4 Causes of Dry Skin
When it comes to skincare, one of the most common concerns amongst all of us, no matter our age, gender, or skin type, tone or texture has got to be the presence of unwanted dry skin. And especially living in an area like New York City, with its ever-changing weather patterns, it’s nearly impossible to create a skincare regimen and stick to it – considering that during the springtime one day is in the high-70’s and the next day, we are lucky if the temperature reaches into the 40’s. Well according to the experts at Upper East Side medical spa, Koru Wellness Aesthetics, there are certain things that we must be aware of, especially within our environment and living conditions, as these issues can often be the root cause for our dry skin and other issues as well. To better educate you on what to look out for, here are a few of the main causes of dry skin.
· Low Humidity
While heat and humidity can often hurt your skin, in the event you are lacking humidity in your environment, for instance in the dryness of winter, or in a room with a dehumidifier, it can easily cause dry skin. Considering that low humidity levels make it hard to maintain skin hydration, at Upper East Side medical spa, Koru, they recommend patients purchase a humidifier during the dry winter months, or if they are planning to spend time in an area with a dry climate. Low humidity can also increase production of the stress hormone cortisol, reports a 2013 study in Experimental Dermatology Journal. This hormone then increases the risk of inflammation, rash, flaking and dull, wrinkled skin.
· Long Showers or Baths
Sure, once in a while taking a long, hot shower or bath can feel great – however, when you make it a habit, your skin can lose much needed moisture, causing your skin to begin to flake up and grow depleted of much needed hydration. It’s important to limit your bathing time to under 10 minutes, otherwise your skin can lose valuable moisture.
· Low Quality Moisturizers
When it comes to skincare, and hydration, you need a moisturizer that is not only highly effective, but one that is made specifically for your skin type. No matter how good a moisturizing cream or lotion might be, if it is designed for someone with oily skin while you have fairly dry skin, it isn’t going to be all that effective for your skin. According to the team at Upper East Side medical spa, Koru Wellness Aesthetics, you might want to try a thick, oil-containing ointment or cream instead of a lotion, especially in cold weather and dry conditions. Lotions can be more irritating and less effective at trapping moisture for long periods of time because they’re water-based. Oil-based creams, in contrast, “lock” moisture into the skin since their oils don’t evaporate like water-based solutions.
· Fragranced Products
One of the most common issues when it comes to skincare creams, lotions or serums, is having products that are overly fragranced or contain any fragrances whatsoever, as these products can often contain alcohols, designed to make your skin far more dryer than it already might be. People with dry skin are more likely to also have sensitive skin, and fragrances in skin care products are the most common cosmetic allergen, notes a 2011 study in the Journal of Allergy. Unscented, fragrance-free products tend to be gentler, less irritating and more effective at retaining natural oils in the skin.
For more information on alleviating dry skin issues, be sure to contact Koru Wellness Aesthetics today.
