WHAT ARE THE TOP CAUSES OF DRY SKIN?
WEATHER CONDITIONS & UVA/UVB RAYS
Dry skin is more common in colder and drier climates and during the autumn and winter months when humidity levels are relatively lower. During warmer summer months, higher levels of humidity help stop your skin from drying out and losing its moisture.
Humidity and temperature levels indoors can affect your skin’s ability to retain moisture too. When cold, dry air is heated inside it causes the water in your skin to evaporate, which can lead to skin dryness.
It’s also important to keep skin protected from everyday sun damage. UVA rays, including long UVA rays, reach deep into the skin and can accelerate the signs of photoageing, while UVB rays trigger sunburn and damage your skin’s top layers. You can help protect your skin with our Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 PA++++.
DIET & DEHYDRATION
Eating healthy foods can help keep skin hydrated as well as nourished (just like the rest of your body). Flaxseeds, walnuts and fish like salmon high in omega-3 fatty acids, asparagus and avocado rich in vitamin E, sweet potato (eaten with the skin on!) packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, cucumber high in water and vitamin C, and cooking with olive oil or coconut oil can all benefit your skin.
When your body is dehydrated, it means skin can get dehydrated too, especially when you sweat more during exercise and warm weather. To help keep you and your skin hydrated, try drinking 2L of water every day. Herbal teas are also great for staying refreshed and hydrated.
AGEING & HORMONAL CHANGES
The elderly are more prone to dry skin than younger people. While dry skin tends to affect men and women equally, older people are typically much more prone to dry skin. This is because the skin of older people can have diminished amounts of the natural skin oils and lubricants that help protect skin and retain its moisture.
Hormonal changes can also affect the condition of our skin, especially during the menopause. As we age, the body produces fewer hormones like estrogen. These reproductive hormones stimulate oil glands in the body, so when our production of natural oils is lower, it can cause skin to become dry and itchy. A healthy diet (see above), sufficient sleep and exercise can all help to restore these hormonal imbalances.
HARSH SOAPS & VERY HOT WATER
Harsh facial cleansers made with fragranced oils and chemicals can cause skin to dry out. Swap your soap for our Aloe Calming Foaming Wash or Drops of Youth™ Gentle Foaming Wash. Both lathering cleaners are formulated for sensitive skin.
Taking too many baths and showers or washing with very hot water can also raise the risk of developing dry skin. To avoid this, try turning down the heat or cutting down your shower time to one epic song each day – your skin will love you for it and so will the planet for saving water and energy!
