Dry Skin

As we get older, our skin becomes dryer, thinner, and less elastic, with fewer sweat and oil glands to moisten and protect it. It tears and bruises more easily, and scaling, itching and cracks can be troublesome. Oily skinned elders do better with aging changes than those with normal and dry skin. Here is information about dry skin, and what you can do about it. This is why I developed All Natural All Organic D (SS) Skin Care.

Dry skin is a very common condition. Dry skin is one of the most common skin abnormalities. Although certain individuals are more susceptible to dry skin, the condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin type.

Dry skin occurs when the skin's outer layer (the stratum corneum) is depleted of water. The skin's outer layer consists of dead, flattened cells that gradually move toward the skin's surface and slough off. Called the stratum corneum, the outer layer has a critical protective role. When this layer is well-moistened, it minimizes water loss through the skin and helps keep out irritants, allergens, and germs. However, when the stratum corneum dries out, it loses its protective function. This allows greater water loss, leaving your skin vulnerable to environmental factors.

Under normal conditions, the stratum corneum has a water content of 10% to 30%. This water gives the skin its soft, smooth, and flexible texture. The water comes from the atmosphere, the underlying layers of skin, and sweat. Oil produced by skin glands and fatty substances produced by skin cells act as natural moisturizers, allowing the stratum corneum to seal in water.

We continuously lose water from the skin's surface by evaporation. Under normal conditions, the rate of loss is slow, and the water is adequately replaced. Characteristic signs and symptoms of dry skin occur when the water loss exceeds the water replacement, and the stratum corneum's water content falls below 10%.

Although most cases of dry skin respond well to self-care, some cases require professional medical care. Mild-to-moderate cases of dry skin usually respond well to self-care measures and over-the-counter products. However, professional medical care is needed for severe dry skin, dry skin accompanied by other symptoms, and dry skin that persists despite self-care measures. These patterns of dry skin may signal the presence of other skin conditions, other medical conditions, or drug side effects. Persistent dry skin can lead to complications such as inflamed skin (dermatitis) and infection. A primary care provider can treat some cases of dry skin, but more complex cases of dry skin usually require treatment by a dermatologist.