Dry skin, more scientifically called Xerosis, is a condition when our skin becomes freckled and wrinkled. Our skin needs moisture and oil to remain supple. As we grow older these oil producing glands, also called the sebaceous glands, starts fading out. There are several environmental factors to lose moisture from the skin. During the winter season and in hot dry areas, moisture starts evaporating from our skin. Although dry skin is not a serious condition, it looks odd to have wrinkles in our face and other body parts.
A condition called ichthyosis is a disease where there is extensive dryness of the skin leading to restriction of normal activities. This can be very much devastating psychologically. The skin becomes scaly and extremely rough.
Nutritional deficiency especially less intake of Vitamin A and B-group of vitamins can lead to dry skin condition. Exposure to direct sunlight for a long time, working in dusty and windy environment can also lead to dry skin. During winter season, as the humidity falls, our skin becomes dry. It is also true in a centrally air-conditioned and centrally heated room. Fireplace is again another notorious object to destroy humidity and precipitating dry skin. If you have a habit of having a hot bath for a long time, the upper protective oily coat of your skin becomes washed out. This is a common risk factor for dry skin. Some chemicals, especially some low quality soaps (having less Total Fatty Matter – TFM) are among the common reasons for dry skin. Tanning in a beach for a long time has the risk of exposure to ultraviolet rays. This ray can penetrate through the epidermal layer of the skin and damaging the sebum producing glands.
There are disease conditions like Psoriasis, Xeroderma pigmentosa and Hyperthyroidism which can lead to dry skin. If you have dry skin for a long time, there is chance to develop inflammation and infection of that particular area.
You can beat the formation of dry skin by adopting some lifestyle modifications. If you have a habit to bathe for a long time, cut it short and finish it within 5-10 minutes. It is better to bathe in lukewarm water. Sitting away from the air-conditioner duct, the room heater and from the fireplace will save some moisture. If you are going for a sun tanning, apply a better quality sun-block cream (SPF 20 or higher) to all your exposed body parts. Use good quality soaps and it is better to use natural face wash to clean your face. Avoid using deodorant soap as they are very harsh to your skin. Apply moisturizer or good quality body lotion liberally just after taking a bath. This will help to retain water from the shower. If you use chemical detergents for laundry, use mild detergents and wash your hands just after finishing the task. Use a humidifier if you are staying in a house with central heating system. Limit the use of body deodorants. You must pay attention to the linen you wear. Wardrobes full of cotton and silk fabric will let your skin to breathe and to retain moisture.
Eat plenty of water. Water deprivation is often the main cause of dry skin. And don’t forget to take fresh green leafy vegetables. There are several natural homemade beauty preparations that are extremely helpful for restoration of normal skin.
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