Improving Dry Skin: Effective Tips for Hydrated and Healthy Skin

Improving Dry Skin: Effective Tips for Hydrated and Healthy Skin

Zaheer Abbas
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Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Dry skin (xerosis cutis) is a widespread disorder, which appears when the skin is not moist enough. It may cause flakiness, itchiness, redness, and cracking in extreme cases. Although dry skin is usually a short-term problem, it might also be a long-term one under the conditions of severe climate or the presence of medical issues.

The present article will discuss the causes, signs, treatments and prevention strategies of dry skin, and some expert advice that will help you maintain your skin moisturized and smooth.

 

Table of Contents

1.     What is Dry Skin?

2.     Dry Skin Symptoms

3.     Causes of Dry Skin Common

4.     Predisposing Factors of Dry Skin

5.     Dry Skin Medical Conditions

6.     Dry Skin diagnosis

7.     Good Remedies to Dry Skin

8.     Home Treatments of Dry Skin

9.     Tips of Prevention of Dry Skin

10.When to See Doctor

11.Conclusion

 

1. What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is a condition that does not allow the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) to hold sufficient amounts of water. Natural oils (sebum) are secreted by the skin and they seal moisture. Once these oils are absent, the skin dries and gets rough and at times inflamed.

Dry skin may happen on any part and the most common areas include:

·        Hands

·        Feet

·        Arms

·        Legs

·        Face (particularly around the cheeks and the forehead)

Although dry skin is normally non-harmful, an extreme case can cause complications such as eczema or infection through cracking.

 


2. Symptoms of Dry Skin

The symptoms and signs of dry skin differ with age, health and environmental conditions. The typical symptoms are:

·        Hard or scaly feel

·        Itching (pruritus)

·        Rubines or itchiness

·        Stiffness, particularly, following a wash

·        minute fissures or cracks

·        Drying up or peeling off skin

·        Bleeding of severe cases

Without treatment, dry skin may cause eczema (atopic dermatitis), bacterial infection or cellulitis.

 

3. Common Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin is caused by a number of factors such as the environment, lifestyles, and biological factors.

Environmental Causes

·        Bad weather - Dry weather and cold winds deprive the skin of moisture.

·        Hot showers - long duration under hot water strips of natural oils.

·        Dry air (indoor heating/air conditioning) - Artificial climate controlling dries the air.

·        Exposure to sun - UV rays destroy skin barriers resulting to dehydration.

Lifestyle & Biological Factors

·        Aging - As we grow old, skin produces less oil.

·        Drying soaps and detergents - Most cleaners have sulfates that dehydrate the skin.

·        Dehydration- Lack of water consumption influences the hydration of the skin.

·        Bad eating habits - Deficiency of fatty acids (Omega-3) and vitamins (A, C, E).

·        Over-exfoliation - Excessive scrubbing gets rid of protective skin layers.

 


4. Risk Factors for Dry Skin

Dry skin tends to happen more easily to some people because of:

·        Genetics - The family members have a history of eczema or psoriasis.

·        Occupation - Occupations that need regular hand washing (healthcare, cleaning).

·        Swimming - The chlorine used in swimming pools dries the skin.

·        Skin conditions - Psoriasis, hypothyroidism and diabetes make it drier.

 

5. Medical Conditions Associated with Dry Skin

The chronic dry skin can be a sign of a health problem including:

·        Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Red, itchy and inflamed skin.

·        Psoriasis- Scaly lesions caused by a faster proliferation of skin cells.

·        Hypothyroidism: The low level of thyroid hormone decreases sweating and the production of oil.

·        Diabetes-The high blood sugar causes poor circulation and dry skin.

·        Kidney Disease Itchiness and dryness because of the accumulation of toxins.

When dry skin continues to bother us even after the treatment seek the help of a dermatologist.

 

Read Also: - How to Reduce Pores: Effective Tips for Smoother Skin


6. Diagnosis of Dry Skin

Dry skin is in most instances self-diagnosed. Nevertheless, a physician can carry out:

·        Physical examination - Redness, cracks or scaling.

·        History of the disease: Medical review- Diagnosis of underlying conditions.

·        Skin biopsy - Hardly required, but performed in case of suspected autoimmune disorder.

 

7. Effective Treatments for Dry Skin

Depending on the severity, treatment is done. The most common ones are:

Medical Treatments

·        Emollients and occlusives (Moisturizers)

o   Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) Moisturizes it in.

o   Creams containing Ceramide Repair skin barrier.

o   Hyaluronic acid serums- Hydrate the skin by drawing water.

·        Topical Steroids (Hydrocortisone cream) decrease the inflammation in the eczema.

·        Prescription ointments- In severe cases (e.g. lactic acid or urea-based creams).

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products

·        Lotions that are fragrance-free (CeraVe, Eucerin)

·        Creams made of oatmeal (Aveeno) - Relieve itching.

·        Antihistamines (Benadryl) - itching at night.

 


8. Home Remedies for Dry Skin

Mother nature can rehydrate:

·        Coconut oil- Seven coconut oil is a natural emollient, which moisturizes the skin.

·        Aloe vera gel- Relaxes irritation and seals in moisture.

·        Honey- A moisturizer that locks in water on the skin.

·        Oatmeal baths- This relieves itching and inflammation.

·        Drinking more water- Water skin internally.

 

9. Prevention Tips for Dry Skin

Prevention of dry skin implies lifestyle changes:

Daily Skincare Routine

ü Warm bath- Do not use hot water when bathing.

ü Use moisturizer after the bath- Seals in moisture.

ü Use mild fragrance-free cleansers - No sulfates.

ü Wear gloves when it is harsh, cold weather- Always wear gloves to protect hands against chapping.




Diet & Hydration

ü Consume omega-3 foods rich foods- Salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds.

ü Eat more vitamins in the form of citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and nuts.

ü Hydrate yourself- Take a minimum of 8 glasses of water every day.

Environmental Adjustments

ü Use a humidifier -Put moisture in the dry indoor air.

ü No direct exposure to heat- Stay out of radiators.

ü Use sunscreen daily- Prevents damage by UV.

 


10. When to See a Doctor

You should go to a doctor in case:

·        The skin turns red, swollen or infected.

·        Bleeding or oozing of pus is seen in the cracks.

·        Itching disturbs sleep or day to day activities.

·        Home treatments do not help in dry skin.

 

11. Conclusion

Dry skin is a frequent, though controllable disorder. It is possible to keep the skin soft and hydrated by learning its causes and having a healthy skincare regime. When the symptoms do not go away, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist to exclude underlying conditions.

 

Key Takeaways

·        Dry skin is caused by loss of moisture in the skin because of environmental, lifestyle or medical reasons.

·        It is characterized by itching, flaking, redness and cracks.

·        Medications are moisturizers, medical creams, and home remedies.

·        The prevention is hydration, sound diet, and avoiding skin exposure to harsh conditions.

These directions will help you to have healthy and glowing skin throughout the year.

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