What Causes Dry Skin?

Literally millions of people suffer from dry skin. But what causes dry skin? There are actually numerous factors, some of which may surprise you.

One cause can be the air quality. This is often a problem in the winter because the air lacks humidity, as does the air indoors being heated. Inside, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. If you live in a hot climate the air still may cause dry skin if it is a dry heat, and the air conditioner in your home can also be drying, so a humidifier in these types of conditions is also recommended. Usually a cool mist humidifier is the best choice. Make sure you clean it regularly because humidifiers can breed bacteria which escapes into the air.

While you might not think that water can cause dry skin, it certainly can. Taking showers and baths that are too hot for too long of a duration can dry the skin. So, to combat this cause simply turn down the temperature of the water and shorten your bathing time. You can also use products in the bath or shower to treat dry skin. For the body, there are a plethora of moisturizing body washes. There are also all kinds of cleansers for the face that can be used. Do not use the same cleanser on face and body unless it is natural, gentle and the package specifies it is suitable for dual use.

Most of the time you should go for liquid cleansers for face and body because bar soap is too drying unless it is specifically formulated with moisturizing creams or oils. For the body, Caress and Dove are both brands made for dry skin. You have even more choices when it comes to choosing soap for the face. However you may want to choose a different formula. For under $10 you can cleanse your face with jojoba oil. This natural oil is sparingly applied to damp skin then massaged in. Remove with a soft washcloth and you will notice it whisks away oil and makeup while leaving skin smooth. Jojoba oil can also be used as an after-cleanse moisturizer. For extremely dry skin, you can do the same thing with extra virgin olive oil, an ingredient in many skin care products these days.

If you also have dry skin on the body, take a look at your wardrobe. Certain fabrics and clothing that is too tight can make dry skin worse. If you love the look of a certain top but it's itchy, don't buy it. If you absolutely must wear that sweater even though it itches, wear something made from soft cotton underneath to create a barrier between your skin and the offending fabric. What you use to wash your clothing can also cause dry skin problems. Use a laundry detergent that is free from dyes, perfumes and harsh chemicals. And, choose a fabric softener that is natural and fragrance free as well. Another surprising cause can be medication you are taking. Diuretics and high blood pressure medicines are examples of medications that can dry out the skin. If you're not sure, ask your doctor if dry skin is a side effect of your prescription.

Speaking of medications and doctors, there are medical conditions that can cause dry skin as well. In addition to skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, conditions like thyroid imbalance, malnutrition and diabetes can cause dry skin. Treating these conditions under a doctor's care can help alleviate your skin issues. Also, speak to your doctor about the products he or she recommends that you use to cleanse and moisturize your skin. You may even want to ask about vitamin designed for healthy skin, or even a fish oil supplement. Just make sure you do get the approval of your doctor because even vitamins can interact with certain prescription medications.

Heredity and aging can also be causes of dry skin. If your mother and grandmother have dry skin, then it's likely you will too. If you know that you are predisposed to dry skin, start using a moisturizer and anti-aging treatment as early as your twenties. The aging process causes dehydration of skin because less natural moisturizer is produced by the body. There are all kinds of moisturizing creams and treatments for mature skin you can try.

Now that you know what causes dry skin, you can work on treating it effectively. In addition to using the right skincare products, a healthy diet and plenty of water is important. Many people don't drink enough water and don't even realize they are mildly dehydrated, so aim for 6 to 8 glasses per day. Consider an additive like Crystal Light, which adds fruity flavor. This brand even has a healthy skin formula packed with nutrients.

 


 

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