10 causes of dry skin and how to fix it

Dry, chapped skin is a constant concern for many people. Cold, dry air can cause itchy, red, irritated skin. This is not only uncomfortable and itchy, but also unsightly.

Dry skin is often caused by a weakened or dysfunctional 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 skin cells and natural oils, which help retain moisture to keep the skin soft and smooth. But if there is not enough water in this top layer of cells, the protective oils are reduced, leading to dry skin.

Dry skin can cause itching, redness, flaking, hyperpigmentation... and can even aggravate some skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis...

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

1. Fragrance can cause skin irritation

Cosmetic fragrances are widely used in cosmetics. However, cosmetic fragrances tend to irritate dry skin, causing itching, acne, rashes, and even making skin conditions worse (eczema, acne, contact dermatitis, etc.).

Therefore, it is important to read product labels carefully before using. People with sensitive skin should avoid deodorants and skin care products that contain a lot of fragrance.

2. Soap can strip your skin of moisture.

Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos strip the skin and scalp of moisture, as they are designed to strip away oils. Therefore, it is better to use a moisturizing body wash than a harsh soap.

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

3. Genetics

Dry skin can be genetic. Some people have oily skin and some people have dry skin. Much of this is due to genes inherited from your parents.

If you have genetically dry skin, you need to moisturize your skin daily. Choose moisturizers that contain ceramides and lipids to help build and strengthen the skin barrier.

4. Hard water prevents absorptionmattermoisturizing

Tap water contains high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium (called hard water). These minerals can leave a film on the skin that dries out, aggravate conditions like acne and rosacea, and prevent moisturizers from being absorbed into the skin.

Use a faucet water filter to help reduce heavy metal levels in your water. You can also use skin care products containing vitamins A and C to combat dry skin caused by hard water.

5. Acne medications and retinol speed up skin cell turnover, causing dry skin.

Salicylic acid is highly effective in treating acne, but it can also cause dry skin, especially when first starting out. Dry skin is also a common side effect of retinol, as retinol breaks down 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 longer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the best frequency will depend on the specific skin type. If you experience burning or peeling while using the product, you should stop using it and immediately notify a dermatologist for advice and to choose the right product for your skin.

6. Dry air

Decreased humidity in the air can also damage the skin, leaving it feeling dry and itchy.

A humidifier can be used to help restore moisture to the air in your home, which can help prevent dry, itchy skin during the winter. Humidity levels should be kept between 30 and 50 percent. A mild 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can also be used if your skin is chapped or dry. This cream is also prescribed to reduce swelling, redness, and itching of the skin, and to help soothe dry, chapped skin and speed healing.

7. Washing hands too muchmuchmay cause redness and irritationskin

Constant hand washing can lead to dry, cracked skin. This can be a big problem for people who work in industries that require frequent hand washing, such as health care.

To minimize the drying effects of this habit, wash your hands in warm water (hot water strips moisture from your skin) with a moisturizing soap, dry your hands gently, and finish with some moisturizer.

8. Long hot baths dehydrate the skin

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

9. Aging

About 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 every day. Use a moisturizer that contains ceramides and humectants (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin). These ingredients help replenish lost moisture and quickly restore the skin's protective barrier.

10. Some diseases

Typically, certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can make skin more prone to dryness. In addition, diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, malnutrition or HIV... are also causes of dry skin.

When the skin becomes drier, inflamed, scaly, itchy, hyperpigmented, peeling, etc., you need to go to a specialist clinic to determine the cause of dry skin and have the right, timely, and highly effective treatment.