May
2010
How Important are Oils and Moisturizers for Dry Skin?1
Dear Readers:
This will be the first of monthly blogs that you will be able to read on my website and on my Facebook page. Most of the time I will addressing general dermatologic issues pertinent to the season, but I will occasionally diverge into other general medical issues (how much vitamin D should you really have?). Although winter is almost over, I am going to speak about dry skin.
Reason for Dry Skin, Wrinkles? Understanding: Oils, Creams, Moisturizers and Water…
Dry skin is that way because of the lack of water, not because of the lack of oil or creams! Soft plump skin feels that way because there is plenty of water in and between cells. The reason oils, creams, or skin barriers are necessary is to prevent the evaporation of that water. Once that water is lost, the skin will indeed feel dry and become parched and cracked. Dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, so moisturizers won’t fix wrinkles. Moisturizers may fix the “appearance” of wrinkles, and there is nothing wrong with that, but long term there are better things you can do for wrinkles that truly work. (To be discussed on another blog issue.)
Dimethicone–Professional Moisturizer
Any emollient will prevent evaporative water loss: olive oil, vaseline, and so forth. The problem with some of these is they are simply not elegant: too greasy, too smelly, too hard to apply or too hard to get off. That is when the elegance factor comes into play. You want a barrier that smells good, looks good, feels good, and actually works. One of the best and simplest to use, is dimethicone. This is a neutral bland emollient that not only traps water in your skin, but protects your skin from the outside environment. It is often wonderful for people who work with their hands: apply just before going to work. This is best used by chefs, cooks, auto mechanics, construction workers and even teachers who handle a lot of art products and so forth. In fact, we use these products in our own office because we wash our hands so often. The dimethicone almost never stings or burns, there are absolutely no unneeded chemicals or fragrances added, and it really works as intended. We call it the “invisible glove.” Once it is applied, it melts into your skin and you can use your hands freely. The brand that we carry in our Austin clinic is called Biosafe. I will continue with more specific brand names and products next month.
