Dry Skin: The Definitive Go-To Guide
The Skinsmith | 17th February 2021
How Is Dry Skin Caused?
Dry skin is a skin type where the body doesn’t produce enough natural oils or lipids to moisturise the layers of the skin.
The top layer of your skin (stratum corneum) consists of dead skin cells and naturally produced lipids. This layer helps to protect your skin by keeping moisture in and environmental stressors and impurities out. When the body produces enough lipids, this protective layer keeps your skin feeling soft and hydrated. When this layer is compromised it lets out the natural water and moisture in your skin which can then lead to dry skin.
Dry skin can appear at any time, on anyone, and on any part of your body not just the face! You can have an oily complexion but have dryness on your hands or feet for example.
It can be just simply a little dryness on the skin's surface or it can feel itchy and become inflamed. In severe cases of dry skin, the skin can become flaky or cracked and can feel sore and possibly bleed. If you are experiencing severe dryness, it is always best to seek medical advice to make sure there are no underlying health issues.
There are also some additional factors that can make your dry skin worse! Let’s explore what those may be as some of them may surprise you
Long-Lasting Hot Showers and Baths
Although a long hot shower or bath can feel good especially when it is cold outside, they can actually be drying to the skin. The hot water can damage your skin cells and remove those vital oils that help to keep your skin protected and hydrated. It is also possible that the hot water can inflame the skin and cause redness and itching similar to a sunburn. It is best to keep your showers and bath shorter and use lukewarm water not hot water.
Lack Of Moisture in Your Skin
We know that not enough natural lipids in your skin is the main cause of dry skin but there are additional factors that affect your oil production.
- Ageing – as we age there are many things in our bodies that start to slow down; the healing process, cell renewal, collagen production and oil production, so as we age our skin becomes dryer.
- Medical conditions – dry skin may be due to extreme skin conditions such as; eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis or could be the cause of an underlying medical condition not related to the skin at all. Diabetes or hypothyroidism, for example, could cause dry skin. Should this be the case look for areas of skin that are inflamed and may feel incredibly itchy with possible crustiness on the skin's surface. If you do notice any of these symptoms then it is best to seek medical advice.
- Medication – dry skin can in some cases be linked to medications, blood pressure, cholesterol and allergy medications are taken long term can lead to dry skin. If dry skin becomes a new condition and you do take medication regularly, then have a chat with your pharmacist.
- Fragrance – artificial parfum and strong scents can irritate the skin and make dry skin worse. Avoiding deodorants, skin, body and hair products and perfume with intense fragrance will avoid the dryness these products may cause.
- Hard water – hard water is water that contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can be one of the causes of dry skin as they can leave a film on your skin which can irritate and cause dryness.
- Genetics – dry skin can come from your family genes! If your parents or grandparents had dry skin you may be more susceptible to this skin type too. A mutant gene triggers a protein called filaggrin that affects the hydration quality of your skin
Dry Air
Low humidity in the air can aggravate your dry skin causing it to feel drier and itchy. A great tip is to use a humidifier when inside to increase the humidity levels in your home.
Products Containing Harsh Ingredients
What you use on your skin plays a big part in how your skin looks and feels. Soap and water could actually be enhancing the dryness of your skin as soap is often very alkaline and contains ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate that strips away the natural oils in your skin. You can also find that your expensive skincare products are also causing dryness in your skin. They too can contain harsh ingredients that cause dry skin.
Try to avoid skincare products with sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, phthalates and propylene glycol, these are some of the more common drying ingredients that are used and leave you asking yourself why is my face dry!
The good news though is treating dry facial skin can be very effective with a healthy moisturiser free from harsh ingredients. Make sure you opt for organic, botanical products with ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, calendula oil and flaxseed which are high in emollients and essential fatty acids. These key ingredients intensely nourish and moisturise whilst infusing the skin with lipids and nutrients. Just what your dry skin needs!
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Skin?
Dry skin as it sounds is dry and crepey, it may just be slightly dry or you may have intense dryness – here are the typical symptoms that indicate you may have dry skin:
- Dry papery looking skin
- Enhanced fine lines
- Dull, lack-lustre appearance
- Rough texture
- Feels tight and possibly irritated
- May be red and inflamed
- Flakiness and itchiness may also be symptoms of a dry skin
If you are affected by dry skin and asking how to treat dry skin on the face this blog has hopefully given you some food for thought on treating dry skin.
Could Dry Skincare Products Work for You? Find Out How You Can Create an Effective Dry Skincare Routine by Checking Out Our Guide Here.
Would dry skincare products work for you? Check out our guide to find out how you can create a highly-effective dry skincare routine by clicking here.
You can also discover our wide range of dry skincare products by clicking here or by getting in touch and speaking to a member of our friendly and experienced team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.