Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/430862
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 7 beyond the basics Dry Winter Skin by Mark Lees Q. Why does skin get so dry in the winter? There are many factors that contribute to dry skin on both the face and the body in winter months. Low humidity and indoor heat increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), commonly known as dehydration. Through osmosis, water from the skin leaves the epidermal surface into the dry air. This results in tight, flaky, rough-textured skin that can also suffer from redness, itching, stinging, and other discomfort. If the skin is also aging or sun-damaged, wrinkles, elastosis, and uneven texture can look even worse. Exposure to cold winds and excessively dry air can also damage the barrier function lipids—a fatty complex that is the "mortar between the bricks" in the epidermal skin. When functioning correctly, the barrier function lipids help keep water from leaving the skin and irritants from entering the skin. When this important skin barrier is damaged by cold temperatures, dry weather, over-cleansing, or over-exfoliating, the skin can become extremely dry and sensitive. Severe damage to the barrier function can result in chapped or even broken skin, or frostbite. Adequate hydration is necessary for the skin to function properly. When it is dehydrated, many cellular functions are affected. The skin is much more likely to become erythemic (red) and inflamed. Conditions such as rosacea can also be negatively affected by dehydration. New Got a skin question for Mark Lees? Send it to editor@ascpskincare.com! column! Apply moisturizer at least twice a day. Regular, 24-hour use of the right moisturizing products will help restore the barrier function and moisture content of the skin. Avoid heavily foaming cleansers, soaps, and other bath products. Low-foaming products have less detergent and therefore remove less sebum from the skin surface. Decyl glucoside is one of the most gentle cleansing agents for dehydrated or sensitive skin. Avoid any product containing fragrance—this is a well-known skin irritant. Q. What are the skin care rules for treating dehydration? 1 2 3 Continued a