That time of year is here. Enjoy the season and arm yourself against the inevitable with these tips and facts. Do not allow your skin to be compromised.
What is Dry skin?
Dry skin is flaky, with a rough texture. It feels tight, uncomfortable, and can be itchy. Ignoring dry skin is unwise, as it can worsen by becoming inflamed with more discomfort and redness. Dry skin does not cause wrinkles nor does it lessen the elasticity of the skin. But, dry skin certainly worsens the look of aging and sundamaged skin, and it definitely has a negative impact on rosacea.
Three types of Dry skin
There are a number of factors at play here and without intervention they can rapidly worsen.
1. Low humidity and indoor heat increase water loss at the skin's surface via evaporation. In esthetician-speak this is known as trans-epidermal water loss, a.k.a. TEWL or skin dehydration. Dehydrated skin cells lack water at the surface of the skin.
2. Exposure to cold winds and dry air compromises the natural oils in the skin. This leads to a condition known as an impaired barrier, and occurs when the protective, natural skin barrier is stripped of its oils. The skin can no longer prevent water from escaping the surface and irritants from entering. The skin is seriously compromised when the barrier is no longer doing its job as the first line of defense due to environmental assault and/or incorrect product usage. The skin is at risk of windburn, chapping, surface breaks, rawness, and bleeding. The skin requires adequate hydration (internal and external) at all times to do its job.
3. Some skins do not lack water, but lack oil and are known as alipidic skin or oil-dry skin. Alipidic skin does not produce enough oils or sebum on its own. The pores are extemely small, pretty much invisible to the eye. This skin also risks dehydration due to the lack of naturally occcuring surface oils which allows skin moisture to leave the surface and evaporate into the atmosphere. Therefore, alipidic skin requires specialized product support that provides protection against dehydration through the use of protective emollients. As well as hydrators or humectants that attract and hold water in the skin surface.
1. Low humidity and indoor heat increase water loss at the skin's surface via evaporation. In esthetician-speak this is known as trans-epidermal water loss, a.k.a. TEWL or skin dehydration. Dehydrated skin cells lack water at the surface of the skin.
2. Exposure to cold winds and dry air compromises the natural oils in the skin. This leads to a condition known as an impaired barrier, and occurs when the protective, natural skin barrier is stripped of its oils. The skin can no longer prevent water from escaping the surface and irritants from entering. The skin is seriously compromised when the barrier is no longer doing its job as the first line of defense due to environmental assault and/or incorrect product usage. The skin is at risk of windburn, chapping, surface breaks, rawness, and bleeding. The skin requires adequate hydration (internal and external) at all times to do its job.
3. Some skins do not lack water, but lack oil and are known as alipidic skin or oil-dry skin. Alipidic skin does not produce enough oils or sebum on its own. The pores are extemely small, pretty much invisible to the eye. This skin also risks dehydration due to the lack of naturally occcuring surface oils which allows skin moisture to leave the surface and evaporate into the atmosphere. Therefore, alipidic skin requires specialized product support that provides protection against dehydration through the use of protective emollients. As well as hydrators or humectants that attract and hold water in the skin surface.
Seven strategies for winter skin woes
1. Remember to protect exposed skin by dressing appropriately for the weather. Bundle up!
2. Protect the skin by using moisturizing products that help prevent water loss in the skin. Apply these products twice a day to help restore the moisture and oils in the skin.
3. Skip all foamy products as these items have a higher amount of detergent in their formulation and strip the skin of its oils.
4. Avoid hot water for bathing as it readily removes the oils and lipids from the skin, and increases surface inflamation when the skin is already irritated.
5. The best practice is to shower or bathe once a day, and immediately afterwards apply an appropriate moisturizer while the skin is still damp to trap the moisture at the surface.
6. Basic facial skin care is to cleanse and tone with hydrating, professional products. Follow with a hydrating serum, and moisturizer. Layer a balm or an occlusive product on top to keep the skin in tip top shape. Don't forget the sunblock.
2. Protect the skin by using moisturizing products that help prevent water loss in the skin. Apply these products twice a day to help restore the moisture and oils in the skin.
3. Skip all foamy products as these items have a higher amount of detergent in their formulation and strip the skin of its oils.
4. Avoid hot water for bathing as it readily removes the oils and lipids from the skin, and increases surface inflamation when the skin is already irritated.
5. The best practice is to shower or bathe once a day, and immediately afterwards apply an appropriate moisturizer while the skin is still damp to trap the moisture at the surface.
6. Basic facial skin care is to cleanse and tone with hydrating, professional products. Follow with a hydrating serum, and moisturizer. Layer a balm or an occlusive product on top to keep the skin in tip top shape. Don't forget the sunblock.
7. Schedule a facial with your esthetician. Your SKIN PRO will recommend the right products for your skin type, its conditions, and will instruct you how to use these products for the best results. You can be sure that your skin will be optimally hydrated and cared for; you will reap benefit upon benefit as you feel the gentle and healing hands of your esthetician help you relax, rejuvenate, and soothe your soul.
