Dry skin might be annoying. It is itchy, uncomfortable, and prone to cracking and bleeding. Dry skin is a frequent issue that can happen at any time of year but is most prevalent during the winter months. So, exactly, what is dry skin?
Dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum, the natural oil our skin creates. Sebum protects and moisturizes our skin. When there isn’t enough sebum, the skin becomes dry, scaly, and irritated.
There are a variety of reasons why someone’s skin might be dry, ranging from the weather to age to certain health issues to even some medicines.
Fortunately, there are also many options for treating rough and scaly skin. However, using a moisturizer in your daily skin care routine is the greatest method to care for dry skin types and prevent flaky skin.
Causes of dry skin
The most widespread cause of dry skin is not consuming enough water, which leads the body to dehydration. To make up for the lack of moisture, the body will then pull hydration from other places like our skin cells.
This results in feeling tightness, itchiness, and irritation.. People who live in areas with extreme climates (such as cold winters or high altitude), take certain medications (accutane or blood pressure meds), or have specific conditions like eczema are particularly susceptible to this problem .
A lack of humidity in the air is another typical reason for dry skin. This might be induced by any number of factors such as winter weather, the use of heating equipment, or poor air quality.
Using a humidifier in your house or workplace might help keep the air moist and prevent your skin from becoming dry.
The primary sign of dry skin is itchiness, but other indications are redness, flaking, cracking and peeling. Without treatment, extreme cases can lead to eczema, a chronic condition defined by inflamed and irritated skin.
How to prevent dry skin
- Fortunately, there are things you can do to treat your dry skin. Make sure you’re getting enough water. Dry skin might be caused by a lack of hydration, so aim for at least eight glasses of water each day. Drinking water can assist moisturize and maintain the appearance of your skin. For extra moisture, drink pure, unfiltered water or buy a humidifier.
- Finally, use a humidifier to bring moisture into the air in your house or workplace, particularly during the winter months when the air is drier. This will help restore moisture back into the air and your skin.
- Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis will help to remove any dead skin cells that are causing dryness and irritation. Try using a natural exfoliating scrub or an exfoliating glove to get rid of rough patches on your hands, feet, and elbows.
- After you shower, three minutes is all the time you have to restore your skin’s moisture levels. Luckily, we’ve found the best products for the job. Oil-based moisturizers are typically heavier and last longer than their water-based counterparts. They can also be applied before bedtime, giving them more time to soak in and work their magic.
- Don’t forget to create a skincare routine you can do every day to help keep your skin clean and healthy. Although it’s crucial to cleansing daily, don’t overdo it because too much cleansing can lead to acne or psoriasis.
- To avoid dehydration and maintain your skin’s moisture, consume more water by drinking fluids and eating foods that are high in water content. Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, dried fruits, and yogurt will help keep your skin healthy.
How to choose the right moisturizer
Finding the suitable facial moisturizer is critical for alleviating dry, itchy skin problems. The first step in locating the ideal moisturizer for dry skin is to identify what essential components to search for.
When selecting your skincare products for your skincare routine, always choose high-quality ingredients to prevent dry and lifeless skin.
Hyaluronic acid or glycerin are frequently used by dermatologists. These substances aid in the retention of moisture in the skin, resulting in long-term hydration and softness.