Ultra Dry Skin
Condition
A tight, pinched sensation. Possible scaling, itchy red patches and a deepening of fine lines and wrinkles in more extreme cases.
Cause
Dry skin becomes more problematic as skin ages, especially after the menopause when sebaceous output drops considerably and skin loses its integral ability to retain much needed moisture. Dry skin can be inherited, although central heating, air-conditioning and extreme temperatures can cause the skin to flake, chap and feel uncomfortably tight. Ultraviolet light also disrupts cellular cohesion, unpicking the tight, defensive mesh of cells in the epidermis, allowing moisture to escape, thus causing the surface to become flaky and lines more ingrained. An excessively dry skin could be an early warning sign of atopic eczema, so be alert to this fact and see a Dermatologist immediately if you suspect this. It is a fallacy to presume that all women get drier skin as they get older; women in their 60's and 70's can still have combination skin with dry cheeks and an oily t-zone.
Additional Information
Skin needs moisture - a water quota of no less than a healthy 60% gives skin its smooth, plump, translucent quality, bathes cells with nutrients and keeps them soft and functional. A moisturizer's most basic job is to supplement the skins natural moisture factor (a cocktail of moisture-attracting humectants) to help preserve fluid in the skins upper layers and prevent losses which hasten aging. When this is not functioning correctly you will see drastic changes to your complexion and that is when you have to take charge and re-evaluate the care you are giving your skin. With dry, slightly sensitive skin it is always best to use natural skincare products that are moisture-rich. Detergents, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances and colors are all irritating ingredients to this skin type and are best avoided, as is water-soluble variants, as exposing dry skin to water can aggravate the condition. Humidifiers can relieve dry, itchy skin, or, by placing bowls of water next to radiators will also help.
Supplements
Increase the intake of essential fatty acids in your diet and drink more water more often. Essential fatty acids are so-called because the body needs them as it cannot produce them, so they must be obtained externally. They act rather like vitamins, producing a number of excellent effects on skin texture and looks, since they improve skin’s quality and moisture levels. They are rapidly absorbed and join and reinforce the hydrolipidic film.
Recommended products
- Daily Care: Cleanse skin with Ultra Mild Silken Cleanser , use Purify & Energise Super Bioactive in place of water when rinsing skin. Dampen a disposable cleansing pad and gently wipe skin clean. Apply Polyphenol Skin Drops followed by Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate then feather in Mega Omegas Day Face.
- Nightly care: Cleanse with Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser, use Purify & Energise Super Bioactive in place of water when rinsing skin. Apply Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate then feather in Mega Omegas Day Face.
- Weekly care: apply Refining Peel Active Mask and rinse with Purify & Energise Super Bioactive. Follow Step 1 or 2 depending on whether you are using day or night.