Keeping Moisture In The Skin
Skin moisturizers, which rehydrate the top layer of skin cells and seal in the moisture, are the first step in combating dry skin. They contain three main types of ingredients. Humectants, which help attract moisture, include ceramides , glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin. Another set of ingredients for example, petrolatum , silicone, lanolin, and mineral oil helps seal that moisture within the skin. Emollients, such as linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids, smooth skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells.
In general, the thicker and greasier a moisturizer, the more effective it will be. Some of the most effective are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils . Because they contain no water, they’re best used while the skin is still damp from bathing, to seal in the moisture. Other moisturizers contain water as well as oil, in varying proportions. These are less greasy and may be more cosmetically appealing than petroleum jelly or oils.
Home Remedy #: Leg Mask For Dry Skin
If your dry legs are itchy and red, try soothing them with a leg mask made from cream and flour. The cream contains vitamins, minerals, and proteins to nourish your skin and lock in moisture. Start by washing your legs. Next, mix some cream and flour to form a thick paste, then apply it to your legs. Let it dry for 15 minutes before rinsing it off to reveal smooth skin.
Opt For Nonirritating Fabrics
A good rule when dealing with any skin problem is to avoid wearing harsh materials. And dry skin is no exception. If the skin on your body is extra dry, try wearing loose, comfortable, natural fabrics to reduce the risk of extra physical irritation.
Also, avoid washing your clothes in regular detergents. Look for detergents formulated for sensitive skin, which will likely be free of harsh chemicals and fragrances.
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Make A Natural Olive Oil And Sugar Scrub
Create a naturally moisturizing exfoliating scrub using a combination of olive oil and sugar. Combine ½ cup of sugar with 2 tbsp of olive oil, Crompton says. If you want, you can also add an essential oil like lavender, which adds a natural fragrance and can promote relaxation. Gently rub the scrub into your skin, and then wash it off. Last, use a soothing moisturizer to lock in the benefits of freshly exfoliated skin.
What Causes Dry Skin
First, its important to understand that there is a difference between dry skin as a skin type and dry skin that is brought on by a particular aggressor or condition. If you fall in the first group, Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD says, dry skin is a skin type and something that cant necessarily be changed, but with the right products and lifestyle choices, it can be treated and even improved. People with dry skin types naturally produce less sebum and lipids, which are two components that are necessary for helping skin retain essential moisture. Dry skin can also be genetic.
Davie, FL dermatologist explains that because of this decreased amount of moisturizing lipids in the top layer of the skin, as well as a reduced water-binding capacity, the skin has wider cracks that are rough around the edges instead of a smooth, plump surface. Therefore, dry skin presents as flaky, scaly, ashy-looking, rough and tight-feeling with irregular texture like lines, wrinkles and crepiness.
There are also natural and lifestyle factors that contribute to dry skin . Age, medications like diuretics, continued exposure to cold weather, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes,hypothyroidism,and many other factors can contribute to chronic dry skin, says Dr. Schlessinger. Dry skin can be a minor nuisance or something more complex like eczema, ichthyosis or psoriasis. Very-dry skin, also called xerosis, can cause skin to scale, crack and be painful.
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Diy A Rich Creamy Avocado Mask
Creating a homemade mask of avocado is another natural way to soothe dry skin. Crompton suggests pureeing half an avocado and mixing it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil you can also add 1 tablespoon of honey for very dry skin. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off. Your skin should feel moisturized, but you can double up on the hydrating effects by applying your regular moisturizer as well.
Dry Skin In Babies And Children
Babies and children tend to have more delicate skin than adults and can be more sensitive to environmental changes. This may make them even more prone to moisture loss, which means their skin can dry out quickly.
Its common for children and babies to develop dry skin, and the same advice for adults applies to children too. When bathing children, make the water lukewarm and opt for a fragrant free, soap-free wash, Dr McClymont advises.
Gently pat them dry afterwards and then immediately apply moisturisers to the skin to seal in moisture. Using a humidifier in the nursery may also help to prevent the skin drying out if your child suffers with persistent dry skin, adds Dr McClymont.
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What Is Dry Skin
Dry skin is when your skin dries out because it doesnât have enough moisture. It isnât usually serious, but it can be irritating. If your dry skin is severe, you should see a doctor.
There are many causes of dry skin — from the temperature outside to how much moisture is in the air — and many types.
Moisturizing With Natural Remedies
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Expert Tips For Helping Dry Skin
Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.
Imaxtree/Stocksy/Design by Camden Dechert
If the goal is a smooth, glowing complexion, having flaky skin on your face doesn’t make things any easierjust ask anyone whose experienced foundation clinging onto dry patches. Between over-exfoliation and using the wrong cleanser for your skin type, there are some things that may exacerbate dry skin on the face. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t tweaks you can make to your skincare routine, including using some of our favorite face washes, that’ll pave the way for that ultra-hydrated complexion you’ve dreamt of.
We know tackling parched skin can often feel like an uphill battle, which is why we called on celebrity estheticians Renée Rouleau and Shani Darden, along with board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epionce Carl Thornfeldt to learn what causes super dry skin and how we can banish it for good.
Keep scrolling to learn expert-approved tips on how to fix dry skin.
Meet the Expert
- Renée Rouleau is a celebrity esthetician based in Austin, TX. She is also the founder and creator of her eponymous skincare line.
- Shani Darden is an L.A.-based expert celebrity esthetician. Her clients include Kelly Rowland, Jessica Alba, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
- Carl Thornfeldt, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epionce Skincare.
Michela Buttignol / Byrdie
Why Do I Get Dry Hands
We use our hands a lot during the day and this makes the skin more vulnerable. Our hands are also more exposed to irritants like the cold, heat, pollution and dirt these all weaken the skins natural barrier and cause the skin to dry out. Although having dry hands is not harmful, it can cause lots of irritation, especially when our hands become extremely dry, itchy or chapped.
Most cases of dry hands are due to a change in weather conditions this is why we often experience dry skin in winter. If your dry skin is caused by a medical condition like eczema, youre likely to experience dry skin all year round.
It can be difficult to avoid exposing your hands to heat, chemicals and cleaning products and so this is another cause of sudden dry skin on the hands.
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Expert Tips For Avoiding A Dry
There are other steps you can take to protect your skin and help keep it from drying out.
Additional reporting by Diana Rodriguez and Laura McArdle.
Tip : Use A Humidifier
If you live in a low humidity area, or harsh seasonal humidity, consider purchasing a humidifier to add moisture into the air and your skin. “When itâs dry in the environment, the moisture on your skin can evaporate in the air. Humidifiers are great for soothing cracked or itchy skin,â says Dr. Besnoff.
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Use Beard Oil Or Beard Balm
If youve never used beard oil or beard balm, youre missing out. While these two products are meant to be used together, they can also be used as a stand-alone product.
These products will help keep your beard growth healthy, especially in the first weeks where itching due to dry skin can be a problem. If you have a thicker and longer beard, beard oils may be easier to work with compared to balms.
Adjust Your Shower Temperature
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that relieving dry skin is sometimes as simple as changing your shower routine. While most people tend to take hot showers, these can scald the skin and cause damage.
And some soaps that claim to moisturize and repair the skin can cause the opposite effect. They can trigger allergic reactions and make the skin thinner with harsh chemicals.
Take short showers with water thats warm, not hot. And look for soaps that are fragrance-free and gentler on skin than traditional soaps.
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Can Dry Skin Cause Acne
While some may assume that youll only get acne when your skin is oily, thats actually not the case. Dry skin can also cause acne, as blemishes sometimes occur when there is general damage to the skin.
To combat both dry skin and acne breakouts, consider continuing your skin care as usual but also applying a moisturizer thats targeted for acne-prone skin twice a day. Also avoid any chemicals, such as rubbing alcohol, as it can dry your skin out even more.
Tip : Take An Oatmeal Bath
If nothing else seems to be helping the dryness and itch of your skin, an oatmeal bath may be a lifesaver for your skin. âSimply blend some good oleâ oatmeal in a blender, sprinkle it in a warm bathtub, and soak for about 15-20 minutes,â says Dr. Besnoff. The blended oatmeal releases soothing beta-glucans into the bath to help soothe dry, itchy skin. âOatmeal contains antioxidants that are great from treating most skin disorders. Oatmeal is great for cleansing your skin and locking in moisture â it also normalizes your skinâs pH,â says Dr. Besnoff.
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Diagnosing The Cause Of Dry Skin On Dogs
If your dog has dry skin, figuring out the reason for it may involve ruling out several potential causes. Some of the easiest causes to rule out include flea infestations, low-humidity environments, excessive bathing, and shampoos that are not designed for dogs. Make sure your dog’s food is a high quality food that is recommended by your veterinarian and your dog is on a veterinarian-recommended flea preventative regularly. If you are still unable to find the cause of your dog’s dry skin, a vet visit may be warranted.
A full history of your pet will be obtained and a physical examination will be performed by your vet. Your vet may then perform skin testing to look for bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, and abnormal skin cells. They may also recommend bloodwork to look for immune and endocrine disorders.
Choose A Mineral Sunscreen
“Zinc oxide not only blocks UV light but also has a skin protecting benefit, which is why it is used in creams to prevent diaper rash in babies. If you are dry or sensitive look for a mineral based sunscreen like Solara Suncare Time Traveler , an all-natural sunscreen that protects the skin from UV light and hydrates with skin repairing ceramides and squalene,” says Dr. Zeichner.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
If youre concerned about dry skin, talk to your healthcare provider. You may want to ask:
- Whats making my skin so dry?
- Should I get tested for allergies?
- What are the best treatments for dry skin?
- How can I prevent dry skin?
- What are the best treatments for itchy skin?
- What over-the-counter cleansers and moisturizers do you recommend for dry skin?
- Should I look out for any signs of complications?
Follow The Rules Of Moisturizing
The simplest moisturizing products can soothe dry skin. “Petroleum jelly makes a great moisturizer,” dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, says. Or you can use mineral oil, a favorite cream, or lotion.
If you like a very rich moisturizer, look for one with shea butter, ceramides, stearic acid, or glycerin, Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami, says. “All are rich moisturizers that will help you replenish your skin barrier,” Baumann writes in her online article Winter Skin, where she also says she particularly loves glycerin.
Jacobs says that whichever product you choose, a consistent, smart moisturizing routine helps.
- Wash with a non-soap liquid cleanser, preferably one with ceramides to replenish the skin’s outer layer.
- Pat skin dry for less than 20 seconds.
- Apply a thick moisturizer to slightly damp skin within minutes of bathing to trap in moisture.
- Moisturize your hands every time you wash them so that evaporating water doesn’t draw even more moisture from your dry skin.
Finally, look for a cream with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to get the added benefit of sun protection. You can find moisturizing sunscreens as ointments, creams, gels, even sprays. The AAD suggests creams as your best bet for helping to combat dry skin.
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Tip : Hyaluronic Acid Helps
Hyaluronic acid is used for moisturizing. âItâs super hydrating and has anti-aging properties. When used in peels and cleansers it helps to retain the skinâs moisture,â says Dr. Jaliman.
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Changing Your Bathing Routine
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