All dry skin is a sign of dehydration, regardless of the season or age of the individual. Dry skin can lead to flaking and itching of the skin, or more serious dermatological conditions such as cracking on the finely lined skin on the sole of the foot.
Intractable dry skin or cracks and splits can become worse if not addressed. The unfamiliarity of dry skin is attributed to hypohydration, or a lack of water. For the younger population, it may have taken a toll on their child which is now in development, or could be an adolescent struggling to understand the everyday nuances of the sudden shift in skin.
Whereas for the elderly, it becomes a serious concern that could hamper their ability to go about their daily routine. Everyone is susceptible to the effects of dry skin due to a spectrum that dictates the levels of hydration.
Hypohydration leaves the upper and lower layers of skin dry; however, the lower layers of the epidermis and dermis are more susceptible due to an increased lack of water circulation. The first layer of skin, the outermost layer that depletes over time, the Stratum Corneum, has been a cause of in-grown hairs and sebum build-ups, both plausible cases that contribute to the various degrees of dry skin. For instance, a man may only feel the effect of dry skin on his hands and feet, but may be surprised to find that dry skin has actually started to seep down over his thighs and stomach.
People with dry skin have an increased sensitivity to heat, which could be exacerbated by the cold winter months and summer heat. The only person who is safe from struggling with dry skin are infants and the actives, whom are both allergic to clothes and hot temperatures respectively. Diet is also a contributing factor to dry skin if not monitored. Losing weight may be attributed to a loss in water weight, but consuming a recommended intake would do wonders for the coats of hydration. Eating more fruit and vegetables will make the body more prone to “gloating” with benefits in absence of severe dizziness or headaches.
Hypohydration translates into dry skin and leads to first-degree dehydration which can become a second-degree or third-degree for a more direct affliction. All dry skin is a sign of dehydration regardless of the season or age of an individual
People with dry skin have an increased sensitivity to heat and cold. When people with dry skin do not moisturize or hydrate their skin the long term effects can cause a premature aging process. The dry skin causes reactions such as is drying, flaky skin, redness and the skin looks dull. Applying too much caffeine can be a temporary fix. Many stimulants such as green tea or black tea have caffeine that help as an antibacterial agent and an antioxidant which can promote healthy skin. Chemical Synthesis also can create stimulant agents called methylxanthines that take the form of caffeine.
