Simple Dry Skin Remedies

Dry Skin? Here's what to do.

Dry skin is characterized by a flaky texture often defined by little moisture content in the skin's layering. Dry skin may be a precursor to other skin problems. It also greatly lowers the aesthetic appeal of one’s skin. Read on to get an insightful look at some of the ways to remedy dry skin.

What Causes Dry Skin?

There are numerous factors that contribute to dry skin. Dehydration is a key cause of dry skin. When the body lacks enough water, it may not be able to replenish the skin's moisture content on demand.

Extreme temperatures are known to cause dry skin. Areas with high heat often have little humidity. Constant exposure to these conditions through the environment, heaters, and hot showers may reduce the moisture content in the skin, causing dry skin. Cold temperatures coupled with dry air will force moisture out of the skin into the atmosphere. Winter winds may also aggravate this condition.

The skin secretes oils to keep it moisturized and lubricated. Using strong detergents and soaps strips away these essential oils leaving the skin dry. While bathing keeps you fresh and healthy, vigorous scrubbing may also leave your skin unprotected.

Individuals with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are prone to dry skin. These conditions keep the skin from achieving optimal conditions in response to environmental changes.

As we grow older, so does our skin. Skin tends to thin out with age and loses its vitality and retention properties. The amount of essential oils produced by the skin is also evidently lowered, hence a higher risk of experiencing dry skin. Certain medication has been proven to have adverse effects on the skin. A good example is seen in how dialysis patients may develop thick dry skin as a side effect of the treatment.

Dry Skin Remedies

Dry skin remedies aim to restore the skin and prevent future damage to it. These remedies are easy to practice, even in the comfort of your home. Coconut oil is an ideal remedy for dry skin. It may be used on a daily basis and is extremely safe for use. Petroleum jelly also demonstrates healing properties when used on dry skin. It locks in vital elements and moisture content, allowing the skin to heal. To complement these remedies, it would be commendable to avoid areas with dry air as they pose an apparent risk to your skin.

Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers are often installed in rooms with dry air to restore and maintain proper moisture content levels. Dry room air is a recognized culprit for causing dry skin.

Using a humidifier lessens the environment’s demand for moisture from your skin, allowing it to retain as much as possible. It would be good to use other dry skin remedies to supplement these efforts, as preventing moisture loss may not be enough to combat dry skin.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is perceived to be one of the most effective ways to combat dry skin. Keeping the body’s water stores well replenished allows the skin to quickly make up for water lost to the environment. Many people’s lifestyles make it hard for them to ensure proper hydration. Some of the symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, dry skin, dry lips, thirst, and strongly colored pee.

Antioxidants and omega-3s

Dry skin is quite vulnerable to external elements. Given its weak state, the skin is unable to quickly repair the inflicted damage. Some food supplements may be used to revitalize your skin.

Foods with antioxidants will allow the body to repair its cells by limiting the damage inflicted by toxins. You may consider foods such as tomatoes, lentils, blueberries, and peas. Omega 3, present in certain foods, improves the skin’s moisture retention properties. An adequate supply of Omega 3 will therefore prevent dry skin.

Choosing the Right Moisturizer

There are numerous moisturizer options to choose from to soften dry skin. Heavier moisturizers are believed to be the most ideal for dry skin. Moisturizers with a humectant, dimethicone, and hyaluronic acid will keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Looking at the ingredients will also help you avoid irritating elements while healing your skin.