Dry skin is a common and frequently reported symptom that can nevertheless be a daily concern for many. The good news is that – most of the time – dry skin goes away if you moisturise your skin well and deeply. Read the following text to find out how to keep your skin healthy and hydrated in all circumstances and weather conditions.
Dry skin is often a temporary or seasonal problem, but in some cases it can be a lifelong concern. The signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, your health condition, your living environment, the amount of time you spend outdoors and other factors.
People with dry skin often report one or more of the following symptoms:
- Feeling of dryness and pulling of the skin, especially after showering, bathing or swimming
- Skin that appears dehydrated
- Itching that can sometimes be intense
- Light to severe peeling
- Fine lines on the skin
- Redness
Dry skin – dry skin – is often due to environmental causes. Certain diseases can also significantly affect your skin.
Possible causes of dry skin include:
- Weather
Skin tends to be drier in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels drop.
- Heat
Central heating, wood stoves and fireplaces reduce moisture and dry out your skin.
- Hot baths and showers
If you take long hot showers or baths, this can dry out your skin. The same happens with frequent swimming, especially in very chlorinated pools.
- Hard soaps and shower gels
Many popular soaps, bubble baths and shampoos remove moisture from your skin, as they are designed to remove oil.
- Other skin diseases
People with skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis, are prone to dry skin.
How to keep your skin hydrated and healthy
- Hydration
Moisturizers provide a “seal” on your skin that prevents water from escaping. Apply moisturizer several times a day and after bathing. Thicker moisturizers work best. You may also want to use cosmetics that contain moisturising ingredients. If your skin is extremely dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still damp. The oil has more staying power than moisturizers and prevents water from evaporating from the surface of your skin. Another option is ointments containing petroleum jelly.
- Use hot water and limit the time of the bath
Long showers or baths with very hot water remove the natural oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower to five to 10 minutes and use warm, not hot water.
- Avoid harsh soaps
It is best to use cleansing creams or gentle skin cleansers and bubble baths with added moisturizing ingredients. Choose mild soaps that have added oils. Avoid deodorants and antibacterial products, perfume and alcohol.
- Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing
Gently pat your skin dry with a towel to retain some moisture. Immediately moisturize your skin with oil or cream to trap water in the surface cells.
- Choose fabrics that are kind to your skin
Natural fibres, such as cotton and silk, allow your skin to breathe. But wool, although natural, can irritate even normal skin. Wash your clothes with detergents without dyes or perfumes, which can irritate your skin.
