Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition caused due to lack of moisture in the skin. It is a condition characterized by skin cracking, itching and scaling. Any type of skin can become dry from time to time. This dryness can be due to many reasons. Skin dryness can be found in any part of the body be it hands, legs or face. It is especially a cause of concern for diabetic people.
Types of Dry Skin
During dry and cold climates skin can become dry. Other reasons include hot water, chemicals or an underlying skin condition. Extremely dry skin is also sometimes termed as Dermatitis. Dermatitis can be categorized into irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a type of irritation that develops due to the skin contact with something like an irritating chemical agent like bleach. Allergic dermatitis is caused due to contact with something a person is allergic to for eg. Nickel. Seborrheic dermatitis is due to excess oil produced by your skin resulting in a red scaly rash generally on the forehead. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is chronic skin disease causing dry scaly patches on the skin. Other ailments like psoriasis or type-2 diabetes may also cause skin dryness.
Risk factors Age
- Age: The skin pores start producing less oil as you age increasing the risk of dermatitis
- Medical History: You may be more susceptible to allergic dermatitis or eczema if you have a family history of the same
- Season: in fall and winter season the humidity level is quite low which can dry out the skin
- Bathing Habits: Washing with very hot water frequently can cause dry skin. Also using soaps and other products that dry out skin can be a contributing factor
Treatment for Dry Skin
Dry skin can be the start for several skin conditions and so it is important that one acts upon it as soon as possible. There are several ways to treat dry skin, which involves using skin care products and also taking some preventive measures daily.
- Moisturizers – Moisturizers are your greatest tool to fight dry skin. Infused with powerful ingredients, these moisturizers replenish the skin with lost oils and moisture and give a refreshing and smooth feel to the skin. Skin conditioners can help repair damaged skin by reinvigorating the layers of the skin and ensuring that the skin retains the moisture.
- Protective Creams – Sometimes the skin is unable to retain the moisture and so might require continuous application of moisturizer. But this can be an expensive and tedious task, and so protective creams come to the rescue. They provide an invisible barrier on the skin that keeps pathogens and dust outside the skin, and keep moisture and freshness inside the skin.
- Anti-Bacterial Creams – Dry or scaly skin can sometimes expose the under-layer of the skin and thus can be vulnerable to infections. You can use anti-bacterial or anti-fungal creams to prevent any infections or complications. They reach deep into the skin and prevent the spread of bacteria or other pathogens that might damage the skin and cause the dry skin to become a wound.
- Skin Cleansers – Dust, pollen, and dead skin can increase the chances of dry skin as they absorb moisture from the skin and also form a layer preventing moisture from being absorbed into the skin. Skin cleansers can help clean these contaminants without damaging the skin. They help restore the natural functions of the skin and also provide some cooling effect to the skin.
- Organic Skin Care – A wide range of organic skin care products are designed to provide great moisturizing and conditioning to the skin. They are infused with powerful organic and ayurvedic ingredients that are proven since ancient times to enhance the health of the skin, and protect it from wide range of contaminants.
- Sun Protection Lotions – UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and be a big factor in evaporating the moisture from the skin and causing it to scale or flake. Sun protection lotions can be used to create a protective cover and prevent the rays from damaging the skin.
Prevention of Dry Skin
Lifestyle changes along with using moisturizers to keep your skin moist can help with dermatitis to a great extent. To avoid dry skin:
- Avoid bathing or showering in excess hot water
- In dry and chilly climates consider showering every other day instead of every day.
- Shower time must be less than 10 minutes.
- Instead of a normal soap, try using a moisturizing soap
- Dab on a moisturizer after a bath or shower
- Pat dry your skin with a soft towel
- Never scratch on dry skin.
- Apply an anti-itch cream if itching and irritation persists.
- Use a humidifier
- Drink at least 8-12 ounces of water each day
Where to Buy Products for Dry Skin Online?
We, at HPFY, have in store a range of moisturizing agents that will prevent and restore dry skin in a fast and effective manner. Try them now at affordable prices and great discounts.
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Dry skin or Xerosis could be either due to genetic or external causes. Wrinkled and uncomfortable rough skin can be a result of the top most layer of the skin - epidermis, losing its moisture. Low lipid or water content in the skin leads to this dry skin.
It is important for people with diabeties to take care of dry skin as skin that's too dry can crack, itch, and get infected.
Diabetics must take care of their dry skin by following the simple care regimen.
- Keeping skin, especially at armpits, toes, and groin, clean and dry, and apply a light moisturizer. Take short, lukewarm showers or baths using mild soaps and shampoos at the time of you washing.
- Skip deodorant or scented cleansers, that are harsh on sensitive skin.
- Moisturize right after a shower or bath, when the skin is still moist.
- Dry the skin by patting gently with a soft towel. Don't rub. Focus on underarms, between legs, under breasts, and between toes.
Our skin acts as a barrier but dry skin doesn’t work well. Moisturizing the skin creates a more effective barrier, improving this vital function and promoting healthy skin. The main reason for moisturizing dry skin is to improve protection.
In case of a dry, sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid cosmetic products that contain alcohol, like alcohol based toners or cleansers, and go easy on the exfoliation. Soaps may dry the skin out as well, so you must choose soap-free cleansing products that are designed for dry skin.
