Dry Skin - How To Take Care Of It?

Dry skin is a condition caused by the lack of moisture in skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are just some of the conditions which may be caused due to dry skin. Dry skin can also be very uncomfortable. The condition is mostly caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harsh weather conditions or getting soaked in hot water. 

People at risk

1. Age

People who are older than 40 years tend to be more at risk of dry skin than people who are younger than 40.

2. Climate

As mentioned earlier, weather conditions play a pivotal role in causing dry skin. Therefore, people who live in areas where the climate is either very hot or very cold tend to get dry skin more often than people who live in temperate climates. Low humidity is another factor which causes dry skin.

3. Profession

Some professions, such as nursing or hairstyling requires frequent usage of hot water all through the day. 

4. Swimming

Swimming is one of the major causes of dry skin. This is especially true in pools which have chlorine. This is because chlorine increases the itchiness of your skin.

Treatment:

1. Lifestyle changes
Usually, lifestyle changes such as avoiding long, hot showers and putting moisturizers are good enough to make sure that dry skin goes away.

2. Lactic acid
Creams with lactic acid and urea can be prescribed by your doctor if the dryness of your skin does not go away with just moisturizers. These creams usually tend to be over-the-counter medications.

3. Prescription creams
Prescription creams are only given when dermatitis, psoriasis or ichthyosis have set in.

4. Wet dressing
Wet dressings are given only when dermatitis has set in. These are mostly to help prevent infection.

5. Oils
Oiling your body, especially with fish or flaxseed oil is especially crucial in making sure that your body does not succumb to dry skin.

6. Hand sanitizer
Normal hand sanitizers create a drying feeling on your hand. However, dermatologist-recommended hydrating hand sanitizers allow your hands to keep their moisture.

Therefore, when you are using hand  sanitizers, it is advisable to try to use hydrating ones.