Factors of drying skin

Sun and wind have drying effects on the skin. Perhaps this
answers the frequently asked question from drivers, as to why
their left side of the face is drier and more wrinkled than the right
side. Worst offenders in this drying process are the winds of
Spring and Autumn as well as the sea breezes. A picture of an old
Indian woman with her leathery-looking skin and the weatherbeaten
appearance of a seaman, will show plainly what too much
exposure to dry air or salty winds can do to the skin. Also, we
know that people living in hot climates where the humidity is high,
show age in their faces more quickly than those living in cooler
climates. This is because the skin and muscles lose elasticity
under the influence of the hot. damp air.

In such climates, the skin, in a short time, shrinks.
Hot steam baths, which open the pores, are good for deep cleansing
purposes, but unless the skin is tightened afterwards with cold
water, it will eventually shrivel up for the same reasons.
As we know, sunlight is vital to health, and that of Summertime,
brings with it extra added health and beauty. But this is true only if
moderation is practiced. Too much sun, especially if taken all at
once, may result in harmful damage to the skill. And, very
confidentially, a suntan is fashionable only unt~ a certain age,
which the moisture content of a skin will determine.

Dry, icy air, like moist heat, is also damaging to the skin. We
have evidence of this from the Eskimos, whose skins, even
though protected with heavy grease, show the adverse effects of
the climate in which they live.

Heat and ice, especially if applied directly to the skin, w~1 tear
down the tissues. Applying heat and ice to the skin may have
temporary beauty effects, but in the end, both are harmful.
It may surprise many readers to learn that water, allowed to
evaporate on the skin, dries the skin. Proof of this, are chapped
lips and hands. Those living in cold climates may have at times
experienced this fact, to the degree that the skill of their hands
bled from the dry, cold winds - to which their insufficiently dried
hands were exposed. And I am certain that we all associate
chapped lips with windy days. Due to the ever present moisture
on the surface of our lips, they not only look and feel dry, as does
the rest of our facial skin, but they actually chap when exposed to
wind.
Allowing the salty ocean water from a swim to dry by air, may
be a temptation, but, besides drying the skin, the sticky, salty sea
water acts like glue to clog the pores. Also, the chemicals used to
purify pools are particularly drying to the skin. Therefore, always
rinse off with a fresh shower after swimming, and dry the face and
throat with a towel since water allowed to evaporate on the skin,
dries the skin. Another successful and widely practiced "drying
treatment" on the facial skin, is washing it with soap. Soap
cleanses the skin by removing its sur1ace oil, a process that
obviously can be beneficial only for oily skins. Unlortunately, this
method . although outdated since the discovery of cleansing
cream . is commonly practiced on dry skins, which is like
quenching lire with luel. Shaving a dry skin with soap demands to
be followed up with a moisturizing skin care product. A flaky and
withered looking skin looks lifeless and unattractive in a woman's
and a man·s face alike.

Since the moisture content in one's skin determines its beauty
and elasticity, it stands to reason that al measures be taken to
preserve its moisture. At birth, all skins are endowed with a
reservoir of moisture that demands to be managed thriftily, in
order to enjoy its beautifying qualities for a long time. Therefore,
al precautions should be taken to prevent the moisture from
escaping its deeper layers, mnce once it moves up to the surlace
it evaporates. Perspiration, regardless il triggered by sunbathing,
fever or facial steaming, is drying to the skWl because perspiration
forces the skin's moisture to the surlace. At the Ume the moisture
reaches the surface, and until it has evaporated, it does lend the
surface skin a youthful moist glow; one could easily be deceived
by the impression that perspiration and steaming the facial skin
are beneficial in moisturizing the skin. The fact is that the "true
skin", beneath its superficial layers, loses valuable moisture with
each perspiration and, therefore, promotes its drying process.
Unfortunately, many "moisturizing" cosmetics and "temporary
wrWikle removers·, are based on the same deception. Their
ingredients catalyze the skin's moisture to the surlace, plumping
up the tissues, minimizing fine lines, and endowing the skin with a
moist, youthful glow unt~ the moisture, with its beautifying effects,
evaporates. AU this is at the expense of the "true skin."