Fighting the Common Causes of Dry Skin
By DJ Rogers
Many medical articles have been written on the physical causes and treatments for dry skin, which we will leave to the medical professionals. However, aside from disease and medicine, here is a list of common causes of dry skin and what can be done to return moisture back to the skin, but first let us discuss the symptoms.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
Generally, dry skin is not a serious condition, but if left untreated, it can become one. As plump cells of the skin dehydrate and shrivel, the skin changes from being smooth and supple to tight, rough, and uncomfortable. Mild to severe itching, flaking, peeling, scaling, and redness may gradually appear, accompanied by fine lines. In severe cases of dry skin, the skin may actually crack and bleed. Skin is often driest on the lower legs, hands, arms, and feet.
Sun Damaged Skin
As the sun’s rays penetrate deep into the skin, collagen and elastin fibers break down. The American Cancer Society recommends wearing at least an SPF15 sunscreen and to minimize outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Climate Conditions
Shield the skin against the cold of winter and the scorching heat of the summer by wearing proper clothing. Moisture evaporation is common cause of dry skin.
Low Humidity
Increase moisture in the room with a humidifier. Air conditioning and heating systems in homes and offices remove moisture in air; in turn, this is very drying to the skin.
Bathing
Essential natural oils necessary for plump and supple skin are lost by frequent bathing, lengthy and/or hot baths and showers, scrubbing the skin, harsh soaps, and rubbing the skin to briskly with a towel after bathing.
- Instead of bathing twice or more a day, limit bathing to once a day, or once every two days, depending on your activity level.
- Instead of hot baths; shower quickly in lukewarm water.
- Instead of "scrubbing" the skin clean, use a soft cloth to gently wash the skin.
- Instead of using harsh soaps, cleanse the skin with a mild moisturizing soap.
- Instead of briskly rubbing the skin dry after bathing, pat the skin until it is almost dry.
- After bathing, immediately apply moisturizing lotion or ointment on the skin; this helps trap moisture in the skin which was gained from bathing.
Aging
As women age their oil gland production slows, especially after menopause. Increase the intensity of your moisturizer to accommodate the skin’s changing condition.
Laundry/Clothing/Bedding
- Wash clothes in detergent free of dyes and fragrance.
- Avoid fabric softener sheets, use clothes dryer balls instead to soften and fluff clothes.
- Avoid clothing such as wool or scratchy fabric against the skin.
- Use cotton percale sheets instead of flannel to reduce the absorption of oil from the skin.
Diet
Eat a well balanced diet to ensure your body receives the nutrients it needs; and drink plenty of fluids to keep the skin moist from the inside.
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