Dry skin usually happens when the skin isn't effective at keeping water in. Dry skin may be red, flaky, itchy and irritated, and can be drawn and tight at times. Your skin may be rough, and chapped. As our skin ages it's less effective at it's job of holding water in, and protecting against microbes and can begin to show signs of fine lines and becomes thinner.

Why the dry? Dry skin can be a response to things like dehydration, dry/cold weather, personal care routine, diet, and stress. As we age, our skin loses collagen and is less effective at delivering nutrients to the skin. Thankfully, a few simple changes can make a big difference.

How to correct? First and foremost, eliminate all sources of irritating ingredients in your personal care products, like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate. Commercial soap and body washes are major culprits of dry skin, and they don't contain the nourishment found in handmade soap. Start using Mountain Girl Essentials Evening Primrose bar soap and body oil. 

The primary goal is to reinforce hydration, so I chose Evening primrose, with its high omega-6 gamma linolenic  (GLA) fatty acid content, as the star ingredient. GLA helps lock in moisture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of dry and mature skin and is also known to reduce trans epidermal water loss.

Next, make these simple lifestyle changes. Drink enough water, usually a minimum of half your body weight in ounces is recommended.  Protect your skin from cold/dry air.  In winter, wear protective clothing including for the face when outdoors. Stick to warm, rather than hot, showers since very hot water contributes to dry skin. Consider using a humidifier in your home if you live in a dry climate. Reduce stress ( get exercise, rest and relax). Eat foods that contain water (example: grapes vs. raisins), get some healthy fats into your diet (think nuts and seeds), look for foods rich in antioxidants like berries.

 

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