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Our skin is an amazing organ, designed to protect and maintain itself. However, everyday habits and external factors can disrupt our skin's natural moisture balance, resulting in dry, uncomfortable skin. Let's explore the causes of dry skin and how our body naturally keeps itself hydrated.
Revised Body:
How Do We Mess Up Our Skin's Moisture?
- Hot Water: While tempting, hot showers and baths strip natural oils, leaving skin dehydrated. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
- Water Exposure: Frequent showers, baths, or swimming can reduce skin's moisture. Limit exposure and moisturize afterward.
- Age: Skin produces less oil (sebum) as we age, leading to dryness. While unavoidable, good skincare minimizes the effects.
- Climate: Dry, cold air, and low humidity suck moisture from the skin. Moisturizing is vital in these conditions.
- Sun Damage: Excessive sun exposure without protection ages skin, leading to dryness. Sunscreen is essential!
- Medications: Diuretics, acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid), retinoids, antihistamines, statins, and chemotherapy drugs can cause dry skin. Consult your doctor if this is a concern.
- Skin Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and other conditions disrupt the skin's barrier, causing moisture loss.
Understanding Your Skin's Self-Moisturizing Abilities
Our skin is surprisingly adept at keeping itself hydrated! Here's how:
Skin's Natural Moisturizers
- Sebum: Glands in the skin produce sebum, an oily mix that forms a protective, moisture-locking barrier.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs): Our skin cells create NMFs, substances that attract and retain water for lasting hydration.
Why Moisturizers Still Matter
Even with self-moisturizing, external moisturizers offer extra support, especially for dry skin or harsh environments. But beware of moisturizer abuse, defined as using face moisturizers every day. This is the main cause of sensitive skin. Hydrate your skin by DRINKING WATER.
