Our skin requires hydration and moisture to be healthy. When our skin does not receive this essential requirement to remain healthy which is moisture dry skin can occur. The causes behind the development of dry skin are numerous. Causes can range from frequent bathing, aging, applying harsh soaps to even certain medical conditions. In addition, climate can also play a part when it comes to development of dry skin. Specifically cold dry winter air can cause the development and appearance of dry skin.
In the parts of the world that have a hard winter such as countries in the Northern Hemisphere many people tend to suffer from dry skin. Many other symptoms accompany dry skin such as skin that is red, itchy and rough. We have written about the epidermis in previous articles and how important its role is when it comes to our skin. Epidermis plays a critical role also when it comes to dry skin. The level of humidity around the epidermis tends to reflect on the water content of the epidermis.
Retaining moisture in skin is essential
The reason skin moisturizers are one of the most essential skincare products you need has to do with their ability to hydrate the skin and try to seal it in. Skin moisturizers contain those essential ingredients that are required for hydrating the skin and keeping it in. Those moisturizers that are thicker and greasier tend to be more effective.
Some ways to prevent dry skin from appearing
As with many other health conditions when it comes to dry skin, prevention is the best option. Following some simple rules and making some changes to your daily lifestyle routines can help in prevention of dry skin from appearing and will mention some of them below:
- Limiting the time, you spend in bath and shower can play a part when it comes to preventing the development of dry skin. Try to limit the time you spend in bath or shower to 10 minutes maximum. Spending more time than 10 minutes can remove the oily layers of the skin that are essential for providing moisture to the skin. In addition is best to use lukewarm water when bathing or showering rather to hot water. Hot water can strip away the natural oils on the skin which protect it and hydrate it.
- Using humidifiers during the cold winter months can help with preventing dry skin from occurring. Using humidifiers can freshen the top layer of the skin which can be affected due to cold dry winter air.
- The type of clothing you wear can also play a part in development of dry skin. Specifically avoid wearing clothing that are manufactured from wool or other irritating fabrics right next to your skin.
- Avid scratching your skin. In most cases applying moisturizers can help not only with treating dry skin but also with the itch.
- Be selective when it comes to the type of soaps you use. Avoid using deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps and alcohol-based products which strip away those natural oils on the skin which are there for protection.
- Another step you can take to prevent and treat dry skin is to build a solid night-time skincare routine. Using a nigh time moisturizer during the night is very important. By applying a nigh time skin moisturizer before going to sleep it will allow your skin to repair itself while you sleep. While we sleep our skin’s ability to absorb is much stronger than daytime. This will enable the active ingredients in the moisturizer to penetrate the skin much deeper.
- It is also recommended to apply moisturizers more frequently. In particular apply moisturizers after bathing and washing your hand. Applying moisturizers in such instances will help to keep moisture in the skin while the skin is still wet and damp.
- When washing your clothes try using fragrance free lundry detergent and fabric softener.
- Is best not to use bath sponges, washcloths and scrub brushes. If you still need to use such tools to wash your skin, make sure to use gentle and light ones that are less likely to damage the skin.
