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Quite simply, dry skin results from a decreased activity of your sebaceous glands. These glands produce lipid molecules, tiny oil-like substances that form a protective film over skin. Without this vital barrier to trap and prevent excessive water loss, skin loses moisture faster than it can be replaced. Skin's surface stiffens, breaks apart and flakes like crazy. With age, skin's barrier becomes thinner, less elastic. Dry skin becomes even drier. Often looks older than it should.
Biology is only the beginning. Your skin can become drier for a slew of other reasons. Emotions. Diet. The weather. Even the wrong care. For instance, over cleansing increases dryness by disrupting skin's natural oil layer.
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- Avoid harsh cleansing, hot water and overzealous scrubbing. They turn skin rough and scaly. Cleanse thoroughly at night; simply rinse skin with water in the morning.
- Moisturize as soon as possible after washing or bathing. Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps prevent the water on your skin from evaporating. It also allows for better absorption.
- Drink 8 glasses of water daily -- your skin loses more water than other skin types.
- Take Vitamins -- especially A, D and E. They have been shown to result in better skin moisturization, elasticity and smoothness.
- Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine -- they are dehydrating.
- Apply a full-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF whenever you are exposed to the sun. Individuals with dry skin are especially susceptible to premature aging due to sun exposure.
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