The Top Extrinisic causes of Dry Skin

Extrinsic refers to external factors that impact skin health, such as our environment and lifestyle. Below are some of the major extrinsic causes of dry skin.

Weather / Environmental elements Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of oils, and contributing to premature aging. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from skin. Forced air heating also dries out skin: warm, dry air acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.

Lifestyle The trend of low-fat or fat-free diets can deprive our bodies of skin-friendly Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) critical to all parts of a healthy functioning body. They help protect against water loss within cells and throughout skin, helping to prevent dryness, keeping skin supple and hydrated. An EFA deficiency can result in chronic itching, dryness, scaling, and thinning.

Smoking can have a drying effect on skin: it drains skin and body of vitamins A and C and constricts blood vessels (which equates to less blood flow) – meaning smoking is somewhat like suffocating skin from the inside.

Excess intake of alcoholic beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.

Caring for your skin on a daily basis is very important. Preventative is the key. Take care of your skin regularly and it will stay looking good through out your life. Keep your self hydrated on the inside and outside. Your skin is your first defense against disease, keep it healthy so it can continue to protect you. Regular exfoliation is a must as well as moisturizer. Without exfoliating your skin moisturize is being absorbed by excess dry skin cells. It is very important that you use a good quality exfoliant on your face. If the product is to rough it can cause damage to the sensitive more thin layer on your face. Also treat your neck and chest area as part of your face. It is also has more delicate skin than the rest of your body and is one of the tale tell signs of aging.

So remember:

1. Your skin is your first defense against disease.
2. It is easier to maintain healthy skin than to try to repair it.
3. Hydrate inside and out. Drink plenty water and use moisturizer regularly.
4. Exfoliate Don't use the same exfoliant on your face that you use on your body.
5. Don't forget to treat your neck & chest the same as you do your face.

Skin Care: Hyperpigmentation

Get your personalized product prescription for skin health results today by sitting with us during your Complimentary Skin Bar lesson and Face Mapping. Mention this article and go home with a sample from the Chroma White line which targets hyperpigmentation!!! hormones and uneven skin tone.
Melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It is most commonly experienced by women who are pregnant (which is why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy”) or taking contraceptives, but can also be caused by cosmetics or medications. The most common pattern of melasma is centrofacial: on the chin, upper lip, cheeks, nose, and forehead. But it can also show up to a lesser extent on the cheeks, nose, and jaw line. Studies suggest up to 75% of women may develop melasma during pregnancy and about 33% of women on oral contraceptives show symptoms as well. However, once hormonal fluctuations subside, such as the end of pregnancy or the discontinuing of oral contraceptives, the hyperpigmentation often disappears. It’s important you speak with a skin care professional, especially if you’re pregnant, before beginning treatment for hyperpigmentation. Make an appointment today and get a free sample from the Chroma White line of Dermalogica.
Call today for your appointment with us. 770.649.9555