Dry Skin

Dry Skin Causes

Dry Skin can be caused by a variety of factors; here are the 5 most common causes of dry skin:

Not using moisturiser properly - Although moisturiser is designed to treat dry skin, if not used correctly, it is unlikely to help. Moisturiser should only be applied to damp skin, as it can only keep existing moisture on the skin. If you apply it to dry skin, it doesn’t have any moisture to maintain. The skin should also not be soaking wet, as this will prevent the moisturiser from setting in properly, with the skin drying out after it has been absorbed.

Dry air and wind - Many of us forget that the winter is the harshest season for our skin. The wind can be very dry and abrasive, drawing the moisture out of the skin. Central heating and air conditioning can also be detrimental. The best way to counteract dry skin is to invest in a humidifier, ensure scarves, gloves and hats are worn outside in winter, and of course to use an appropriate moisturiser for dry skin.

Prolonged exposure to water - The skin has natural oils, which help to keep it hydrated and protected. However when we take a long shower or bath, these oils can get washed away leaving our skin feeling tight and dried out. Spending time in the pool or sea can also cause this loss of natural oils. To counteract this, consider taking short showers instead of long baths and try to keep the water temperature lukewarm instead of hot. Afterwards, pat dry the skin instead of rubbing it dry, and then apply moisturiser to lock in the moisture to keep dry skin at bay.

Medication - Individuals taking certain medications are more likely to experience dry skin. This can occur with a variety of medications, including those used to treats conditions such as acne and high blood pressure. If the skin becomes very dry, it may be possible to switch medications to see if the effects are reduced.

Medical Conditions - Although dry skin is normally caused by environmental factors alone, it can also show as a symptom for certain medical conditions. These include the following common illnesses and ailments:

• Eczema - proper use of moisturiser is a common treatment.
• Psoriasis - proper use of moisturiser is a common treatment.
• Diabetes - if glucose levels are not controlled, this causes dehydration leading to dry skin.
• Hypothyroidism - low levels of thyroid hormones reduces the natural oils produced by the skin causing the skin to become dry and rough.
• Malnutrition - if the body isn’t getting enough core nutrients this can cause the body to stop producing natural oils leading to dry skin.

Dry Skin Treatment

Although there are a variety of treatments available to help improve dry skin, some may provide temporary relief rather than a permanent cure.

The following treatments are commonly used to help treat dry skin:

Moisturisers – There are a range of moisturisers on the market that are available prescription free. It’s important to choose the correct type of moisturiser for your skin type, as a moisturiser dedicated to oily skin will only make dry skin worse.

Ointments/Creams – Ointments and creams can offer a milder alternative to lotions for treating dry skin. Ointments or creams containing jojoba oil, olive oil and/or shea butter in their ingredients often work effectively to alleviate the condition. Lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerine and mineral oil are also key ingredients to look out for when looking for an ointment or cream.

Microdermabraison – Although a non-surgical method, this procedure requires use of a vacuum and fine crystals to remove dead skin cells on the face. This helps the skin cells to rejuvenate by allowing the new outer layer of skin to absorb water. This ensures the skin stays hydrated, preventing dryness. This procedure may have to be undertaken more than once to cure dry skin, with regular sessions afterwards to keep the dryness at bay.