Your skin is exposed to many external and internal factors, which are sometimes responsible for skin disorders. In most cases, dry skin is caused by changes in the weather. Skin is drier during the cold season due to lower temperatures and humidity levels.

How to know you have dry skin

Dry skin feels flaky, cracked, and cracked. Sometimes it can also be sore, raw and tight. It is also drawn heavily over the bones, giving it a subdued look, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and corners of the lips.

Dry skin has a low sebum level and can be prone to sensitivity. It will often have a dry appearance due to its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels tight and uncomfortable after washing unless some kind of moisturizer or body cream is applied.

The dryness is made worse by extreme temperatures from the wind and air conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, crack, and feel tight.

What causes dry skin?

Sebum, an oily substance released by the sebaceous glands, is responsible for keeping skin moist, supple, and waterproof. It forms a barrier on the surface, helping to retain water and keep irritants out of the body. When your body dries out, these natural oils are not produced effectively, so the barrier cannot properly perform its functions. Poor diet can also contribute to dryness. It is useful to eat foods rich in vitamin A and B, as they contain nutrients that prevent the body from drying out.

Exposure to the sun, wind, cold, chemicals or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps can cause a dry skin. This is because such harsh elements disrupt the outer layer of the body and destroy the intercellular environment. Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea can also cause dryness, as can the use of medications such as diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines.

Other catalysts include smoking, central heating, poor ventilation, dry, cold and windy weather, and unprotected sun exposure. The loss of estrogen during menopause also reduces the lipid content of the skin, which removes its natural protection against dryness. However, this dryness can sometimes be a genetic condition.

dry skin care

• Avoid using tap water when cleaning your body. The deposits become too dry on the skin. Instead, use an oil or cream cleanser and remove it with a toner.

• A dry body needs a deep but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massages, and generous amounts of oil and hydration.

• Do not wash the body with soap and water because it not only removes dirt but also the natural oils that protect the body’s shell.

• Follow a bath or shower with a light application of baby oil. Moisturize your body after cleansing to prevent it from drying out.

• Stay away from overheated rooms.

• Use a creamy cleanser or baby oil at night.

• Use a face mask to lighten the surface and remove dry, dull surface cells once a week.

• Increase your water intake if your skin is chapped or cracked.

• Avoid smoking. Smoking has a harmful effect on the skin. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels that serve the various parts of the body, depriving it of the oxygen and nutrients necessary for good health.

• Stay out of the sun as it causes dryness, wrinkles, rashes and blisters. Always apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body if you must be in the sun.

• Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. However, speaking of nuts, be careful with the intake of some foods, as they can be harmful to health if eaten in large quantities. Eat quality protein from plant sources. Garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus are high in sulfur, which helps keep skin smooth and youthful.

• In severe cases of dryness, consider seeing a dermatologist.