Adult Skincare

There are a range of possible reasons why you may be suffering dry skin, or xerosis, but before diving into dry skin causes, a mini science lesson on this important outer protective layer of the body is useful.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and plays a vital role in tasks ranging from temperature regulation to sensing changes in the world around you. You’ve likely heard before that it consists of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutis (deepest layer). The cells of all three layers must be well hydrated in order to function correctly, but the top layer is most directly and visibly affected by low moisture. Without the proper hydration, the epidermis becomes parched, loses flexibility, and develops physical consequences like redness, wrinkles and cracks.

In short, dry skin is your body’s way of saying, “You need to moisturize!”
Here are some of the most common reasons why:

• Dry Environments:
  Knowing now just how reliant our skin is on staying hydrated, it’s easy to see how dry air can be harmful to the skin’s healthy glow. During winter, the hot, dry environments of forced air or wood-burning stoves can be especially repressing for our skin.

• Age:
  Roughly half of all adults over aged 40 experience dry skin. Why? Because as skin matures, it naturally slows down its oil production and loses collagen, both of which help keep the skin flexible and springy. As well, changes in hormone production that accompany aging may also be a potential contributor.

• Hot Baths and Showers:
  A long, hot bath may sound relaxing, but for someone with dry skin, it’s a real aggravator. Prolonged exposure to hot water – even from just excessive handwashing – causes the skin to dry out rapidly.

• Harsh Soaps, Shampoos & Detergents:
  Hygiene products that remove natural oils from hair and skin or that contain strong chemicals or perfumes can both cause and further irritate dry skin.

• Underlying skin conditions:
  Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis are two skin conditions that share characteristics of dry skin. Eczema, however, is often very itchy. Psoriasis, which often develops in childhood or early adulthood, causes cyclical flair ups of thick, raised red patches on the skin.

What Does Dry Skin Look Like

Have a friend who is also struggling with dry skin? There’s a good chance you may not share all of the same symptoms. Dry skin can appear red or ashy, and may be hard, rough, peeling, flaky, or scaly. In more serious cases, dry skin can even include deep cracks or fissures that bleed.

It’s time to reveal the secret that so many moms have already known for decades: using baby lotion for adults is a top skincare life hack. Johnson’s® Baby Lotions are both gentle and moisturizing, allowing them to improve the skin’s hydration level. By slowly massaging baby lotion into your skin, you can feel dry skin relief almost immediately.

To go the extra mile in really moisturizing your skin, commit to using baby lotion at least once a day and immediately after you get out of the shower or bath in order to seal in moisture. Alternatively, you could try Johnson’s® Creamy Oil, which is made with aloe and vitamin E to support 24-hour moisture without a greasy feel. It’s important to use warm water in the shower, avoid harsh scrubbing, and limit to 5-10 minutes. Afterward, be sure to take your time, massaging the baby lotion or creamy oil thoroughly to fully penetrate the top layer of skin.

How To Get Glowing Skin

Now that you’ve uncovered the first step in dry skin treatment, the dream of glowing skin is no longer out of reach either. Baby oil for adults can lift you from moisturized skin to that radiant, healthy glow by further replenishing and sealing in the skin’s moisture level. Remember that thick middle layer of skin mentioned earlier? It relies on natural oil production, called sebum, for optimal health and protection. With Johnson’s® Baby Oil, you can lock in up to 10x more moisture on wet skin than an ordinary lotion can on dry skin, helping you achieve that smooth, healthy skin glow.