Your skin feels tight and rough? You notice tiny lines that resemble wrinkles. The makeup doesn’t go on smoothly. You use topical creams and serums, but they do not always help. You are not alone with that issue! This is DRY SKIN.
Let’s refer to the skin anatomy a little bit to understand what processes are happening in its layers. Structurally, skin consists of two primary layers, the epidermis, and the dermis. The epidermis, the upper layer, is responsible for many of the barrier functions of the skin. The dermis is the structural and nutritive support network underneath the epidermis. Since each layer has its own unique structure and function, the nutritive requirements of each must be considered separately.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, and it consists of five layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The stratum corneum (SC), (the outermost layer of skin the layer that we can see), comprises rigid corneocytes (keratin-filled dead cells) in a specialized lipid matrix. Its structural design limits the loss of nutrients and water from the underlying tissue. If the lipid barrier is disrupted, the epidermis loses its ability to retain moisture in the skin.
There are many factors that can compromise the production of lipids, therefore disrupting the protective barrier of the skin and making it dry.
These include:
1. Sun exposure
2. Wind
3. Office work
4. Stress
5. Poor nutrition
6. Some medical conditions also affect our skin and make it dry, including psoriasis, eczema, digestive disorders, and diabetes. In the case when dry skin is caused by external factors, moisturizers and serums work. However, it is essential to choose the right product for you based on your condition and concerns.
If internal factors like stress, poor nutrition, or medical conditions caused your skin to become dry, a consultation with a competent professional might be beneficial.
Dehydrated skin
Another layer that is responsible for determining the condition and type of your skin is the dermis. Located right below the epidermis, it is made mostly of collagen and elastin, which gives the skin its resiliency, flexibility, and strength.
Moreover, the dermis contains a network of nerve fibers and
tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Nutrients and oxygen in the blood pass from the capillaries into the cells. Therefore, the skin gets its nutrients and water supply. It is imperative to mention that capillaries play a huge role in fluid balance. That’s why it is crucial to restoring microcirculation, so our skin gets an adequate supply of water.
If your skin is dehydrated, you see it having deep wrinkles, reduces turgor, and it is yellow and weak. The problem lies not on the surface, but in the dermal matrix. The cause of dehydrated skin is compromised blood supply. Our skin has thousands of capillaries that carry all the nutrients to the skin. Its major arteries and veins are pinched by tight muscles, the blood supply is weak. The skin shrinks like a plant whose roots didn’t get enough water and nutrients. Muscle spasms prevent lymph drainage, and that stagnation makes our skin look worse.
On top of this, consider the impact of stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, tons of fried food, and sugar. Let me clarify. If you have tried treating your skin from the outside and didn’t have success, we need to look deeper and dig into the root cause of the problem.
In order to solve the problem, we need to focus on restoring blood flow in the neck and facial region. In this case, you need deep myofascial work, deep massage on bone depth. It helps to relax fibrous tissue and release knots and adhesions. Muscles go back to their normal tone, meaning we improve blood circulation and release stagnant lymph.
What can also be important is increased physical activity. It doesn’t have to be an exhausting workout. Find what makes you feel good. It will be effective as long as you move your whole body and increase blood flow to its all parts.
Drinking water is also very important. Make it your habit. Add some lemon or another piece of fruit to your taste. Watch your diet. Make sure you sleep well.
Drench your skin from the inside, and it won’t make you wait long to say thank you. You will see it change and glow.
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