Specific customer needs
STEP 2
SPECIFIC CUSTOMER NEEDS
On the previous screen, we looked at some of the common triggers for dry skin conditions. However, you may encounter customers who have more specific causes of their dry skin. Click on each of the images below to find out how these particular need states can cause dry skin.
GETTING OLDER
As people get older, their skin becomes thinner and their sweat and oil glands don't produce as much moisture. The amount of fat and collagen, which are the substances that give skin its elasticity, decrease. All these factors can increase the incidence of dry skin as people get older.2
THE MENOPAUSE
As women enter the menopause, their production of the hormone oestrogen starts to decline. Oestrogen has many functions, one of which is to stimulate the production of collagen and oils. The decline in oestrogen slows down the body's production of oils as well as reducing the body's ability to retain moisture; this can cause dry, itchy skin which can appear anywhere on the body.3
STRESS
The outer layer of skin contains proteins and lipids that play a vital role in keeping skin cells hydrated; the outer layer of skin also acts as a barrier that protects the skin underneath. Stress can impair the barrier function of the outer layer of skin and can affect the skin's ability to retain water, leading to dry and itchy skin.4
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES
A side effect of some prescription medicines is dry skin. Examples of prescription medicines that can cause dry skin include some medicines for high blood pressure such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, statins that are prescribed to lower cholesterol, some antihistamines and some acne medicines such as isotretinoin.5
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Certain lifestyle factors can cause dry skin, including smoking and drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Smoking is second only to the sun in causing premature wrinkles and dry skin, while caffeine in tea and coffee is dehydrating and can cause the skin to dry out. Too much alcohol is bad for the skin as well as the body; alcohol is a diuretic and causes the body to lose water, which can contribute to dry skin.6
These are all things to be aware of when talking to your customers.