Tired of skin as dry as the Sahara Desert? Learn how to combat it!
If you suffer from dry, flaky skin, you’re not alone. In fact, some dermatologists estimate that more than 100 million Americans live with dry, itchy skin on a daily basis. Getting a grip on what brings on dryness, how to get rid of it, and how to avoid it in the first place is the first step to getting more comfortable in your own skin.
Bring It On
The causes of dry skin vary depending on the person and the time of year. For the most part, your dry skin is caused by something you’re doing. On rare occasion, a health condition unrelated to your skin is causing your skin to dry out. No matter what brings it on, dry skin usually shows up on your arms, hands, calves, shins, and abdomen.
During the winter, the biggest perpetrator of dry skin is dry air, particularly the dry air found indoors being manufactured by heating systems. Other causes that bring on dry skin throughout the year include harsh soaps, itchy clothing, and certain medications.
Take It Away
By not treating your dry skin properly or at all, the end result may be inflammation, infection, and swelling of the skin. Thankfully, beating dry skin is usually a simple matter that requires little more than some time and effort. The best (and easiest) first step is to moisturize your body regularly. And instead of wiping lotion on your body when you start feeling dry, do it when your body is still a little bit damp. This allows the moisturizer to trap the water on your skin, helping your skin stay moisturized longer.
Dry air inside can be combated with a humidifier, and cold, dry air outside can be battled by wearing long socks, scarves, hats, and gloves. And to start your day with nice and moist skin, turn the temperature down on your shower and moisturize right after you gently pat yourself dry. (Yes, harsh rubbing of your skin to get dry can dry your skin out even more.) You can also help your skin by avoiding itchy clothing; using mild soaps; and talking with your physician if you experience dry skin while taking medication for high blood pressure, allergies, or acne.
Not the Average Dry
For most people, a little dry skin here and there is no big deal. Apply some lotion and it goes away. However, dry skin can occasionally be more difficult to treat. Sometimes, a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis sets in. While moisturizer helps with these conditions, you will also require medical attention and possibly medications to completely manage eczema or psoriasis.
When your dry skin isn’t tied to eczema or psoriasis, but continues to grow worse and more irritating, see your physician. With antihistamines, other medical treatment, or lifestyle changes, you should be able to find relief from dry, itchy skin.
Testing Your Skin Knowledge
Think you have the know-how to keep your skin silky smooth and far from the land of Dry? Take this quiz to see just how much you know!
Which will help you avoid dry, flaky skin?
- A hot bath or a lukewarm shower
- Scented soaps or unscented soaps
- A wool sweater or a cotton sweatshirt
- Unprotected sun exposure or regular use of sunscreen
If you picked the latter on all of the above choices, congratulations! You’re one step closer to fending off dry skin. Now use your knowledge to protect your skin from unwanted dryness.