Dry Skin? Lipid Depletion Might Be To Blame
Skin is considered the largest organ of the body. Since a large percentage of your skin is exposed to the elements on a daily basis, environmental stress can take a toll on the appearance of your skin.
Most people want to retain a youthful glow for as long as possible. Dry skin can seriously detract from the beauty of your skin. If you have noticed that your skin appears to be red or flaky and shows signs of inflammation and irritation, lipid depletion might be to blame for your dry skin problems.
What are lipids?
Lipids are essentially protective oils that help to form a barrier between your skin cells and the external environment. Lipids serve as the building blocks of cell membranes and help nourish and replenish the skin throughout the day.
An imbalance in your skin's lipid supply could contribute to dry skin. This is because the lipids help lock in moisture when they create a barrier to protect your skin cells. The lipid barrier prevents evaporation of water from within your skin cells, helping your skin stay soft, supple, and hydrated.
What causes lipid depletion?
There are many different factors that can affect the accessibility of lipids. Harsh cleansers or skincare products with exfoliating properties can strip your skin of its lipid layer. Lipid depletion can also be caused by a poor diet, low humidity levels, and exposure to constant air conditioning during the hot summer months.
Age can also be a contributing factor when it comes to keeping lipids in balance. The metabolic changes and hormone fluctuations that come with age can affect your body's ability to produce and preserve the lipids required to help your skin stay hydrated.
How can lipid depletion be treated?
Some of the factors that can affect lipid levels are out of your control. You might not be able to adjust outdoor humidity levels or stop the aging process, but you can use skincare products that will help preserve your skin's essential lipid layer. Look for moisturizers, cleansers, and lotions that contain added ceramides.
Ceramides are the specific lipids responsible for controlling the water permeability of your skin cell membranes. Introducing more ceramides into your skincare routine will help you boost lipid production and replace any natural lipids that have been lost.
Your skin will look firmer, brighter, and more hydrated when you make a concerted effort to use skincare products with added ceramides. Contact a company like Citrine Skin and Lash Spa to learn more.