How To Heal Dry Skin

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is a temporary condition and is usually not serious, however, for some people, this condition occurs often and becomes severe. This condition gives skin tightness, roughness, itchiness, flakiness, scaling, peeling, and cracks that may also bleed easily, and gives skin redness. For a severe condition, one should take help from a dermatologist.

Dry skin occurs due to the low level of water in the epidermis (superficial layer of the skin). In elderly people, it is caused due to lack of natural skin oil and lubricants. The most affected body parts are the hands, arms, and lower legs.

Flaky Skin on the Face:

The face is the most prominent part of the body and it is noticed by everyone. Environmental changes can suck moisturiser straight out of the pores - thus leaving behind dry flaky skin.

Dry skin like psoriasis and eczema can cause flaky skin on the face and when the larger area of the body is affected by this condition, it is called exfoliative dermatitis.

Trying to cover the face with makeup to hide the flaky skin can aggravate the condition. Also, some facial soaps, cleansers, and anti-bacterial face products are loaded with harsh chemicals that can trigger this condition rather than improve it.

Always dry the skin thoroughly after washing the face as leaving damp skin won't increase face moisture and make it even more dryer. 

Dry Skin on the Hands:

Dry skin on the hands can occur due to washing hands often with hand wash containing harsh ingredients. Certain medications and low consumption of water can also make hand skin dry. To know how important it is to keep yourself hydrated, read the post, '25 Benefits of Drinking Water' as it is not just only important for dry skin but also for overall well-being.

If even after using a nice moisturiser regularly someone gets this condition often then it is called hand eczema. Hand eczema causes red, itchy, painful, and scaly skin. In this case, ooze or pus can come out of the skin cracks.

Dry Skin around the Mouth:

There can be various reasons for dry skin around the mouth which is known as angular cheilitis. The factors that contribute to this condition can be dehydration, allergies, certain product reactions, or perioral dermatitis. 

Saliva can also cause dry skin around the mouth due to yeast infection. Licking lips often make the skin around them flaky and irritated. Also, saliva that is trapped on the sides of the lips can crack them. 

In perioral dermatitis, dry skin appears around the mouth and in the folds around the nose. They are like rashes and are scaly in appearance. This condition can be caused by prolonged use of topical steroid creams or inhalers.

Dry Skin around the Eyes:

Dry and flaky skin around the eyes can be caused by everything from ageing to allergens as this area is thin and sensitive as compared to other parts of the body. The skin around the eyes becomes easily prone to irritation and dryness. 

There are many varieties of eye creams available in the market but if you want to know about the 12 best of them then check this post, '12 Best Hydrating Creams for Dry, Puff under eyes'.

Dry Skin around the Nose:

Flaky and dry skin around the nose is common during the winter but it can be a sign of rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis. Both disorders are inflammatory. They give skin itchiness and redness. Also, they frequently occur together but are unrelated inflammatory skin disorders. If both disorders develop at the same time then it is better to have an appointment with a dermatologist. The dermatologist would prescribe an ointment for this. 

People having dry skin are most commonly affected by dry skin around the nose. Also, environmental factors, colds, and underlying medical conditions could contribute to this condition.

Causes of Dry Skin:

Dry skin is caused by a deficiency in vitamin A, vitamin C, Zinc, dehydration, or old age. Soaking in a hot bath, hot or cold weather, or low moisture in the air can trigger dry flaky skin.

Dry skin can also lead to premature wrinkles so it's important to treat it soon. Prolonged dryness can also cause eczema. One can experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if there is a history of these conditions or if any member of the family has allergic diseases.

Natural Remedies for the Dry Skin:

If you see dry skin then work on the following tips.

Add Vitamin A to the Diet:

Vitamin A stimulates fibroblasts which help to develop tissues and make your skin youthful and soft. It slows the process of anti-ageing and protects you from acne. 

Vitamin A encourages new cell production thus fewer chances of producing acne as acne is caused by clogged pores. Clogged pores are formed when dead skin cells and skin oil are trapped in the pores. Dry skin has more chances of having dead skin cells. Vitamin A helps in the creation and repair of cells - thus giving healthy skin.

A lower level of Vitamin A results in eczema and other skin issues. Vitamin A can be found in oranges, oily fish, and green leafy vegetables.

Add Vitamin C to the Diet:

Vitamin C has antioxidant qualities and it has an important role in collagen synthesis which is good for skin health. It treats ultraviolet-induced photodamage. 

There are many foods enriched in vitamin C for example strawberries, oranges e.t.c but you can also use vitamin C serum. It helps to heal damaged skin and falter acne scars.

Apply Vitamin C serum in the morning on dry skin to help in preventing free radical damage. One can also apply a layer of rosehip oil over Vitamin C serum to moisten the skin. UV rays and environmental pollution contribute to free radical damage and using Vitamin C serum every day keeps the skin healthy and glowy. To know its amazing benefits, read the post,'Top 3 Vitamin C Benefits for Health/Skin/Hair'.

Vitamin C improves the sign of ageing because of collagen synthesis. An adequate amount of Vitamin C in the body and applying its serum on the skin helps in repairing and preventing dry skin.

Take Zinc:

Zinc has anti-inflammatory benefits and it helps in maintaining healthy skin cells. A deficiency in zinc lowers the process of healing in the skin. Zinc uses in many skin ageing and acne-related products. It can prevent skin dryness and redness by aiding body enzymes.

The deficiency of zinc causes atopic dermatitis and ageing. An adequate level of zinc in the body prevents age-related inflammatory skin disorders.

Foods containing zinc are red meat, poultry, oyster, beans, nuts, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, dairy products, and certain kinds of seafood (crab, lobster). Fruits containing zinc are avocados, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, guava, apricots, and kiwifruit.

Increase Water Intake:

Dehydration can be a cause of skin dryness but it would not be a single factor behind it, however, drinking 8 glasses of water is generally recommended but if there are no severe kidney issues, one can take 2 litres or more water per day.

Toxins in the body can contribute to poor skin. Drinking water flushes off toxins from the body and this may result in fresh and healthy skin. 

Moisturiser:

Coconut oil is the best moisturizer for dry skin but take care if suffering from acne. If not suffering from acne-prone skin then look for a moisturiser having coconut oil in it. Apart from coconut oil, one can also use buttermilk.

 A rich emollient cream softens and smooths out any flakiness. It nourishes skin cells by providing necessary moisture. Aveeno and Neutrogena deep moisturizers work wonderfully. They suit skin really well and if one has eczema this moisturizer will help a lot.

Did I Miss Anything?

Now I'd like to hear  from you:

What tips from today's post are you going to try first?

or maybe I didn't mention one of your favourite tips.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

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4 Best Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Aloe Vera Benefits; Aloe Vera Uses

How to apply Aloe Vera on hair/face

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