The Men's Room » dry skin

The solution to dry, itchy, irritated skin.

Craig the Barber — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:00:16 +0000

We all know about dry skin. It’s itchy, irritating, and — let’s be honest — can be an annoying skin condition. But what exactly is it?

Dry skin is a condition characterized by a decreased level of fats in the skin, as well as reduced amount of water in the outer epidermal (skin) layer. The skin frequently appears rough and scaly, and it may even itch.

There are several different causes of dry skin — some can be the result of bodily conditions, and some can stem from environmental factors. Here are four common triggers:

Weather: The lack of humidity in dry and cold climates prevents the skin from retaining its natural water content. Indoor heaters can also make the air even drier and worsen skin dehydration.
Excessive skin-washing: Overexposure to water, detergents and alkali soaps can strip the skin of oil and lead to dryness. Moreover, contrary to what you make think, scrubbing the skin can make dry skin even worse!
Health problems: Thyroid disease, eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis are just a few common health-related causes of dry skin. Malnutrition can lead to scaly skin as well. When the body is not healthy, the skin and oil-producing glands cannot work as well as they should.
Old age: As we get older, our skin loses moisture as a result of weaknesses in the skin barrier, loss of water, and decreased amounts of fats that are produced in the surface of the skin.

So how do you treat dry skin? Limit the number of times you wash your skin each day, and use mild, soap-free cleansers. Always use moisturizer after cleansing and consider using a humidifier to increase the moisture levels of the air inside your home. Also, since the act of shaving can also dry the skin, following with an after shave balm will help to restore moisture and heal the skin. This should be done prior to using your face moisturizer. If necessary, talk to your dermatologist about other prescription options.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Craig the Barber — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:19:37 +0000

The best way to solve a potential problem is to first know the cause of it, right? So here’s a quick explanation as to “what causes dry skin”.

Skin Science…

The skin is comprised of water, ceramides, proteins and lipids that exist in perfect balance. When the balance is properly maintained, water and nutrients are appropriately delivered to all layers.

Water originates deep within the skin (the dermal layers), and makes its way toward the surface to hydrate the other skin cells. But, when water comes into contact with air, it tends to evaporate, causing dryness of the skin.

So what do you do?

Drink lots of water and find a moisturizer that works!

Dermatologists recommend moisturizers that contain active ingredients, like retinol, to stimulate cellular activity while providing hydration.

*Source – New Beauty Magazine

Dry skin and premature wrinkles?… Not if you use this!

Craig the Barber — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:00:55 +0000

It’s cold, it’s dry and your skin’s trying to tell you something. You know, sometimes you need something stronger, something you can trust that will give you all day moisture protection, without the worries of having to re-apply throughout the day. Is there really a product out there that can give you this, and then take it further by also smoothing out your fine lines?

Well there is, and its been around for a long time so I’m going to help it get the buzz it truly deserves!

Dermalogica’s – Instant Moisture Balance

Designed to hydrate, improve elasticity, and reduce fine lines… How you ask?

With Vitamins of course!

Vitamin A – helps to increase your skin’s elasticity
Vitamin C & E – aids in reducing skin damaging free radical activity, which helps the lipid barrier (skin’s outer layer), seal in moisture. The more moist your skin…the less lines you see!

This moisturizer truly packs a punch with its all-in-one design. It is a bit pricier than other products in it’s category, but I’ve been using the same tube for over 3 months now, and I still have a little bit left!

Get it!

Rating: ★★★★¾