Director Im Eiseok

Director Im Eiseok of Im Eiseok Theme Dermatology appeared on MBC's Good Day, in the segment “How to Turn Dry Skin Back to 18-Year-Old Soon-yi.”

How to Turn Dry Skin Back to 18-Year-Old Soon-yi

Why do wrinkles form?

There are various causes. There are wrinkles caused by aging, wrinkles caused by ultraviolet rays, and wrinkles formed by facial expressions, but most wrinkles are caused by dryness. Dry skin reduces the skin’s elasticity, so the skin does not smooth out, causing wrinkles. For that reason, you need to pay close attention to keeping your skin moisturized, and since skin aging begins in your 20s, moisturizing should always be a concern.

A condition caused by dry skin: xeroderma

How much moisture does skin need?

The moisture level of normal skin is 35% to 45%. If the skin’s moisture level drops below 30%, dead skin cells appear, and if it falls below 10%, itching and inflammation occur.

Can a humidifier help with dry skin?

Yes, it can. Hydrate the skin by drinking water or applying it with a moisturizer. However, because dry air takes away moisture, it is hard to maintain the skin’s moisture level unless you apply it and drink water frequently. That is why using a humidifier or hanging wet laundry indoors helps keep the indoor air from becoming dry and helps prevent the skin from drying out. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that to prevent damage to the bronchial tubes and lungs, it is recommended not to use it too close and to keep a distance of at least 1 meter.

A condition caused by dry skin: dry eczema

When people think of eczema, they often only know it as something caused by frequent contact with water. This is hand eczema caused by frequent exposure to water and detergents. Dry eczema is a condition caused by severe skin dryness, and the skin becomes red, with dead skin cells and itching. Because itching is involved, scratching can create wounds, which increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection. If left untreated, the skin becomes thick like leather and turns brown, resulting in lichenification.

When you feel itchy, instead of scratching, try tapping the area to stimulate the pain sensation and relieve the itching, or keep a moisturizer in the refrigerator and apply it cool. That is also a good way to relieve itching.

A condition caused by dry skin: keratotic skin condition

Keratotic skin condition is a disease in which the stratum corneum thickens, commonly called calluses. It appears mainly on the feet and hands.

It is caused by athlete’s foot, skin irritation, and dryness. Once it becomes hard like a callus, it can cause discomfort during activities later on. It is also a keratotic skin condition in which cracks in calluses are accompanied by inflammation and pain.

What is the difference between dry eczema and keratotic skin condition?

Unlike keratotic skin condition, dry eczema does not cause the skin to thicken and is accompanied by oozing. It often appears mainly on areas such as the shins.

Proper way to remove dead skin from the feet

Excessive dead skin removal can damage even healthy cells, so you should use a foot-specific dead skin remover and moisturize with a foot-specific cream. If it still does not come off after that, it means the skin has thickened for various reasons, and you should go to a clinic for treatment.

April 28, 2020, MBC Good Day, Episode 3193, “How to Turn Dry Skin Back to 18-Year-Old Soon-yi”