Understanding Dry Skin and How to Treat It?

Several factors can cause dry skin. For many people, it’s a genetic roll of the dice. Some are predisposed to the condition, while others inherit sensitivities that can cause an allergic reaction. But anyone can develop dry skin on occasion (except Aquaman, for obvious reasons).

Understanding Dry Skin

Dry skin medically known as xeroderma or xerosis is a common skin condition. It leads to rough, itchy, scaly, and flaky skin. It may appear as a skin condition itself or as a symptom of any other skin problem or medical issue. 

The good news is you have many options available that can help soothe the condition from moisturizing the skin to protecting it from harsh chemicals in skincare products. But before jumping on to the treatment, let’s take a closer look at what other symptoms this condition can cause. 

Dry Skin Symptoms

Sufferers can develop dry patches of skin anywhere on their body, but the most common locations are the arms, legs, and hands. Some of the most common symptoms that you may notice along with dryness are:

• Small bumps and blisters
• Cracked skin
• Flaky skin
• Skin inflammation
• Itchy skin
• Rashes and redness
• Scaling and rough patches
• Skin tightening
• Cracks that may bleed in severe cases

Since we all can’t be Aquaman, it’s worth identifying where dry skin comes from and how we can prevent it from impacting our lives.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry patches of skin, characterized by scaling, itching, or cracking, have environmental, seasonal, chemical, genetic, and physiological causes. You know what? Let’s throw in behavioral drivers, too, because the situation doesn’t seem bleak enough. There’s a chance you’ll face an attack of dry skin due to:

• Aging
• Extreme weather conditions
• Genetics
• Hard water
• Harsh chemicals in skin products and detergents
• Hot showers
• Medical treatment or certain medications
• Occupations
• Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and ringworm.

These are some of the most common causes of dry, itchy skin. Eczema is a very common skin condition that causes severe dry skin. You can soothe your eczema flare-up and symptoms by keeping the skin clean with an eczema cleanser and moisturizing it with an eczema cream throughout the day.

To discover more about the causes of dry skin in detail, read our blog here. 

Who is More at Risk?

If you’re genetically predisposed, you’re likely to find dry skin patches on occasion no matter what you do, though you can work to limit them. Other groups that tend to have problems are:

• People that live in cold areas or places with low humidity.
• Older individuals, your risk goes up at 40 and continues to climb as you age.
• People whose parents suffer from allergies.
• Professionals like nurses or dishwashers — careers that require you to soak your hands in water frequently.
• People who spend a lot of time in the pool, again, Aquaman is not included.
• Use your hands to work with chemicals, clay, or cement.
• Have a certain disease or skin condition.
• People who have black, brown, or fair skin tones.
• Who take certain medications such as statins and diuretics.
• Who have a vitamin or mineral deficiency in the body.
• If one has or is going through cancer treatments.
• HIV positive.

Anyone can experience dry skin. There is no rule that you will only experience it if you are facing any of the above. These are just a few people who are more likely to experience this condition.

Learn more about Dry Skin from Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

• Cause of Dry Skin
• Dry Skin and Itching
• Dry Skin On Face
• Dry Skin Patches

Why is my Skin so Dry Even When I Moisturize?

If your skin still feels dry even after moisturizing, then there can be 2 reasons for it. One you may be doing something wrong such as using the wrong skin care products for dry skin, over-exfoliating, taking hot showers, or not drinking enough water. 

The second is your body may be lacking certain nutrients such as Vitamin A, D, Zinc, iron, or niacin. Consult your dermatologist if you are experiencing stubborn dry skin, and they may prescribe supplements to overcome your deficiencies. 

Dehydrated Skin Vs Dry Skin

Most people think that dehydrated skin and dry skin are the same thing. They may look similar and cause similar symptoms, but there is a slight difference. Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water in the body.

Our bodies are made up of 60% water, but when that level is not maintained, our bodies and skin start becoming dry. Dry skin is when our skin lacks moisture, lipids, or sebum. Both conditions can cause dryness, and the treatment for both is almost the same, just with a few differences.

Can Dry Skin Cause Itching?

Yes, dry skin and itching are best friends, they go everywhere together. Skin dryness means that your skin is lacking moisture and the natural skin barrier is not working properly. Which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to attack your skin. 

When the outside irritants attack your skin, the body’s immune system in order to protect the skin responds and activates the nervous system which leads to itching or tingling sensation.

How to Get Rid of Dry Skin?

If you can become a demigod from the island of Atlantis, do that (can you believe how much value we squeezed from this Aquaman bit?!) If that’s out of the question, try these simple interventions to help you get rid of that irritated, dry skin.

Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin

Cleansing

Keep your skin clean with a skin cleanser for dry skin. Choose one that can be used as a body wash, face wash, and shampoo so that you don’t have to fill your bathroom with products. 

Try to take a bath daily. If not possible, take it at least 2 or three times a week. Always use a gentle cleanser that is free from irritating chemicals to clean your skin. 

Exfoliation

We know you may think exfoliation will worsen your dry skin, but that will only happen if you over-exfoliate it. Exfoliating the skin once a week with a mild chemical-free exfoliator can help remove dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria from the skin and its pores. 

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is the most crucial step for relieving dry skin.  It can help soothe the skin, prevent it from cracking, hydrate it, and restore the skin barrier. 

• Moisturize your skin at least twice daily with a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream, once in the morning and at night before going to bed.
• Moisturize your hands and face every time you wash them.
• If you suspect that your skin becomes dry more often, you can apply the moisturizing cream more than twice daily.
• Apply the cream in a back-and-forth motion instead of rubbing it in circular motions.

Baby Skin Care

If your baby is experiencing dry skin, make sure you do the following:

• Bath them 2 or three times a week.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby wash for sensitive skin to keep their skin clean.
• Moisturize their skin immediately after taking a bath with a baby moisturizing cream.
• Change their diaper as soon as it is soiled, and wash their skin when you change the diaper.
• Always pat dry their skin. Never rub it.

Avoiding the Triggers

Skin dryness is often caused by common triggers, so avoiding them can help you alleviate the symptoms.

• Cold dry air: cover your body with scarves, jackets, mittens, and clothes as much as possible to keep your body warm instead of using central heaters or fire. Use a humidifier.
• Sun protection: if your skin becomes more dry when it comes in contact with UV rays, then use sunscreen to protect your skin, and cover it as much as possible while going out.

Bath Time Care

Taking care of your skin during bath time can help you moisturize it and prevent your condition from getting worse. 

• Limit your bath time to 5 to 10 minutes; excess exposure to water can worsen the condition.
• Use lukewarm or cool water to take baths.
• Skip your long hot baths to manage the symptoms.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free body wash for dry skin to cleanse your skin.
• Make sure that you rinse properly, leaving no residue behind on your skin.
• Pat dry your skin with a towel instead of rubbing it.
• Apply your moisturizer immediately after the bath while the skin is still a little damp. 

Medications

Medications are usually prescribed in severe cases of dry skin when you are experiencing skin cracking, bleeding, blisters, intense itching, and rashes. Your doctor may prescribe the use of topical steroids or prescription non steroidal creams to relieve the inflammation and relieve the symptoms. 

Preventing Dry Skin

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from becoming dry when cold outside. 
• Use detergents and house cleaners that are free from irritating chemicals like fragrances and dyes. Look for a brand that is hypoallergenic. 
• Avoid wearing harsh, scratchy fabrics like wool or synthetic fiber.
• In winter cover up your body with clothes to stay warm instead of using a fireplace.
• Use a humidifier to add extra humidity to the air.
• Wear rubber gloves if you have to immerse your hands in water frequently.
• Apply sunscreen on the skin before going out in the sun. 
• Shaving can also dry your skin, so use a lubricating agent before shaving and shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Cleanse your skin and moisturize it every time after swimming. 
• Drink plenty of water at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your body and skin hydrated.
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke.

If these don’t help, or if your situation worsens, see your doctor. There’s hope for dry skin. All it takes is determination, quality skincare products, and a lifetime membership in the Justice League. Aquaman for the win!

Which is the Best Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

There are various options available in the market for moisturizers for dry skin. Some companies even guarantee that they will help you get rid of dry skin forever. But don’t believe everything that you hear.

While choosing a moisturizing cream for your dry, itchy skin, look for the ones that.

• Are fragrance-free.
• It does not contain harsh chemicals that can dry your skin, such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
• Contains natural ingredients like licorice root extract that help soothe inflammation and redness.
• Contains glycerin that can help lock in moisture
• Can be applied to every part of the body, such as the face, arms, hands, feet, and legs.
• Is safe to be used by people of all ages, especially babies with sensitive skin. 

While buying your moisturizer, keep in mind that if one thing works for one person, it will not always work the same way for others. 

So before buying it, patch test the product or consult your dermatologist to choose the best one according to your condition and skin type.

Conclusion

Dry skin is one of the most common skin conditions that lead to dry, irritated, cracked, patchy, and leathery skin. Redness and rashes may also develop on your skin, depending on what is causing the dryness. 

The most common cause of dry skin is a lack of moisture. This can be caused by several factors, such as genetics, stress, eczema, extreme weather, and seborrheic dermatitis. 

If you experience this condition occasionally then making a few lifestyle changes and keeping your skin moisturized at all times can help you prevent and soothe the condition.

However, if a certain skin condition causes dryness and remains constant, then it is best to consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you alleviate dry skin more easily and lower your risk of developing other complications.

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