Dry Skin Type & Care
The issue of dry skin is a common one and occurs more often in cold weather, like during winter, when cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity. This results in the loss of essential moisture from the skin and causes it to crack, peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Excessive bathing with harsh soaps also contributes to dry skin as does skin conditions like Eczema.
finding out and how to deal with dry skin
Dry skin is the type that lacks both sebum and moisture; it may look finely textured, transparent, patchy and fragile. Dry skin tends to flake and chap easily and may have fine expression lines apparent on the surface, which can be reduced by regular moisturizing. Additional efforts in diet and supplementary steps to stop over exposure to drying hazards can help treat and prevent further damage to dry skin. A healthy, balanced diet containing lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and a daily hydration therapy of 7-8 glasses of water works wonders for combating the stress on dry skin with equal goodness imparted from eight hours of sleep, exercise in fresh air and moisturizing thoroughly.
homeremedies for treating dry skin
- Unnecessary sun exposure should be avoided for those suffering from dry skin and air-conditioners that rob the water content of the skin are also a big no-no.
- During the winter months, investing in a humidifier or placing small bowls of water strategically around the home helps combat the loss of moisture from the skin and surroundings due to the central heating in most homes.
- Minding bathing habits and restricting showers/baths to short one, using warm water and limiting the use of soap to just the face, armpits and genitals is a good way of combating dry skin. Use of bathing oils helps fight skin dryness too.
- After bathing, the drying routine of the body should be patting, not rubbing the skin. This should be followed up with a thick, greasy moisturizer, rubbed in circular motions into the skin while the skin is still a bit moist, while products with alcohol are best avoided.
- Applications of a cool compress on itchy areas, combined with the use of over-the-counter cortisone creams/lotions for inflamed skin is a good bet. More troublesome skin problems may require prescription lotions after consultation with a doctor.
- A mild, gentle cleanser should be used for the face and washing be restricted to only twice daily.
- Moisturizers for dry skin need to contain essential skin hydrating ingredients that form barriers for oil depletion and retain water on the skin. Glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, urea and lactic acids are all regarded as binders and when combined with petrolatum, lanolin or silicone derivatives, which are barriers, these go in the making of a great dry skin moisturizing product.
- Caffeine and alcohol cause dehydration and are best avoided.
- Fragranced products, those with preservatives and botanicals may also irritate already dry skin and are at best given a miss.