Dry Skin

Causes of Dry Skin

The moisture levels in skin are controlled by lipids, which are oil based molecules produced by the epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer.) Lipids are meant to create a barrier which keeps water in the skin. When the lipid barrier breaks down, water escapes, leading to dry skin. In addition, if this dry skin does not slough off regularly, it can build up further, leading to deeply dry patches all over your body.

Dry skin is sometimes more of a problem than at other times, but, in general, there are five main factors which cause dry skin:

Aging. As we get older, the skin produces fewer lipids, which means our skin becomes drier. In addition, cell turnover slows as we age, which can leave skin looking flaky and uneven.

Cold, windy, and dry weather. If we constantly move from cold weather into dry heat (such as when you’ve walked outside and go into your office building), skin can lose water due to the fact that there is so little humidity in the air. You can combat this by running an humidifier, which will keep the water level higher in the ambient air.

Genetics. Some people are born with fewer oil glands, which means their skin is drier. The challenge with dry skin is that since the lipid barrier has broken down, there is nothing to prevent dry skin from getting drier and drier, without significant intervention.

Smoking. Smoking is very bad for the skin. Smoking prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin, and also leads to premature wrinkling. The smoke dries out the skin’s surface, allowing environmental toxins and pollution to enter.

Too hot showers and too long baths. It’s funny to think that too much water can be bad, but it’s true. Using very hot water and harsh soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Avoid too hot showers and strong soaps if you have dry skin. 

Scratchy wool clothing. These can rub off the oils and lead to red, rough, and chapped skin. Always wear something soft next to your skin, even if you wear a wool sweater over it. 

Filed under Dry Skin by Skin Care Smarts

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Emu Oil: A Cure for Dry Skin and Wrinkles

Emu oil is a natural, secret weapon for dry skin and [tag-tec]anti-aging[/tag-tec] skin care.

Used by Australian aborgines for centuries, emu oil has beautifying and healing properties. It’s natural composition is very close to that of our own skin, so our bodies accept it as a natural addition to our skin care regimen.

Emu oil has been used to treat dry skin, wrinkles, and acne. It works, in part, by supplying the essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6, and 9) that our bodies require.

[tag-tec]Emu oil[/tag-tec] is useful for skin care and skin management because its molecules are small enough to penetrate the skin’s deepest layers.

Incidentally, emu oil has also been used as a topical pain killer- you can get rid of your aspirin or ben gay, replacing either of these with emu oil.

Your baby may also benefit from emu oil, as it helps heal diaper rash and [tag-tec]cradle cap[/tag-tec]. (Check with your child’s doctor to make sure it’s safe).

Emu oil can also reduce scarring, so it’s perfect for spot treating of any burns or scrapes you (or your little ones) might get.

If you’re looking for a natural dry skin and wrinkle reducer, which is also good for pain relief and treating conditions like eczema, be sure to add emu oil to your medicine chest. A little goes a long way, so a 1 oz. bottle should last you at least a month.

The best price on emu oil is here: eVitamins - Health Products At 20 - 70% Off !

Filed under Aging Skin, Dry Skin by Skin Care Smarts

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