Chances are that if you contracted dry skin this winter, it is likely due to exposure to harsh winter winds and forgetting to regularly moisturize your skin. However, if you notice that you chronically suffer from dry skin, then you may have a condition known as xerosis, or abnormally dry skin and mucous membranes (Medline Plus). We wanted to dedicate today’s post to understanding xerosis and how ViaBuff can help to alleviate your pain.
What is Xerosis?
Xerosis is a term for abnormally dry skin and mucous membranes. Xerosis typically physicalizes itself as ashiness, deep cracks that bleed, itching, scaling and fine lines, redness and inflammation, and a feeling of tightness in the skin (especially after being exposed to water) (WebMD, Mayo Clinic). Xerosis is often exacerbated by cooler temperatures, frequently being exposed to indoor heating, too frequent bathing or hand washing, or using abrasive cleansers. While xerosis can often be aggravated by external (and largely preventable) triggers, those with xerosis often suffer from three skin deficiencies: a lack of moisture-binding substances known as natural moisturizing factors; deficient skin barrier lipids; and a weak/impaired moisture network in the viable epidermis (The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology). In many cases, using a thorough moisturizer and topical steroids can alleviate xerosis, as will avoiding triggers like excessive bathing, sun exposure, using harsh soaps and detergents, and forgoing a deep-penetrating moisturizer. However, it is essential that you discuss your xerosis with a dermatologist as soon as possible, as it may be indicative of early-stage dermatitis or even more severe conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, lymphoma, and malnutrition (Medline Plus, American Academy of Dermatology, Skinsight).
How Can ViaBuff Help?
When it comes to exfoliating dry skin, the skin care market has found few satisfying solutions. That’s why we designed our ViaBuff Exfoliating Buffs to meet the needs of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and very dry skin. If you suffer from mild bouts of dry skin, then you would likely benefit from using the ViaBuff Level 3 Exfoliating Buff (which was designed specifically to exfoliate dry skin), whereas moderate to severe cases would be best served by the ViaBuff Level 4 Exfoliating Buff (designed to treat very dry skin). But why use our buffs? Xerotic skin tends to have a multitude of dead skin cells, which can flake off and clog one’s pores.
Fortunately, our buffs’ large surface area (over 1,200 sq. in. of useable surface area!) and open-cell polyurethane design can aggressively yet gently remove buildup of dead skin cells and other debris. Our buffs’ special open-cell polyurethane design limits water and skincare product retention so that more of your exfoliating serum can be massaged into your skin, not the buff’s crevices. Our buffs also keep your exfoliating products on the buff’s foam surface, meaning that more product can be massaged into your skin and not seep into the crevices of your buffs. If you suffer from chronic xerosis, then our buffs will be with you for the long-haul; each ViaBuff Exfoliating Buff lasts for a minimum of 90 days, which is three times longer than your standard loofah or puff. As an added bonus, our buffs are cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested, so as to ensure the most ethical and clinically-sound exfoliation possible.
Bottom Line
Xerosis is a fairly common and easy-to-treat yet frustrating condition. Xerosis can be triggered by external factors such as excessive bathing and sun exposure, and even skin deficiencies such as a weakened moisture network in the viable epidermis. In addition to using deep-penetrating moisturizers, your skin would likely benefit from using either the ViaBuff Level 3 or 4 Exfoliating Buff, which were designed to exfoliate dry skin and very dry skin, respectively. If you would like to learn more about this condition or are interested in hearing more about the ViaBuff Exfoliating Buffs, feel free to send us an email – we love hearing from our readers!