Dry Skin: #1 Problem With Aging Skin
By Katie Carwell

Although it may not be intentional, everyday we abuse our skin
by partaking in daily rituals including showering, bathing,
playing in the sunshine, smoking, drinking coffee, or simply
enjoying the air conditioned living room. The environment that
we live in takes tremendous toll on our skin and slowly it loses
its natural ability to moisturize. Skin is our body’s first line
of defense and protects us from infections, impacts and the
environment as a whole but over time this begins to fail.

As we age our skin care needs begin to change and evolve. Dry
skin is a wide spread problem however as we age this becomes
much more prevalent. Contrary to popular belief the number one
issue that immerges is not wrinkles or age spots, it is actually
skin dryness. Ironically having healthy moisturized skin
actually minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. As we age the
layers of skin that we don’t see on the surface begin to thin,
the oil glands become under productive, and the diminished lipid
(fat) layer is no longer able to hold moisture. This all leads
to dry, flaky, itchy, and sensitive skin.

Another unavoidable reason for the increase in dry skin is
medications. As we age the probability that we will be on a
prescribed medication increases, dry skin is the side affect of
many. As well many health conditions are associated with skin
dryness such Diabetes, high blood pressure, and many thyroid
disorders.

To help alleviate dry skin try the following:

1.Try showering or bathing every second day when possible. Hot
water strips the body of its natural oils so luke warm water is
always recommended. Showers and baths should be limited to 10
minutes. Use cleansers sparingly, use them for your groin and an
arm pit area, water is generally sufficient for the rest of your
body. Leave your body damp and apply moisturizer to seal in the
moisture.

2.Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, your body must be
hydrated to work efficiently. Always increase your liquid
consumption when doing physical activity or in environments that
sap water from your body. Reduce or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and
smoking, these all have a diuretic effect on the body.

3.Add a humidifier to your home or work environment. Air
conditioners and central heating systems pull a large amount of
moisture from the air, and a humidifier will help remedy this
issue. There are many on the market today so finding one that
fits your budget and your needs should be relatively straight
forward.

4.Above all else moisturize, even if you don’t think you need
to. Being proactive is always the best solution to any problem.
It is recommended that a moisturizer of some kind be applied
twice a day, and at bedtime is a must.

Moisturizing on a daily basis should be part of everyone’s skin
care regime; however as we age it becomes must more imperative.
As a population we focus on how our skin looks but it is
important to remember that our skin is the body’s biggest organ
and it has many important health protecting duties. Winning the
battle against dry skin not only makes us look and feel fresh
but it helps maintain skin integrity which is essential to our
health.

About the Author: If you are looking for tips, information, or
products to help you age gracefully and ensure you live your
best life, visit: http://www.antiagingproductsreviewed.com

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