Dry skin is a condition associated with itchiness, scaling, and, worst, cracking of the skin. You might experience a struggle if you live in an area with low moisture or cold weather, use harsh skin care products, or have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Dry skin is not a serious condition with severe threats to health though it can be uncomfortable. Dry skin is also not pleasing to the eye.
Symptoms of having dry skin are feeling tightness on the skin, redness, and wounds from scratching. It is advisable to seek a dermatologist if you are experiencing open sores as it may cause infection. The good news about dry skin is that there are many ways to address it, from what you eat down to what you put on your skin.
Here are some tips to finally end your struggle with dry skin.
Seal moisture to your skin.
The cause of dry skin is the absence of water on the skin’s surface resulting in itchiness. Slather a gentle moisturizer to lock in the skin’s water content before going out, especially in cold weather. Moisturizers are known to hydrate the skin because of their mineral content. Look for moisturizers derived from plant oils, shea butter, and aloe vera as they are gentler to the skin.
Avoid harsh soaps.
Surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and salicylic acid are some of the few ingredients that cause the skin to dry. If you have sensitive skin and experience drying when using harsh soaps, your skin will thank you if you skip to skin-friendly alternatives.
You can try natural shower gels and body washes derived from peppermint and tea to soothe the itchiness brought by dry skin. You can also find organic detergents in the market that are as effective as chemical-based products for your fabrics.
Cover your skin during cold weather.
Wind and cold play a significant role in drying the skin. Low humidity or low moisture in the air removes the water content on your skin, making it crack and bleed. If you will go out in the cold, make sure to protect your skin by covering up.
When indoors, using humidifiers would also help. Humidifiers retain the moisture in the air to relieve your skin from drying.
Do not scrub your skin.
Dry skin can be very itchy, and it is tempting to scrub the itchiness. However, cleaning the skin with sponges, even a gentle washcloth, is not advisable if you already have dry skin. After you bathe, make sure to dry your skin by gently dabbing the towel against your skin and not in a harsh rubbing motion.
Do not take too long in the shower.
It is recommended to shower only for 5 to 10 minutes. Exposure to water for an extended period will strip off your skin’s protective oil and moisture, especially if you are fond of a hot shower. You can still go by a lukewarm shower then apply a layer of moisturizer to replace the lost moisture.
