Dry skin can get really uncomfortable, and it can be caused by several reasons. Some people have naturally dry skin, but even those with oily skin can suffer from skin dryness. This skin issue can develop on any part of the body, be it the hands, the arms, or the leg area. Knowing how to prevent dry skin will save you from the hassle of dealing with it in the future.
1. What Causes Dry Skin?
The causes of dry skin are indefinite since there are many things that come into play. Many skin disorders list dry skin as part of their symptoms. Below are some risk factors that can contribute to the development of dry skin:
A. Age
When it comes to the skin, age is more than just a number. As you age, the glands in your face tend to produce lesser natural oils. This increases the possibility of getting dry skin due to lack of moisture.
B. Medical History/Genetics
Eczema and allergic contact dermatitis are often caused by genetic predisposition to these diseases. If your parents have dry skin, there is a high chance that you would suffer its symptoms too.
C. Temperature
Both hot and cold weather can irritate the skin. Cold, dry winds can really damage the skin and the humidity of a hot day can equally cause the same effect due to too much sun exposure.
D. Bathing Habits
Taking a bath or shower frequently can strip off the skin’s protective barriers causing dry skin. Lessening the number of times you shower in a day is a first step in how to prevent dry skin. Showering with very hot water is also not a good idea. It can also cause skin damage.
E. Skin Care
Some chemical ingredients can cause skin drying. Steer clear of products that contain alcohol, fragrances, and preservatives. Other ingredients like lactic acid, retinoids, and salicylic acid can cause the dry, flaky skin on the face as a side effect.
F. Medical Conditions That May Cause Dry Skin
i. Apart from the possibility of exposure to dry air, hot water, and certain chemicals that can cause the skin to dry. However, dry skin can also stem out from underlying medical conditions.
ii. Dermatitis is the medical term for the extremely dry skin on face and body. There are several types of it, namely: irritant contact; allergic contact; seborrheic; and atopic.
iii. Contact dermatitis, as the name implies, is when the body reacts to something you touched. Swelling is a normal occurrence. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs with an interaction irritating chemical, while allergic contact dermatitis happens when your body comes in contact with certain allergens.
iv. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by too much oil production. This is often seen in infants. On adults, it is usually red and flaky skin, commonly found on the scalp, sides of the nose, or chin.
v. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin condition. Patches of dry, scaly skin cells are found on the skin.
RELATED: What Is Xerosis Cutis Or Abnormally Dry Skin? Know All About It
2. How To Prevent Dry Skin?
Knowing the causes of skin problems will help you in applying proper treatment necessary to remedy the problem. But, as many would say prevention is better than cure. So, these are six no-fail ways on how you can prevent dry skin from developing:
A. Use Gentle Skincare Products.
As mentioned earlier, there are many products that cause the skin to dry. Some are marketed as gentle or moisturizing, but a closer look at its ingredients, and you will notice the number of harsh ingredients it is made of. Be vigilant about checking the label. Clean your face well with a pH-balanced skin every day twice daily. Do not overdo; same goes for your body. A gentle but deep cleansing agent goes a long way. After washing your face, pat dry with a towel. Rubbing your face with a towel is a major no-no.
The next step is to hydrate the skin. Moisturizing your skin regularly is also essential. Natural moisturizers like olive oil and coconut oil can replenish the moisture lost throughout the day without blocking the glands that may lead to acne and breakouts. Reapply, if necessary.
Some additional tips on how proper skincare regimen can solve your skin dryness dilemma:
i. If you are experiencing dryness on lips, petroleum jelly will do the trick.
ii. If you are experiencing winter itch, applying moisturizer right after a shower is a solution on how to cure dry skin on legs.
iii. If you are wondering how to cure dry skin on face overnight, going natural like applying an aloe mask can provide a quick solution on relieving dry skin. Not only will it boost moisture of your skin, but it can also bring some comfort because the dry skin on face causes itching and stinging sensation.
iv. If you have dry skin on your scalp, applying mineral oil.
B. Drink Up.
If your entire body is running low on water, it will show on your skin. Drinking eight to ten glasses daily will keep the epidermis healthy and can cause your skin to glow and appear more supple and hydrated. Cut down on sweets and caffeine. These are, generally, bad for skin health.
C. Cut Down On Unhealthy Habits, Such As Drinking Alcohol Or Smoking.
This is not only an important step on how to prevent dry skin, but it has a lot of health advantages, too. Smoking can age the skin prematurely, and it all begins with skin dryness. Excessive alcohol consumption, on the other hand, has a dehydrating effect inside and out. Alcohol also throws your sleeping habits on haywire. If the quality of your sleep is bad, skin renewal may get stunted.
D. Use a Humidifier.
Cold temperature is not good on the skin. Placing a humidifier, at least in the bedroom, is a simple measure on how to prevent dry skin during winter season.
E. Use Sun Protection.
Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sunscreen at least with an SPF 30. Sunblock should always be used, be it during the cold weather.
F. Shy Away From Unfavorable Conditions.
Go the extra mile by avoiding exposing your skin to unfavorable conditions. For example, avoid tanning beds, sauna, or heat waves. Exposing your skin to high temperatures not only dries out the skin, but it ages it prematurely.
Wear gloves when working to avoid interaction with irritating products. Wear proper clothing or at the very least, use a scarf in cold or windy areas.
G. Practice Healthy Eating Habits.
Healthy eating habits are reflected on the skin. When people restrict themselves to an important food group like fats, the lack of essential fatty acids can cause the skin to dry out. Dieting in this manner is never healthy. Instead, opt for healthy choices. Here are some food ideas you can munch on when your skin to cure or prevent dry skin.
i. Pomegranate seeds boost collagen and blood flow.
ii. Sweet potatoes moisturize and plumps up the skin, thanks to beta-carotene
iii. Kale boosts collagen and has vitamin C.
iv. Whole eggs support skin’s protective barriers through pantothenic acid.
v. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.
Walnuts contain fatty acids that seal in the moisture of the skin.
If, regardless of the steps you took on how to prevent dry skin, nothing worked, consult a physician for further advise.
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