Do you suffer from dry skin? It can be a frustrating problem particularly during the winter months when the air becomes low in moisture, further aggravating the dryness. What are the causes of dry, flaky skin? By understanding dry skin causes, you can take the necessary steps to implement effective treatments and solutions for your dry skin problem.
Why are some people affected with very dry skin while others are not? Some people are born with a tendency towards dry skin but environmental influences play a major role in most cases of dry, flaky skin. Here are some of the factors that contribute to dry, cracked skin:
Low humidity levels
When humidity levels falls, the layers of your skin are unable to hang onto moisture as effectively. The result is dryer, flakier skin. If your home is dry on the interior, it might be advisable to purchase a humidifier to add more moisture to the air in your living quarters. This can sometimes make a dramatic difference in the degree of itching and flaking your experience from your dry skin. Plus, certain moisturizers known as humectants act to capture moisture from the air and bond it to your skin .They are only able to work in an environment of at least 80% humidity.
Excessive bathing and showering
Repeated exposure to water, especially hot water, can aggravate dry skin by breaking down lipid barriers that are essential to maintaining skin moisture. It's best to limit the number of times you bathe per week and keep your showers and baths as short as possible if you have very dry, flaky skin. Switching to cooler water can also help to preserve the integrity of your skin.
Use of harsh, detergent based soaps
The majority of commercial soaps on the market can strip your skin surfaces of their essential lipids, leaving you with dry, cracked skin. Look for cleansers that have added moisturizers and are free of deodorant which can be particularly harsh on dry skin. One commercial soap that's gentle on skin surfaces is Dove soap which can be found in most drug stores. Even better, stick with a moisturizing cleansing cream and avoid soap completely.
Not using an effective moisturizer
An effective moisturizer doesn't have to be expensive. Look for one that has humectants such as glycerin, hydroxyl acids, or urea and emollients such as lanolin or mineral oil. Some vitamin additives appear to have a positive effect on dry skin including vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, always look for a product that has a protective sunscreen to shield against photo damage which can further aggravate the problem.
Not protecting your face from the elements.
If you live in an area that has cold, dry winters, you can need to take steps to protect your skin from cold, dry winter winds. Wear a hooded jacket and scarf that wraps around a portion of your face when you're outdoors. In the summer, wear a good sun block. This is particularly important if you're a runner who runs outdoors in the winter.
Now that you understand the causes of dry skin, you can start benefiting from these simple dry skin solutions and be well on your way to correcting your dry skin problem.
