Dry Skin

Some inherited group of disorders are called ichthyosis & Dermatitis. An evaluation by a dermatologist can determine severe or chronic cases.  Dry skin may be genetic or caused by environmental factors. Trigger Factors may include hot or cold weather, low humidity, and soaking in hot water.  You can have it partially controlled  to improve your skin, including using moisturizers and avoiding harsh, drying soaps.

Dry skin is often feels worse in the winter and more tolerable in the summer.  It may be a lifelong condition. Signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, your health, where you live, time spent outdoors and the cause of the problem. Dry skin is likely to cause one or more of the following:

• Skin tightness
• Skin feels and looks rough
• Itching
• Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling
• Fine lines or cracks
• Gray, ashy skin
• Redness

Compromised Skin

Compromised skin is when the lipid barrier has been damaged by harsh chemicals, medical conditions, weather  and free radical.  This process  leads the skin  to no longer hold onto moisture as well, causing dryness, flaking, itching, and redness.  The skin can’t protect itself as well, making it more vulnerable to environmental toxins, harmful UV rays, bacteria, allergens, and harsh chemical ingredients in personal care products. These cell membrane lipids are damaged by free radicals, a process known as lipid peroxidation. When they are attacked by free radicals, they lose their permeability. As a result, nutrients and wastes are transported less efficiently across cell membranes, and the cells become less healthy.

Symptoms include: 

• Dryness with sensitivity
• Dullness,
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging, and other signs of aging.