When skin is not adequately hydrated and moisturized, it can lead to damaging and lose its natural moisture balance. Dry may occur due to various reasons, but the most prevalent one is the reduced sebum production. Sebum is a natural oily substance and has protective effects. Dry skin appears flaky and dead; excessive dryness may lead to itchiness.
Let’s see the ways to fix it:
1. Moisturize regularly: Moisturizing is the key. We often get busy in our life and stop taking care of our skin. But, everyone can make 5-10 minutes at night to moisturize their skin. Take a good moisturizer and apply it on your face, hands, and feet. Full body moisturizing is most effective after bathing. It prevents water retention.
2. Cleansing routine: Maintain a daily or weekly cleaning routine. Not considering cleansing as a vital element can lead to many skin conditions, one of which is dry skin. Consider gentle cleansers in this case, and don’t use harsh chemicals, which may lead to excessive dryness. Go for gentle cleansers, and avoid perfumed and preservatives.
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3. Cod-liver oil capsules: Dietary deficiencies as low levels of Vitamin A, D, and omega-3-fatty acids can be an underlying cause of damaged skin. Fish oil capsules are an excellent source of vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids and are thought to improve chronic skin conditions. Make sure you maintain the levels of these three, and not take it in excessive amounts.
4. Avoid hot showers: Warm baths are not an issue, but opting for a hot shower while having dry skin is a big no! Studies prove that hot showers can increase dryness and irritate your skin. Researches show that hot water damages the keratin layer of skin, which results in a dried out and dulled skin.
5. Exfoliation: Exfoliation can help in removing excessive dryness that may be due to the accumulation of dead cells. Stay gentle and avoid rough scrubbing. Prefer mechanical exfoliators over chemical, i.e., exfoliation-washcloths over chemical products. Although, studies show that they both have good results, but overuse of chemical usage may dry out the skin and increase breakouts.
6. After-shower care: Always pat dry your skin. Never rub the towel against your skin to dry it out after bathing. Rubbing removes the natural moisture forcefully. Many studies support air drying and applying moisturizers to the damp skin so they can be absorbed effectively.
7. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a natural soothing agent that soothes the itchy and flaky skin and can contribute to maintaining skin hydration. Adding it to your daily skincare routine can be beneficial as it will not only help in removing dryness but will also prevent breakouts and add glow to your skin.
8. Protect from UV: Sun rays can damage your skin leading to wrinkles, dull, and dry skin. Use good quality sunscreens to prevent skin damage by UV radiation. Choose SPF according to your skin tone or consult a dermatologist before opting for one.
9. Use humidifiers: In cold weather, the wind turns dry and irritating. To maintain a healthier skin and prevent dryness, introduce humidifiers in your rooms, this will add moisture in air. Use hygrometers to manage humidity levels.
10. Consult a dermatologist: If the above methods aren’t able to relieve your condition, visit a dermatologist to get accurate diagnosis and treatment. Your skin may be dried up to a level that it requires medications, or it may be an indication of an underlying disease.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!