Are you looking for the cause of very dry skin? It’s true, dry skin can be miserable! Annoying symptoms such as flaking, burning, cracking, and redness are difficult at best. And the incessant itching that goes with this condition can be maddening.
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Dry Skin Care
So what is the source of such miserable symptoms? Dry skin is a common problem with a variety of causes including…
- Environment
- Age
- Medical conditions
- Medication
Most cases of dry skin are due to…
Environmental Conditions
- Weather… Cold, winter weather is most often blamed for dry skin. Yet symptoms also occur in hot, dry climates.
- Dry indoor air… A warm, cosy fire is good for the soul, but hard on the skin. Wood stoves, central heat, and air conditioning all rob skin of moisture.
- Excessive bathing and hot water… There’s nothing like a hot bubble bath to relieve stress. This small luxury, however, can break down lipids (fats) that protect the skin.
- Frequent swimming in a chlorinated pool… Great exercise, but hard on your skin. Chlorine damages the skin’s protective oils.
- Harsh soaps and detergents… Antibacterial and deodorant soaps are the worst offenders.
In addition to the environment, blame…
Age
It’s true… as the years increase, oil production decreases.
While excess oil can be a huge problem during the teen years, the problem later in life is usually a lack of oil. This oil deficiency begins earlier in life for women than men. In addition, skin cells shed at a slower rate with advancing age.
The result? Dry, flaky skin!
Medical Conditions
Occasionally, very dry skin may signal a health problem such as…
- Thyroid disease is a hormone disruption that often decreases oil production.
- Diabetes may lead to small blood vessels and nerve damage. This in turn leads to dry skin.
- Ichthyosis is usually seen as an inherited condition. Dry skin develops due to a disruption in the rate that skin cells shed.
- Asteatotic eczema may develop due to exposure to harsh soaps, chemicals, or cold, dry weather.
- Psoriasis causes thick, scaly, rough skin. It is thought to be an inherited condition that is triggered by environmental factors.
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as a long-term lack of omega3 fatty acids or zinc can cause dry skin. The standard American diet is high in omega 6 but low in omega3 essential fatty acids.
- Vegetarians and the elderly are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency.
- Dehydration causes the skin to lose elasticity. Dry skin is often the first sign the body is dehydrated.
Additional factors as a cause of very dry skin…
- Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines, isotretinoin (Accutane), and others often leave the skin dry.
- Alcohol and caffeine, in excess, are drying.
- Excessive sun exposure is drying and damaging. Collagen and elastin fibres break down in response to sun damage. The consequence? Sagging skin and wrinkles!
Treatment for Severe Dry Skin… Stop the Itch!
The treatment for severely dry skin begins with simple home care. Protecting the natural oil in your skin while adding additional moisture is key. Extreme or unresponsive cases of dry skin, however, may need professional treatment.
Dry skin is worsened by winter weather. The heat inside, the frigid air outside, and very low humidity are brutal to the skin.
Combined, they result in irritated, itchy, painful skin… sometimes to the point of cracking and bleeding.
But it’s not only winter weather that aggravates dry skin. Other factors including arid, desert air, or skin conditions such as eczema may be the culprit.
What to do?
First…
Maintain Health
Skin is the protective shield between you and the environment… your “coat of armour.” It keeps moisture in and bacteria out.
Nature provides the protective covering, it’s your job to preserve it. Follow the guidelines below to do so:
Bathing:
- Limit bathing to once a day. And even though a long soak in the tub is relaxing, a quick shower is kinder to dry skin.
- Use warm, not hot, water.
- Use a mild natural cleanser.
- Gently pat skin dry… don’t rub!
Increase moisture:
- Apply body oil or moisturiser after bathing, while skin is still damp. This helps seal moisture in. Repeat one or more times during the day.
- Choose a thick, natural moisturiser, such as Weleda Skin Food. Weleda Skin Care products are natural and effective.
- If possible, install a humidifier to combat dry, indoor air.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking ample water throughout the day.
When to call the doctor?
Sometimes, treatment for severely dry skin may require medical intervention. Dry skin may be an indication of an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.
Below are signs that indicate you may need medical help:
- Skin itches with no visible rash.
- Dryness and itching interrupt sleep.
- You have open cuts or sores from scratching.
- Large areas of scaling or peeling skin.
- Home care does not bring relief.
Visiting the Doctor
Before you go, make a list of your symptoms, concerns, and questions. Prepare to respond to the following inquiries:
- How long has your skin been dry? Is it a recent development, a lifelong condition, or a sporadic occurrence?
- Does it affect your whole body? If not, what parts are involved?
- What makes the condition worse?
- Does anything bring relief?
- What’s your bathing routine? Do you take a quick morning shower or long daily baths?
- Do you have other symptoms?
Bring a list of medications, including over-the-counter preparations you are using. Your input, combined with an exam, will help the physician determine the best course of treatment for severely dry skin.
Dry Skin Care Tips…for Healthy, Beautiful Skin
Looking for dry skincare tips? Do you have itchy, dry, flaky skin? This is a very common complaint. There is help! Dry skin care begins with a few simple at-home measures.
Dry Skin Care:
- Take brief showers or baths.
- Use warm, not hot, water.
- Select a gentle, natural cleaner or soap.
- Using a soft cloth, gently pat the skin dry.
- Bath only once a day.
- Apply moisturiser to your skin at least twice a day.
- Every day, drink 6-8 glasses of water.
- For dry indoor air, use a humidifier.
Ancient Beauty Secret
Take a hint from the Ayurvedic tradition for a cheap and efficient dry skin treatment. Ayurveda is a natural treatment technique that has been practised for thousands of years in India.
Massage your body with heated oil just before taking a bath or shower. Select organic sesame oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil. Warm-up approximately 1/4 cup of the oil in the microwave for a few seconds, ensuring it’s not too hot. Slowly apply the oil all over your body while standing or sitting on a towel. Long, sweeping strokes are recommended.
Allow your skin to absorb the oil for a few seconds before bathing (be careful, the tub will be slippery). An Ayurvedic massage will leave your skin smooth and your mind peaceful and relaxed… which might be the REAL beauty secret.
Dry Skin Care Products
When buying, look for natural items. The following are two brands that provide excellent, all-natural moisturisers:
Aubrey Organics – Try the Moisturising Cream for Dry Skin from Aubrey Organics. Rosa Mosqueta oil is used in this moisturiser. The oil is known for its tremendous revitalising effects and is harvested from wild roses in South America’s Andes. The creamy moisturiser smells like almonds and feels smooth. It is particularly helpful for dry skin when used on a daily basis. 4oz. Although the container is little, a little goes a long way.
Weleda Skin Care is manufactured with non-toxic, all-natural components. Biodynamic, organically cultivated botanicals make up a substantial component of the ingredients. Botanicals that aid in the healing and rejuvenation of dry skin. Consider using Weleda Skin Food. This strong, thick moisturising cream is especially beneficial for hard-to-reach regions including the hands, feet, and elbows.
Body butter is also excellent for treating dry skin. They are thick and creamy, consisting of natural oils, plant butter, and therapeutic essential oils.
These basic dry skincare tips should provide immediate relief from your vexing problems.
Rejuvenate Your Skin Dry fromSkin Care
Do you want to use dry skincare? What are the best ways to deal with inflammation, flaking, and itching? Dry skin may be unattractive, irritating, and even painful at times.
Ouch!
Follow the dermatologist-recommended dry skincare tips below for great results.
Dry Skin Tips
The first step is to protect your skin’s natural oil. Excessive bathing removes this natural defence. Then, be gentle.
“Don’t soak, scrape, or rub!” advises the Mayo Clinic.
- Take 5- to 10-minute showers.
- Always use warm, never hot, water.
- Create a gentle lather with a mild cleanser.
- Pat dry with a gentle towel until wet.
- Limit yourself to one shower every day.
Cleansers
Select a natural soap that has additional fats or oils. Alternatively, use a gentle, natural shower gel. The best of them include a moisturiser.
Deodorant and antibacterial soaps should be avoided. These are abrasive to the skin and contain possibly hazardous substances. Read Does Antibacterial Soap Work? for more details.
What’s the next step?
Slather on the Moisturiser!
Moisturiser forms a protective layer. It keeps moisture in while protecting against severe weather conditions.
Apply moisturiser when your skin is still wet from the shower. Consider using natural body butter. Body butteris is simple to apply and produces excellent benefits. Applying to wet skin will keep moisture in. Take a few moments here to relax and pamper yourself if you can. Relaxation is beneficial to your health and will be shown on your face!
Try to moisturise in the morning and at night… and more frequently if feasible.
Bonus tips
Use a humidifier. Dry indoor air, particularly hot air, is harsh on your skin. A humidifier will assist in replacing moisture loss. Use a humidifier in your bedroom to wake up with moisturised skin.
Wear natural fibres, such as cotton and silk, but avoid wool. Moisture and perspiration trapped beneath garments will irritate the skin even more. Natural fibres let the skin breathe. They are also smooth and soothing for dry skin. Wool, on the other hand, may itch. Wear a cotton turtleneck below your favourite wool sweater for extra warmth.
Use fragrance-free clothes detergent. Sensitive skin is dry skin. Purchase a light detergent that has no additional aroma or colouring.
Include Omega 3s in your diet. Skin health is promoted by proper nutrition. The importance of essential fatty acids in dry skin care cannot be overstated. Fatty fish, such as salmon and herring, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and walnuts are all good sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
The actions outlined above should provide some relief. However, if your symptoms continue, consult a doctor. It’s critical to rule out medical conditions like eczema.
So that was Dry Skin Care – Rejuvenate Your Skin. I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helped you improve your knowledge and, most importantly, that it helped you get rid of your dry skin problems using natural, handmade, and entirely organic ways. If you know of any more excellent dry skincare secrets and tactics that we missed (or should have included in this article), please let us know in the comments section below.
