Dry face skin

Almost everyone has experienced dry skin in the legs, arms, body, and especially dry skin on the face, ranging from a mild condition to really worse cases such as cracking of the skin. Our skin normally secretes oil to protect it from the environment. When this is stripped off, then your skin becomes exposed to the environment, making it prone to drying.

What causes dry skin?

A lot of factors contribute to having for dry skin, medically known as xerosis:

• genetics
• cold weather
• underlying illness or condition
• the food you eat
• the soap you use to bathe.
• medication or skin products you use

Some medical conditions may also cause dry skin such as eczema, diabetes, malnutrition, and hypothyroidism. Even hormonal changes especially for those undergoing menopause may be the culprit for dry skin. The physiologic changes that occur in the body are responsible for leaving the skin dry.

Fortunately, there are also a lot of easy remedies to battle dry face skin.

How to treat dry skin?

• Avoid hot water when taking a shower, a bath, or even just washing your hands. This will further strip the skin of its natural oils. Lukewarm water is best this type of skin.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free soap for your body and a mild cleanser for your face. Limit the time and frequency of baths as this can further eradicate the natural oils on the skin.
• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The proper way to apply a moisturizer is after bathing or washing hands since it should trap the moisture in the body, and not when the skin is already dry. This will prevent having dry skin on the face, legs, arms, and all other parts of the body that are exposed to the environment. When your skin feels taut or tight, then you definitely need to moisturize. An ideal moisturizer should be greasy and thick, devoid of alcohol or fragrances.
• Keep yourself hydrated. Keeping hydrated helps retain the body’s moisture, especially for those who do not frequently hydrate themselves properly. However, drinking too much water is not a treatment for dry skin. Taking the right amount of water daily is sufficient to prevent dry skin.
• Use a lip balm for dry lips, especially when going out in the cold. This will prevent it from cracking.
• Invest in a humidifier.This is quite extreme measure and I would start with other options given before doing investing to one. Dry air, which is quite common during the winter season, is the top culprit for dry skin. It is brought about by a hot furnace and even an air conditioner. Investing in a humidifier is the best treatment for dry skin as this will keep the air humid, and keep the moisture in the skin intact.
• Check your medication and products you use.There are medications that can cause dry skin such as those for treating acne and high blood pressure. Some of these medications are diuretics, i.e. increases urine flow that they tend to keep water levels low. Some acne products work by reducing the sebum and therefore dries your skin. If you notice that your medication or product is giving you dry skin, then you may want to change to a milder product or speak with your doctor, if he’s the one who chose the medication, to lower the dosage or change the medication.

If you’ve done everything stated above and your skin is still way too dry, go to your doctor and ask for help. You probably have some kind of a special condition that needs special care and medication. Most of you, however, will get your skin back to normal, elastic and moist with these steps.