Uncover the mystery behind dry skin with 10 unexpected triggers you never knew about. Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat dry skin for healthy, glowing skin!
It’s clear that a common cause of itchy, dry skin is lack of moisture. But where does this dehydration come from?
“Dry skin is caused by a dysfunction of the skin barrier and a dysfunction or lack of necessary healthy oils in the top layer of the skin,” says Shari Marchbein, M.D., a dermatologist who practices in New York City. says. According to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, the top layer of your skin is usually made up of dead cells and natural oils, which help retain moisture and keep your skin soft and smooth. But if this top layer of cells doesn’t have enough water, dry skin can result when the protective oils are depleted.
In most cases, dry skin or xeroderma is not a major problem. According to MedlinePlus, it is very common and can occur in people of all ages, and can occur anywhere on the body, from the hands and face to the legs and stomach. Dr. Marchbein says dryness can make your skin red, flaky, and itchy, which can be uncomfortable, but other than that, there’s usually nothing to worry about.
However, in some cases the dryness can be severe and indicate an underlying skin problem or health condition (more on this below). If your dryness is so severe that it’s affecting your ability to work or sleep, or if your skin becomes irritated, sore, or looks irritated, you should definitely see your doctor or dermatologist. Mayo Clinic recommends it.
When you experience dry skin, your first thought may be to apply lots of moisturizer. This will help and you’ll probably see a change within a few minutes, but this is a temporary solution. It may be beneficial to first identify the cause of the dryness. You’ll be surprised what you find – some skin excretors lurk in unexpected places. If you’re looking for a cure for dry skin, check out this list first to see if these are the culprits and learn how experts recommend dealing with dry skin. Research shows that if you take proper care of your skin, you should see improvement within 1 to 3 weeks.
- Fragrances can cause skin irritation
“Fragrances tend to irritate the skin and make dry skin worse. “So, avoid deodorants and skin care products that are loaded with fragrances,” says the author at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. says Amy Forman-Taub, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at. This is because fragrances are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it may take several exposures before your skin reacts, or you may notice a reaction the first time you see it.
Look for the word “fragrance” on the ingredients list and remember that it is “fragrance-free.” If your body lotion or cream contains fragrance, it may do more harm than good. Read the label carefully. Lavender oil and other plant oils are natural preservatives and are used in cosmetics that are labeled “fragrance-free.”
2. Soap can strip moisture from your skin and scalp.
“Many soaps, cleansers, and shampoos are formulated to remove oil, which strips moisture from your skin and scalp,” says Dr. Gretchen Freeling, dermatopathology’s in Newton, Massachusetts;
It is important to choose facial cleansers, body soaps, and detergents carefully. Using just a moisturizing shower gel is more effective than using a harsh bar of soap, says Dr. says Jeffrey Benavio, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego.
Dr. Joel Schlesinger, a dermatologist and plastic surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska, warns people with dry skin to avoid using harsh detergents or even fabric softeners. Instead, look for gentle laundry soaps like Seventh Generation Free or Clear.
- Genetics may influence your risk of dry skin
Chalk up another reason you can blame the mother and father. Researchers say dry skin can be hereditary. Research has shown that mutations in genes that control the production of filaggrin, a protein that plays a role in forming and moisturizing the skin barrier, can cause a variety of skin diseases. People with these mutations (about 10 percent of the population, according to studies) suffer from dry skin and are at increased risk of developing eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema. If you always suffer from dry skin, or if the problem runs in your family, it’s important to be diligent about daily moisturizing. “Look for ceramides and lipids in your moisturizer, which help build and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner is director of dermatology, cosmetics and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
- Hard water can interfere with moisturizer absorption
According to the United States, when tap water contains high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium and calcium…the Geological Survey calls it hard water. These minerals can leave a film on your skin and cause dryness. “Heavy metals turn the skin’s oils into a thick substance, clogging glands, worsening conditions like acne and rosacea, and interfering with the absorption of moisturizers into the skin,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, a New York City dermatologist. “I’ll do it,” he says. According to a Newsweek article, investing in a filter for your faucet may help. Dr. Gross also recommends adding skin care products containing vitamin A and vitamin C to your daily routine to prevent plaque buildup caused by hard water.
- Acne medications and retinol promote skin cell regeneration and cause dryness.
According to MedlinePlus, salicylic acid can help treat acne, but it can also dry out the skin when used for the first time. Dryness is also a common side effect of retinol and, according to one study, occurs because retinol loosens the bonds between cells on the skin’s surface. The good news is that you don’t have to miss out on these skin care saviors, but reducing your use of them will give you irritation-free results. “Reduce the frequency of use from daily to every other day, choose a gentle cleanser that won’t exacerbate the problem, and ask your dermatologist for a prescription to reduce skin dryness if needed,” says Dr. Dr. Forman Taub says. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the optimal frequency depends on your specific skin type. If it burns, peels, or flakes, consider it a sign you need to stop using the product, says Dr. Freeling. “This is not something you can play a guessing game or do trial and error,” she points out. Make an appointment with your dermatologist and bring the product with you so your doctor can evaluate it and see if it’s suitable for your skin.
6.Whether indoors or outdoorsDry air can worsen dry skin symptoms in some cases, indoor air can be just as hard on your skin as the air outside. Forced air, especially heat, can reduce humidity, which can lead to dry, itchy skin, says Freeling. Luckily, you don’t have to suffer with dry, itchy skin all winter long. Using a humidifier can help moisturize the air in your home. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s best to keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. “It’s also a good idea to have a mild 1% hydrocortisone cream on hand.” “Use it as soon as you notice signs of skin cracking or dryness,” says Dr. Schlesinger. Hydrocortisone, which may be available by prescription, can help reduce swelling, redness, and itching, soothe dry, cracked skin, and speed healing, according to MedlinePlus.
7.Vigorous hand washing can cause redness and irritation
“Some people with dry skin simply washes their hands constantly,” says Forman-Taub. This is not effective for dryness, as washing your hands frequently can cause dry, cracked skin. This can be a big problem for people who work in industries that require frequent hand washing, such as healthcare. According to the Cleveland Clinic, to reduce the drying effects of your hygiene habits, use lukewarm water (hot water strips your skin of moisture), choose a moisturizing soap, gently dry your hands, and finally apply some type of lotion. Finish by applying ointment.
8.Long hot showers can cause skin dryness
Especially during the cold season, it can be tempting to stand under steaming hot water for long periods of time. However, if you continue this habit, it may cause skin problems. “Long-term hot showers or baths can dry out moisture in your skin,” Freeling says. Marchbein recommends limiting shower use to no more than five minutes, and keeping the water temperature warm rather than hot. Then, after showering, he applies moisturizer within a minute, adds Marchbein. According to MedlinePlus, moisturizers work best on damp skin.
- Skin becomes drier with age
Dry skin tends to become more of a problem as you get older. The Mayo Clinic notes that adults over the age of 40 are at high risk for dry skin, with about half of this age group suffering from dry skin. “As we age, our skin produces less oil and becomes drier,” Freeling says. In women, hormonal changes associated with menopause may also be the cause, according to the AAD. What about repairs? We recommend moisturizing daily (or several times a day if needed). We recommend AAD. Marchbein recommends looking for moisturizers that contain ceramides, humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin), and petrolatum. These ingredients help replenish lost moisture and quickly repair the skin barrier.
- Certain medical conditions can cause dry skin
Skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more susceptible to dryness, Freeling says. But dry skin can also indicate something seemingly unrelated, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or HIV, according to the AAD. So how do you know if the cause of a drought is something as mundane as the weather, or something worse? Freeling says you may notice irritated areas, scabs, or severe symptoms on your skin. It is recommended to check for itching, hyperpigmentation, rough, scaly, or scaly patches and know that it is time to see a doctor. Once the cause of dryness is determined, your doctor can help determine the appropriate treatment.