Dry Skin

Dry skin has a thin and papery texture. It feels dry to touch. The pores are very fine. After a wash it feels tight, as though it is too small for the face. By midday flaky patches appear. Hardly ever break out in spots.

Causes Dry Skin

Dry skin is recognizable by its tight, rough feel and its dull appearance. Dry skin is apparent in its upper-most layer, the epidermis. Roughly 80% of the body's epidermal cells are made of keratinocytes, composed of soft protein keratin. The epidermal cells are born in the lowest layer of the epidermis, the basal layer. As these cells rise toward the outer (horny) layer, they undergo many changes, including the increase in the amount of keratin they produce. By the time the cells reach the top, they are no londer alive, and are formed entirely of keratin. If the cells contain too little keratin, the appearance begins to look cracked and flaky as cells slough off.

Tips for Dry Skin

• Drink at least ten glasses of water a day to keep your skin well hydrated.
• Eat a high-quality diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Take short baths and use warm rather than hot water. Try to limit showers and baths to one per day.
• Add oil to your bath. Add a tablespoon or so of almond, jojoba, olive, or hazelnut oil to your bath water after you’ve soaked for about 5 minutes.
• Avoid rubbing yourself dry with a towel, which can whisk away essential oils needed for moisture.
• Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous as summer sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.
• 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can give your skin a healthy glow.
• Protect your skin from the elements. Wind, sun, heat, cold, and dry office and airplane air can quickly cause or exacerbate the condition of dry skin.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Heed the advice of many experts in choosing a moisturizer' less is more when it comes to the ingredient list.
• Use almonds and rose water for your face. Make a paste and leave it on your face for 15 minutes and watch your skin glow.
• Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. They act as diuretics and are guaranteed to suck you dry.
• Avoid cleansers such as deodorant soaps and harsh abrasives. These can cause your skin to feel like a dried-out Thanksgiving turkey. Use a moisturizing soap, soap-free product, or a gentle, grain-based cleanser.