin. Add a drop to your moisturizer to smooth and nourish the skin.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop and sell exclusively high-end natural and organic skin care lines to support a wide range of skin conditions. The products he promotes are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives. For more information on skin care please visit Skin-care-support.org.
