Laser and Skin Care Center of Gainesville, Florida >> Dry to Severely Dry Skin

DRY TO SEVERELY DRY SKIN

Dry and very dry skins are characterized by a tight feeling, stinging, and sometimes by squames (scales) and redness. They are delicate, irritation-prone and always dehydrated to some extent. They tend to show wrinkles sooner than other skin types.

Dry skin results from a deterioration in the skin barrier. It may be genetic in origin, and accompany certain types of atopic dermatoses. It may also be due to various climatic or chemical factors. The stratum corneum - a layer formed of so-called "cornified" cells, bound together by specific lipids such as ceramides or essential fatty acids - no longer performs its function, of preserving optimum hydration by regulating the circulation of moisture in the skin. As a result, the cells of the stratum corneum are no longer cohesive and the skin barrier becomes permeable to water. It cracks and splits, enabling external irritants to penetrate and trigger excessive skin reactions and the skin becomes severely dry, inflamed and itchy.

Aggravating factors:
Temperature variations, emotional state, irritating substances, astringent soaps, harsh cleansers, fragrances and unsuitable products. Dry skin can also be a secondary effect of treatment with certain medications.