You can tell a lot about a person by simply looking at their face. I don't mean their expressions, but rather, their skin. Bad habits like poor nutrition, improper skincare, excessive tanning, or regular smoking all leave calling cards. While certain habits can cause long-term concerns, such as premature aging or cancer, most result in nagging issues that can be improved by simply ceasing the behavior or improving it.
Of course a large portion of skin conditions, concerns, and damage are also caused by factors of which we have no control, like aging, medical conditions, and heredity. Yet, even in these cases, there are often solutions that can minimize the symptoms, if not eliminate them. In addition to outlying the various causes of common skin concerns, an overview of the various treatment options available will be noted as well.
First, a word about the approach to these skincare issues. If you read 5 different skincare books and you'll often find 5 different approaches for treating common skin concerns. This is because rarely is there just one way to treat the skin. Various protocols can get you to the same end result of improved skin appearance. However, this philosophy is to utilize proven tactics of addressing the issue to bring about a noticeable improvement in appearance and, most importantly, a measurable impact on the skin's health. After all,
this method offers the best defense against symptoms reoccurring.
This approach is one of minimal evasiveness. Of course, many skin concerns can be immediately alleviated through plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures. However, look at these options as those to consider when all others fail to improve the situation. When your bathroom cabinets are filled with products that did not deliver what they claimed. When you're frustrated at endless marketing hype without results. Or simply follow these suggestions, and end the search and waste of money. Therefore, outlined both at-home and over-the-counter solutions for the most common skin challenges and conditions, as well as the appropriate professional procedures that may address them. These suggested treatments are based on sound scientific research and successful results that have been garnered in practice.
Seasonal Changes
Those who live in seasonally cold climates experience skin dryness when the mercury drops, due to a lack of humidity in the air.
Use of a New Skincare Product
Many skincare products contain ingredients that strip away the oily layer that sits atop skin. This layer is key in that it keeps moisture within the skin. When it is removed by the use of a harsh cleanser or alcohol-containing product, the skin becomes prone to dryness.
Environmental Factors
After extensive air travel, many individuals experience skin dryness. This is due to the lack of humidity within the cabins of planes.
Smoking
Smokers and those regularly exposed to secondhand smoke often complain of dry skin. This is believed to be due to two primary factors. First, cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that encourage oxidation. As you'll recall in earlier Blog "Common Sense Approach to Skincare", oxidation triggers free radical production, which inflicts damage upon the cells of the body, including skin cells. This damage may lead to the drying and cracking of the skin. Additionally, smoking reduces the body's stores of Vitamin A. Thus smokers who are attempting to quit, should take additional Vitamin A. Among the vital tasks of Vitamin A are to encourage skin elasticity and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum (oil). When inadequate amounts are present in the body, skin dryness results.
Medications
Dry skin is a side effect of a number of commonly prescribed drugs. among them are statins (cholesterol lowering drugs), diuretics (also called "water pills"), anti-cholinergics (often used for gastrointestinal disorders), and several of the drugs used in chemotherapy. Skin dryness is also an expected side effect of many acne prescriptions, including Accutane.
If your skin dryness is caused by a medication, consult with your doctor about alternative prescriptions that may be available.
Medical Conditions
Skin dryness is a symptom of a number of common diseases and conditions. Some of these include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, diabetes, vitamin deficiency (particularly vitamin A), thyroid disorders, anorexia nervosa, and even pregnancy. If you have not been currently diagnosed with one of these conditions and have ruled out all other causes of skin dryness, it's recommended you see your doctor to determine if there is a medical connection.
Risks
While dry skin is uncomfortable, the real issue is the damage that can ensue if it is left untreated. Persistent dryness can lead to cracking. Given that skin is our body's first line of defense against the outside world, when it is compromised, bacteria are given the opportunity to enter the body. This, in turn, may lead to infection and disease.
Myths
Contrary to popular belief, adding water to the skin will NOT increase its moisture content. You'll recall this is one of the "common myths" reviewed in an earlier blog. Simply put, "Skin can't absorb water". In fact, applying water to the skin can cause the opposite effect and actually exacerbate dryness.
There's another variation on this myth that is also often recommended by licensed skincare professionals: Apply lotion and moisturizers after showering when the skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Again, given that skin can't absorb water, this technique will provide no benefit. Consider this, if our skin could absorb water, what would happen when you bathe, or swim? We'd swell up like a sponge. Our skin is the largest organ, and the defense of our inner organs, it protects us. Skin keeps the internal moisture inside, or we'd dry up like a prune. And external moisture outside, or we'd swell up in the rain or shower.
Utilize a moisturizer rich in humectants
Humectants are the key component of an effective moisturizer. Rather than applying moisture to the skin, they help the skin to hold in its existing water content. They're further beneficial in that they improve the pliability of the skin.
Often, humectant-rich moisturizers are marketed as "night moisturizers". This is because they are heavier and most convenient for nighttime wear when makeup isn't applied over the top. However, for those suffering from dry skin, night moisturizers are appropriate for daytime use as well.
Run a Humidifier in your Home
Especially for those suffering from dry skin due to a lack of humidity in the environment, as is the case in cold weather climates or for those who spend a good deal of time in air conditioning, or dry arid environments, use of a humidifier will bring some relief.
Avoid the use of Irritating product Ingredients
While it's often hard to know specifically which ingredients may be causing dry skin, it's best to generally avoid those that encourage its development or make existing cases even worse. Ingredients to avoid include sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent commonly found in cleansers and shampoos that is irritating to many individuals and encourages dry skin; Alcohol, which is found in some toners and astringents and strips of skin of it's protective oil layer while encouraging inflammation; and excessive fragrances.
Protect the Skin from the Sun when Outdoors
This rule doesn't apply just to seasonal extremes like sunny days or cold winters. Year-round, sunscreen should be applied before even stepping out of the house. Seasonal-appropriate coverings should also be used to protect skin from sun, wind, and cold. So yes, sunscreen even in winter during outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, even playing in the snow with the children.
Limit Time spend in the Shower
Long, hot showers or baths thin the skin's lipid layer. Add to this the use of body washes or soaps, however, and you have a recipe for disaster. Instead, limit the amount of time in the shower, turn down the water temperature, and be sure to use products that utilize gentle cleansers.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is key to the improvement of dry skin. Proper daily chemical exfoliation removes the layer of dead cells that sits on top of the skin, revealing the newer cells beneath. Once proper exfoliation has been achieved, moisturizers become more effective.
Compliance is Key
Of couse, each of these steps can bring about a temporary improvement in skin. But the only way to truly beat the condition is by making these practices a habit.
Follow the next Blog (Part 2) Common Skin Concerns, to learn more about more specific concerns.
Of course a large portion of skin conditions, concerns, and damage are also caused by factors of which we have no control, like aging, medical conditions, and heredity. Yet, even in these cases, there are often solutions that can minimize the symptoms, if not eliminate them. In addition to outlying the various causes of common skin concerns, an overview of the various treatment options available will be noted as well.
First, a word about the approach to these skincare issues. If you read 5 different skincare books and you'll often find 5 different approaches for treating common skin concerns. This is because rarely is there just one way to treat the skin. Various protocols can get you to the same end result of improved skin appearance. However, this philosophy is to utilize proven tactics of addressing the issue to bring about a noticeable improvement in appearance and, most importantly, a measurable impact on the skin's health. After all,
this method offers the best defense against symptoms reoccurring.
This approach is one of minimal evasiveness. Of course, many skin concerns can be immediately alleviated through plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures. However, look at these options as those to consider when all others fail to improve the situation. When your bathroom cabinets are filled with products that did not deliver what they claimed. When you're frustrated at endless marketing hype without results. Or simply follow these suggestions, and end the search and waste of money. Therefore, outlined both at-home and over-the-counter solutions for the most common skin challenges and conditions, as well as the appropriate professional procedures that may address them. These suggested treatments are based on sound scientific research and successful results that have been garnered in practice.
Dryness
Skin dryness may be caused by a variety of scenarios. In fact, it is a common symptom of countless skin conditions. To determine it's cause, you must first determine if the dryness is consistent or if it comes and goes. If it's the latter, can you match it's onset with any new scenarios? For example, periodic dryness caused by:Seasonal Changes
Those who live in seasonally cold climates experience skin dryness when the mercury drops, due to a lack of humidity in the air.
Use of a New Skincare Product
Many skincare products contain ingredients that strip away the oily layer that sits atop skin. This layer is key in that it keeps moisture within the skin. When it is removed by the use of a harsh cleanser or alcohol-containing product, the skin becomes prone to dryness.
Environmental Factors
After extensive air travel, many individuals experience skin dryness. This is due to the lack of humidity within the cabins of planes.
Smoking
Smokers and those regularly exposed to secondhand smoke often complain of dry skin. This is believed to be due to two primary factors. First, cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that encourage oxidation. As you'll recall in earlier Blog "Common Sense Approach to Skincare", oxidation triggers free radical production, which inflicts damage upon the cells of the body, including skin cells. This damage may lead to the drying and cracking of the skin. Additionally, smoking reduces the body's stores of Vitamin A. Thus smokers who are attempting to quit, should take additional Vitamin A. Among the vital tasks of Vitamin A are to encourage skin elasticity and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum (oil). When inadequate amounts are present in the body, skin dryness results.
Medications
Dry skin is a side effect of a number of commonly prescribed drugs. among them are statins (cholesterol lowering drugs), diuretics (also called "water pills"), anti-cholinergics (often used for gastrointestinal disorders), and several of the drugs used in chemotherapy. Skin dryness is also an expected side effect of many acne prescriptions, including Accutane.
If your skin dryness is caused by a medication, consult with your doctor about alternative prescriptions that may be available.
Medical Conditions
Skin dryness is a symptom of a number of common diseases and conditions. Some of these include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, diabetes, vitamin deficiency (particularly vitamin A), thyroid disorders, anorexia nervosa, and even pregnancy. If you have not been currently diagnosed with one of these conditions and have ruled out all other causes of skin dryness, it's recommended you see your doctor to determine if there is a medical connection.
Risks
While dry skin is uncomfortable, the real issue is the damage that can ensue if it is left untreated. Persistent dryness can lead to cracking. Given that skin is our body's first line of defense against the outside world, when it is compromised, bacteria are given the opportunity to enter the body. This, in turn, may lead to infection and disease.
Myths
Contrary to popular belief, adding water to the skin will NOT increase its moisture content. You'll recall this is one of the "common myths" reviewed in an earlier blog. Simply put, "Skin can't absorb water". In fact, applying water to the skin can cause the opposite effect and actually exacerbate dryness.
There's another variation on this myth that is also often recommended by licensed skincare professionals: Apply lotion and moisturizers after showering when the skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Again, given that skin can't absorb water, this technique will provide no benefit. Consider this, if our skin could absorb water, what would happen when you bathe, or swim? We'd swell up like a sponge. Our skin is the largest organ, and the defense of our inner organs, it protects us. Skin keeps the internal moisture inside, or we'd dry up like a prune. And external moisture outside, or we'd swell up in the rain or shower.
Solutions
There are a number of key practices that can improve dry skin. These include:Utilize a moisturizer rich in humectants
Humectants are the key component of an effective moisturizer. Rather than applying moisture to the skin, they help the skin to hold in its existing water content. They're further beneficial in that they improve the pliability of the skin.
Often, humectant-rich moisturizers are marketed as "night moisturizers". This is because they are heavier and most convenient for nighttime wear when makeup isn't applied over the top. However, for those suffering from dry skin, night moisturizers are appropriate for daytime use as well.
Run a Humidifier in your Home
Especially for those suffering from dry skin due to a lack of humidity in the environment, as is the case in cold weather climates or for those who spend a good deal of time in air conditioning, or dry arid environments, use of a humidifier will bring some relief.
Avoid the use of Irritating product Ingredients
While it's often hard to know specifically which ingredients may be causing dry skin, it's best to generally avoid those that encourage its development or make existing cases even worse. Ingredients to avoid include sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent commonly found in cleansers and shampoos that is irritating to many individuals and encourages dry skin; Alcohol, which is found in some toners and astringents and strips of skin of it's protective oil layer while encouraging inflammation; and excessive fragrances.
Protect the Skin from the Sun when Outdoors
This rule doesn't apply just to seasonal extremes like sunny days or cold winters. Year-round, sunscreen should be applied before even stepping out of the house. Seasonal-appropriate coverings should also be used to protect skin from sun, wind, and cold. So yes, sunscreen even in winter during outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, even playing in the snow with the children.
Limit Time spend in the Shower
Long, hot showers or baths thin the skin's lipid layer. Add to this the use of body washes or soaps, however, and you have a recipe for disaster. Instead, limit the amount of time in the shower, turn down the water temperature, and be sure to use products that utilize gentle cleansers.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is key to the improvement of dry skin. Proper daily chemical exfoliation removes the layer of dead cells that sits on top of the skin, revealing the newer cells beneath. Once proper exfoliation has been achieved, moisturizers become more effective.
Compliance is Key
Of couse, each of these steps can bring about a temporary improvement in skin. But the only way to truly beat the condition is by making these practices a habit.
Follow the next Blog (Part 2) Common Skin Concerns, to learn more about more specific concerns.
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