Causes of Dry Skin

What are the causes of dry skin? There are at least 5 causes for our skin drying out. Whatever the cause, the result is still the same...dry, chapped unattractive skin.

All of us have suffered from dry skin at some point in our life. Those of us who spend a lot of time out doors suffer more. It also seems to be more of a problem as we get older. So, what causes our skin to dry out?

Why we get dry skin?

The top layer of our skin is called the stratum corneum. This layer is made up of dead skin cells that lay in the natural oils of the skin.

These oils, called lipids, are make up of living skin cells.

These natural oils help keep water from leaking out of our skin and help protect our skin from germs trying to get into the body.

If for some reason this process is interfered with, our skin dries out.

The Five Causes Dry Skin:

There are many factors that cause our skin to dry. Among these are:

• genetics – some people have not inherited the ability to keep their skin from drying out. These ones need to use special skin care lotions.
• age – as we grow older our body begins to wear out and we no longer produce the natural oils needed to keep our skin moist.
• low humidity – When the air is humid it sucks the moisture out of our skin. Both summer and winter months are dry and harsh with low humidity.
• our hygiene (bathing) habits – Many of us don't realize how drying water is to our skin. Those long leisurely baths or frequent showers maybe soothing but they will lead to dry skin.
• harsh chemicals are contained in everyday products that we use such as soaps and cleaning products. These may contain chemicals that can cause severe dry skin.

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