World in a bottle:
Bespoke ingredients
Every great story starts with you. Here at STORIES we love to share yours so that someone among us can learn and grow from your story. Click here to here our latest featured article. Dryness may be caused by a number of factors. While some are more easily avoided than others, an understanding of the various internal and external triggers will assist in establishing a skin care regimen suited to your needs.
Climate and environment
Our skin is a dynamic organ that responds to its surroundings. Climatic and seasonal changes are among the most prevalent causes of dry skin. Skin exposed to cold weather, low humidity or harsh winds requires careful hydration and protection. The cold slows blood circulation, which, in turn, reduces the amount of nutrients and moisture carried to skin; the turnover of dead cells also slows, which can yield a flaky, patchy appearance.
Hot climates, too, can lead to dry skin when moisture is lost through perspiration. And while circulation increases, this raises the skin’s temperature, which stimulates transepidermal water loss and sweating.
We encourage customers to consider not just the seasons and weather, but ‘microclimates’ and their impacts on skin. Climate-controlled environments—from air-conditioned office to heated apartment—often have a drying effect.
Biological factors
Heredity plays a significant role in the health and appearance of our skin: some individuals are genetically predisposed to dry skin just as others are given to thick hair, green eyes or freckles.
The ageing process also affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture. With time, the epidermis begins to thin naturally. The production of sebum, elastin and collagen slows, along with the rate of skin cell turnover; as a result, dryness is sometimes associated with mature skin. We believe ageing is to be celebrated, not avoided, and our formulations do not claim anti-ageing benefits. Instead, we advocate for skin care regimens that account for an individual’s environment, lifestyle and age, and recommend products accordingly. Daily gentle cleansing, occasional exfoliation, and appropriate nourishment will ensure skin remains in its healthiest possible condition.
Hormonal fluctuations (due to, for example, stress, prescription medication or menopause) can throw skin out of equilibrium, which may yield dry and dehydrated skin.
Skin care habits
We recommend cleansing with tepid water, and avoiding prolonged time spent in very hot showers or baths, which can exacerbate dryness. ‘Over-cleansing’—using formulations that strip the skin of its natural oils, or products too astringent—can perturb the skin’s barrier properties. Similarly, the overuse of mechanical or chemical exfoliants can impair barrier integrity. On average, the turnover of dead skin cells is approximately twenty-eight days; exfoliating too frequently removes healthy cells, and can lead to dry, irritated skin.Diet and nutritionWhere skin is dry or dehydrated, we recommend two parallel approaches—a topical remedy, and a focus on restoring moisture internally. Aqueous formulations such as Aloe Vera-based serums, or products containing Sodium Carrageenan, provide generous doses of hydration; while increased water consumption and omega-rich foods replenish moisture from within.