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Skin Care Q & A: Why Should I Stop Using Moisturizers?

06/27/2008

Many people think of dry skin as simply a cosmetic problem rather than a medical condition that needs to be healed. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth – the skin is our largest organ and, just like any other organ in the body, needs to be functioning normally for overall good health. Traditional moisturizers, the usual dry skin remedy, not only don’t heal the condition, they can actually make it worse. Find out why most moisturizers are not the right treatment for dry skin, and what skin care products you need to heal the condition.

Why is dry skin not just a cosmetic problem? The outer layer of the skin – which consists of dead skin cells, oils and fats - is designed to keep bacteria, viruses, dirt, chemicals and other harmful substances out of the body. When the skin is dry, that protective layer has been compromised: Oils, fats and natural moisture, key ingredients in the healing process, have been depleted and tiny, sometimes invisible, cracks are formed. These cracks open the door to all the elements the skin is designed to keep out and our risk of developing disease or other unhealthy conditions is increased.

Why are traditional moisturizers not the right solution? Although they are advertised for dry skin care, most moisturizers simply coat the skin with a slick substance that temporarily makes the skin feel moist and supple. However, according to Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist practicing in Burbank, California, those skin care products could actually be preventing the healing process.

“Many traditional moisturizers restore the moisture to the skin on a temporary basis, but after continued use actually send a message back to the skin saying it doesn't need to produce any further moisture, and so we can end up with the opposite condition - the skin is less hydrated than prior to using the moisturizers,” said Dr. Benest.
 
What dry skin care products don’t actually cause dry skin? Thousands of doctors now recommend a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer. According to Dr. Benest, “This natural barrier on top of the skin that protects it from outside chemicals and irritants and keeps the moisture and the oils in the skin so that the skin can heal itself."

If you’ve been using dry skin care products for years and the situation isn’t resolving, it may well be that the products you’re depending on to handle the problem are actually making it worse. Shielding lotion may be just the skin care treatment you need to finally have the soft, supple skin you’re looking for. Give it a try!

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