Tips to battle dry skin
- March 28, 2018
- Posted by: Cutis
- Category: Knowledge Center
Skin, the largest organ of our body is a key indicator of overall health. It serves as a water-containing barrier that protects us from harmful environmental factors. Skin is usually able to maintain sufficient moisture despite of water being lost by evaporation. Dryness occurs when skin loses moisture or cannot retain it.
Although anyone can battle dry skin, the condition is more prone in older age groups since water content of skin decreases with age. Potential causes of dry skin include low humidity and windy environment, frequent showering or bathing especially with hot water, using harsh soaps and detergents, central heating and air conditioning, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Diseases like eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, thyroid disorder and certain medications can also significantly alter the function and appearance of skin.
Individuals with dry skin may experience itching, fine lines, slight to severe scaling or peeling, cracks, and/or fissures and pain that may be intense. Itching may also result in secondary infection of the skin.
What can you do to avoid dry skin?
- Use Luke warm water for bathing and limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 -10 minutes.
- Avoid deodorant and skin care products that contain alcohol, fragrance, retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
- Wash with a gentle, fragrance–free cleanser. Tap dry your skin gently with a towel.
- Apply moisturizer within minutes of drying your skin.
- Apply moisturizer after each time you wash your hands. Wear gloves when you go outdoors in winters.
- Creams and ointments hydrate more effectively than lotions. If you have a tendency to develop dry skin, apply moisturizer twice a day during the cold months of the year.
- Lips are also susceptible to drying. Use lip balm frequently as per your need, do not lick your lips or pull off dry skin.
- Prefer loose cotton linen clothing. Avoid woolen clothes if you are prone to eczema.
- Use laundry detergent labeled ‘hypoallergenic’
- Place a humidifier in your room to put humidity back into the air.
- Consider using vaporizers and cool-air humidifiers.
Consult a dermatologist if the above measures do not bring relief. If your skin is extremely red, weeping, oozing or painful, it could be caused by something more sinister than just general water loss. A dermatologist can properly find out the cause and help you reduce your discomfort with appropriate treatment.