Why Skin Appears Dry and Flaky and How to Address it
The top layer of the skin contains keratin, a protein that helps to keep the skin hydrated by preventing water loss. When water loss occurs, the skin appears dry and flaky. This can be because of the lack of hydration causing the keratinocytes not to develop correctly (the dry flaky skin being the result of the cells ‘curling up’ rather than lying flat against each other).
The epidermis as a whole also contains enzymes that require water to promote the removal of dead cells. The spaces between the cells are packed with lipids (fats) and the cells themselves consist of amino acids and salts which are water soluble and assist the cells in retaining a balanced moisture level, slowing down any water loss. This ‘natural moisturising factor’ helps the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) to regulate natural water loss by preventing water evaporating from the deeper layers of the skin.
This is where AEOS products are so important in delivering moisture, along with the active ingredients, in a cumulative way to the different layers of the skin.
The active ingredients of AEOS (such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids) are offered in a natural way via plant ingredients which are more readily received by the layers of the skin when it is slightly moist, rather than dry.
The lipids within the epidermis play a large part in maintaining what is considered beautiful skin - i.e. healthy plump and radiant. This is because when this layer of the skin is in optimal condition through adequate hydration it has the capacity to transmit light and hence produce that radiant look. When we add our final layer of AEOS moisturiser and / or serum at the end of the AEOS sequence, it offers a medium which fills any ‘gaps’ in moisture levels within the stratum corneum. This then allows the skin to appear more translucent because more light can reach to the lower layers of the skin.
AEOS is made with love and intention by Aura-Soma, the Colour-Care System concerned with light and colour. This idea of optimising absorption of light and its transmission is significant. In a small way it is a reminder and recognition of ourselves as light beings/bodies.
Aura = Light. Soma = Body
