10 causes of dry skin and how to fix them.

Dry, cracked skin is a common concern for many people. Dry, cold air can cause itching, redness, and irritation. This not only causes discomfort and itching but also detracts from one's appearance.

Dry skin is often caused by a weakened, dysfunctional, or deficient skin barrier, or a lack of essential healthy fats in the top layer of the skin. Normally, the top layer of skin is made up of dead cells and natural oils, which help retain moisture to keep the skin soft and smooth. But if there isn't enough water in this top layer of cells, the amount of protective oil is reduced, leading to dry skin.

Dry skin can cause itching, redness, scaling, increased skin pigmentation… and can even worsen certain skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Here are 10 common causes of dry skin and how to fix them:

1. The fragrance may irritate the skin.

Fragrances are widely used in cosmetic products. However, these fragrances tend to irritate dry skin, causing itching, breakouts, rashes, and even worsening existing skin conditions (eczema, acne, contact dermatitis, etc.).

Therefore, it's important to read the product label carefully before use. People with sensitive skin should avoid deodorants and skincare products that contain strong fragrances.

2. Soap can strip the skin of its moisture.

Many types of soaps, detergents, and shampoos strip moisture from the skin and scalp because they are formulated to remove oils. Therefore, using a moisturizing body wash is better than using harsh soaps.

Avoid using harsh detergents, or even fabric softeners, if your skin is dry. Instead, look for mild soaps.

3. Genetics

Dry skin can be hereditary. Some people have oily skin and some have dry skin. Much of this is inherited from parents.

If you have naturally dry skin, you need to moisturize daily. Choose moisturizers containing ceramides and lipids to help build and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

4. Hard water hinders absorption.mattermoisturizing

Tap water contains high levels of minerals such as magnesium and calcium (known as hard water). These minerals can leave a film on the skin, causing dryness, worsening conditions like acne and rosacea, and preventing moisturizers from being absorbed.

Using a tap water filter can help reduce the heavy metal content in the water. Additionally, using skincare products containing vitamins A and C can help combat dry skin caused by hard water.

5. Acne medications and retinol accelerate skin cell regeneration, causing dryness.

Salicylic acid is highly effective in treating acne, but it is also one of the causes of dry skin, especially in the initial stages of use. Dry skin is also a common side effect of retinol, as retinol breaks the bonds between cells on the skin's surface.

However, dry skin can be improved by reducing the frequency of use, from daily to every other day or less frequently. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the optimal frequency will depend on your specific skin type. If you experience burning or peeling while using the product, stop using it immediately and contact a dermatologist for advice and to choose a product more suitable for your skin.

6. Dry air

Decreased humidity in the air can also damage the skin, causing it to feel dry and itchy.

A humidifier can be used to help restore moisture to the air in your home, helping to prevent dry, itchy skin throughout the winter. The humidity should be set between 30-50%. Additionally, a mild 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied to cracked or dry skin. This cream is also prescribed to reduce swelling, redness, and itching, while also soothing dry, cracked skin and speeding up healing.

7. Washing hands too muchmuchThis can lead to redness and irritation.skin

Constant handwashing can lead to dry, cracked skin. This can be a major problem for people who work in industries that require frequent handwashing, such as healthcare.

To minimize the drying effect of this habit on your hands, use warm water to wash your hands (hot water will strip the skin of its moisture) with moisturizing soap, gently pat your hands dry, and finally apply some kind of moisturizer.

8. Taking long hot showers causes skin dehydration.

Many people have a habit of taking long hot showers, especially on cold days, but this can dry out the skin's moisture. Therefore, it's best to limit hot showers to no more than 5 minutes and only shower with warm water, and apply moisturizer immediately after showering.

9. Aging

Approximately 50% of people over 40 are at risk of dry skin. This is because as the body ages, the skin produces less oil and becomes drier. In women, this may be due to hormonal changes associated with menopause.

This can be remedied by applying moisturizer daily. It's best to use a moisturizer containing ceramides and humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin). These ingredients help replenish lost moisture and quickly restore the skin's protective barrier.

10. Certain medical conditions

Typically, certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can make skin drier. Additionally, conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease, malnutrition, or HIV can also cause skin to become drier.

When the skin becomes drier, inflamed, scaly, intensely itchy, hyperpigmented, or peeling, it is necessary to visit a specialist clinic to determine the cause of dry skin and receive appropriate, timely, and effective treatment.