Dry skin causes can be dealt with by using moisturizing ingredients that support a healthy skin barrier. Also, including certain foods in one’s diet and thus protecting the skin from irritants.
Dry skin (xerosis) is indeed a common condition with several causes. Dry skin causes and symptoms do indicate a more serious diagnosis. But in a few cases, dry skin is indeed caused by environmental factors that do remove moisture from the skin.
Heat, hot showers, arid climates, and harsh soaps can indeed trigger dry skin.
Few home remedies to treat dry skin:
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has emollient properties. Emollients do fill the spaces between skin cells, thus creating a smooth surface. Saturated fatty acids that occur naturally in coconut oil can hydrate and smooth the skin.
Coconut oil can be used daily, even on the most sensitive parts of one’s body, like underneath the eyes and around the mouth. There is no need to mix it with anything. Coconut is gentle for everyday use.
2. Petroleum jelly
According to a study, petroleum jelly products can indeed heal skin in older adults. Petroleum jelly, also referred to as mineral oil, does cover the skin in a protective layer. It does trap moisture underneath. This indeed helps heal dry, irritated skin patches.
3. Oatmeal baths
Oatmeal is a common folk remedy for one’s irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal indeed has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation. This remedy is effective if the person wants to be relieved of itching. After an oatmeal bath, moisturizing the skin is essential.
An oatmeal bath can be prepared at home. Use a food processor to chop oatmeal into a fine powder, then stir the content into warm water. Several commercial products available on the market can be tried out.
4. Antioxidants and omega-3s
When the skin is dry, it means exposing it to elements that are damaging skin cells faster than one’s body can repair them. There are few foods that can help one’s skin appear healthier.
5. Gloves
Hands do tend to experience the most direct contact with environmental irritants. These include dish soap and laundry detergent.
Wearing insulated gloves while doing household chores or when outside in extreme temperatures helps to avoid dry, irritated skin.
Self-treatment: Self-care steps are useful in a few less serious cases:
- Apply moisturizer after having a hot bath.
- Drink sufficient water to keep the skin hydrated.
- Wear protective clothing during the winter.
- Avoid antibacterial soaps.
- Use a mild, non-soap-based skin cleanser.
- Avoid itchy clothing.
- Avoid excess alcohol consumption.
- Keep bath and shower time to 10 minutes or less, and make use of warm water rather than hot water.
See a doctor in case of the problem:
- Interferes with daily activities.
- Accompanied by redness.
- Accompanied by scaling, peeling, open sores, or infection.
- Causes cracks that bleed.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Intense itching.
- Sleep disturbances.
Dry skin causes
Several causes exist for suffering from dry skin, including environmental causes and certain health conditions.
Environmental causes of dry skin include:
- Making use of harsh deodorants or cleaning products.
- Taking long, hot showers or baths.
- Living in cold, dry conditions.
- Using heat sources, like central heating or wood-burning stoves, that dry out the air.
Conclusion
Dry skin is sometimes due to underlying health conditions. Several people have dry skin, and when the skin does not have all the water or naturally occurring oils, it does need to be kept soft and supple. Dry skin needs to be taken care of for healthy skin.