Not showering for too long, avoiding harsh cleaning products, applying both moisturizer and sunscreen, and avoiding clothes with rough materials can limit symptoms of dry skin.
Dry skin is very common and can affect all ages. In some people, dry skin only appears occasionally, but sometimes it is a chronic condition that needs careful management.
There are several factors that contribute to dry skin, the first being age. As we age, the skin becomes drier because the body’s oil and sweat glands do not produce enough moisture. You may start to notice these changes in your 40s, when sebum levels begin to decrease. If the skin continues to lose its ability to produce natural water, it becomes extremely dry.
Other causes of dry skin include dry or cold weather, frequent hot baths, using certain medications, smoking, vitamin or mineral deficiencies… People with skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis always have dry skin. Some diseases such as HIV, cancer and kidney disease can also cause this symptom.
Dry skin can lead to peeling, itching, cracking, and even bleeding, hindering daily activities. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes some tips to help limit excessive dry skin as follows:
Only bathe for 5-10 minutes, using warm water. Taking short showers or warm baths can increase skin moisture. Close the door while showering to give your skin more moisture. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean, dry towel. Do not rub as dry skin is easily irritated.
Use gentle products. Dry skin is damaged skin. Apply enough cleanser or body wash to remove dirt and oil, but avoid applying too much to create a thick foam. Only use the product in necessary areas such as the armpit or groin area.
People with dry skin should only use gentle cleansers and not rub vigorously on the skin. Illustration photo: Ngoc Pham
Shave after showering. Water makes the skin and beard softer and less irritated when shaving. After showering, gently pat your skin dry and immediately apply an unscented moisturizer.
Apply moisturizer several times a day. Moisturizer plays an important role in restoring dry skin. Apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp after bathing, after washing your hands, and when your skin feels dry. Take the time to gently massage the moisturizer into your skin. You should apply lip balm or moisturizing balm to your lips.
Protect skin from sunlight. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing. Avoid sun exposure both indoors and outdoors.
Use a humidifier. Dry skin needs moisture. You can increase the humidity in your home with a humidifier. Clean the machine regularly to prevent mold.
Wear gloves. Hands are often the first place dry skin may be noticed. When you wash dishes, garden, or do work that puts your hands in water all day, you can make your dry skin worse. Wearing gloves helps keep dry skin from getting wet, and protection from cold, dry air (like in the winter) can help your skin heal quickly.
Wear loose cotton clothes. Tight clothing like leggings and jeans rubs against the skin, making dry skin worse. Wearing clothing made from wool or polyester can also irritate dry, sensitive skin. People with dry skin should wear loose cotton clothes and add a layer of cotton or silk inside clothes made from rough fabric.
If you still have dry skin after trying the above tips, you should see a dermatologist for an examination. Extremely dry skin could be due to an underlying condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend a moisturizer to suit your skin’s needs. You may also need to take medications such as corticosteroids for a short time. If the cause is related to a medical condition, treating the disease can reduce dry skin.
Follow the treatment regimen and have regular check-ups according to your dermatologist’s appointment. The treatment regimen can be adjusted as the skin recovers.