Why are some skins dry skins?

One of the most important functions of our skin is to help our body retain moisture. This depends upon an intact moisture barrier, and in turn that depends on the surface cells fitting together in a very efficient and neat manner. With time and sun exposure, these cells don't fit together so well and we tend to lose moisture to the environment and that leaves our skin dehydrated, dry and uncomfortable.

What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

“Dry” means lacking moisture, not wet, implying the surface may never have been wet. “Dehydrated” means that it was moist at one time but the water has been removed and it is now dry. Both words refer to the absence of water, however in common usage “dry” may be used by some to mean lack of oil, and “dehydrated” to describe lack of water.

What can dehydrate skin?

Dry air, wind, sun exposure, excessive cleansing without lubrication, high altitude and low relative humidity, alcohol intake, fever, and smoking. Insufficient water intake—especially after periods of heavy perspiration (exercise, summer heat) or illness—may also be a factor. So, in fact, even oilier skins can be dehydrated if they are not receiving sufficient hydration.

Why does skin become drier as we age?

While some people experience dry skin at a young age due to inherited factors, for most people the moisture retention element of skin’s barrier function gradually diminishes with age. In other words, it loses its ability to retain water. Also, over time, skin thins and oil production decreases. And the effects of cumulative sun damage further decrease barrier function.

What can I do about dry skin?

If we look closely at skin’s surface, individuals with dry skin have dead cells built up at the surface which curl up and produce a dry, uncomfortable feeling on the skin. By removing, or exfoliating, these older dead cells that accumulate at the surface, not only do we improve the surface appearance and restore radiance. We also restore barrier function and the ability of the skin to retain moisture, to be more comfortable, and even more pliable to withstand the various things our skins encounter in the world around us. Exfoliation also assists in the penetration of moisturizers and the beneficial ingredients contained in those moisturizers.