Series 1-Dry Skin

Welcome to issue 1 of “Know Your Skin Type” blog. We will start by delving into dry skin, its characteristics, as well as the skincare products for dry skin.

Dry skin, medically known as xerosis or xeroderma, is a common condition where the outermost layer of the skin lacks sufficient water and natural oils, leading to a compromised skin barrier. This results in symptoms like tightness, roughness, flaking, scaling, redness, and itching, with severe cases potentially causing painful cracks that can bleed. 

Dryness can stem from environmental factors, harsh products, certain health conditions, age, and genetic predispositions. 

How do I know if my skin type is dry?

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and wait 30 minutes to an hour. Assess your skin’s feel and appearance: Dry skin will feel tight, rough, or flaky, with no visible oil production. You can also use a tissue to gently blot your face; minimal or no oil on the tissue suggests dry skin. 

Signs and symptoms of dry skin might vary based on your age, health status, skin tone, living environment, and sun exposure. They include:

• A feeling of skin tightness
• Skin that feels and looks rough
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Slight to severe flaking skin, which causes the ashy look that can affect dry brown and black skin
• Slight to severe scaling or peeling
• Cracked “dry riverbed” look to leg
• Fine lines or cracks
• Skin that ranges from reddish on white skin to grayish on brown and black skin
• Deep cracks that may bleed

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common type of dry skin condition that causes dryness, itching, and burning. It is a non-contagious skin condition that causes red, itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, often forming scales or crusts. Eczema is a chronic condition that causes periods of flare-ups and remissions. While the exact cause is unknown, it involves a genetic predisposition and is often triggered by environmental factors like allergens (detergents and personal care products with heavy fragrances), weather changes, illnesses, irritants (environmental pollutants), and stress.

Skincare Regimen

1.Cleanser: We recommend cleansers with humectants (ingredients that draw water into the skin, increasing hydration and creating a plumper, more supple appearance) like glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal.

2.Toner: We recommend toners with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and rosewater.

3.Moisturizer: We recommend emollients that are rich in fatty acids such as shea butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter to smoothen and soften the skin, and to form a barrier in order to lock in the moisture.

4.Sun Protection: We recommend a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 that contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.

Avoid skincare products that contain irritants such as alcohol, and artificial fragrances, which can strip natural oils and cause irritation.

Also, limit alcohol consumption as it may dehydrate the skin, and accelerate skin ageing.