Dry Skin? Here’s How We Can Help You Find Relief

Dry skin can leave your skin feeling rough, itchy, and uncomfortable. These dry patches can appear anywhere on your body and affect people of all ages.

Known medically as xerosis or xeroderma, dry skin can be caused by various factors such as cold weather, sun exposure, harsh soaps, and frequent bathing.

Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to manage and improve dry skin. In this blog, we’ll outline the skincare routines and different products that will help your skin feel and look moisturized, and stay hydrated.

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin occurs when your skin lacks the moisture it needs to stay soft and supple. The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma (pronounced “ze-ROW-derm-ah”), while severely dry skin is referred to as xerosis (pronounced “ze-ROW-sis”).

Dry skin can be a temporary issue, often occurring in winter, or it might be a long-term condition requiring ongoing care. The signs and symptoms of dry skin can vary based on several factors, including age, health, skin tone, living environment, and sun exposure. These symptoms include:

• A sensation of tightness in the skin
• Rough texture to the touch and appearance
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Flaking skin, which can create an ashy look, especially in brown and black skin
• Scaling or peeling, ranging from slight to severe
• Cracked skin that resembles a "dry riverbed," particularly on the legs
• Fine lines or cracks
• Skin discoloration, appearing reddish on lighter skin and grayish on darker skin
• Deep cracks that may bleed

Types of Dry Skin

Dry skin can manifest in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and causes. Understanding the type of dry skin you have can help you choose the most effective treatment. Here are some common types:

• Contact Dermatitis: This type occurs when your skin reacts to a substance it comes into contact with, leading to irritation or an allergic reaction. Symptoms include dry, itchy, and red skin, often accompanied by a rash. Common triggers include jewelry metals (like nickel), cosmetics, detergents, and certain medications.

• Eczema: Eczema is a group of conditions that cause inflamed, red, dry, and itchy skin patches. Severe eczema can lead to skin cracking, which increases the risk of infections. This condition can flare up due to irritants, allergens, and stress, making management a constant effort.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: This type occurs when your skin produces too much oil, leading to a red and scaly rash, typically on the scalp. It is common in infants (often called cradle cap) but can also affect adults, causing flaky patches on the face, chest, and body folds.

• Athlete’s Foot: Often mistaken for dry skin, athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection. It leads to dry, flaky skin on the soles of the feet and can spread to other body parts, where it is known as ringworm.

Note: How to Test for Dry Skin at Home

You can perform a quick test to check for dry skin at home. Lightly run your fingernails over a large area of skin, such as your arms or legs, without pressing down or scratching. Observe your skin for any flaking, which may look like tiny snowflakes or dust. If you notice these flakes or a faint line where you performed the test, it indicates that your skin is dry.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin occurs when the skin loses water too quickly, leading to dehydration. Several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing dry skin:

1. Age: As we grow older, our pores naturally produce less oil, making older adults more susceptible to dry skin. As a result, this also causes the collagen and fat in our skin to dry up which leads to thinning skin.

2. Medical History: A personal or family history of conditions like eczema or allergic contact dermatitis can raise the risk of dry skin. A few conditions that lead to dry skin include diabetes, allergies and kidney disease.

3. Season: Dry skin is more common during fall and winter when humidity levels are low. In contrast, summer’s higher humidity helps maintain skin moisture. If you are living in a place with a consistently cold climate that could be affecting your skin.

4. Hot Baths/Showers: Although relaxing, having frequent baths or showers, especially with very hot water, can strip the skin of its natural oils, increasing the risk of dryness. Harsh soaps can also strip too much moisture from your skin as well.

Severe and Chronic Dry Skin

While occasional dry skin is common, some individuals experience severe or chronic dry skin. This condition involves persistent flakiness, irritation, and inflammation that can be challenging to manage. Causes and risk factors for severe or chronic dry skin include:

• Medications
• Aging
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease
• Chemotherapy
• Anorexia
• Skin barrier dysfunction

Note: Most cases of dry skin improve with lifestyle changes and home remedies. However, you should consult your primary care doctor or a dermatologist if:

• Self-care measures have not alleviated your symptoms
• Your skin is inflamed or painful
• You develop dry, thick skin as a result of cancer treatment
• Your condition causes significant discomfort, affecting your sleep or daily activities
• You have open sores or infections due to scratching
• You experience extensive areas of scaly or peeling skin

How to Manage and Treat Dry Skin

Managing and treating dry skin involves a combination of lifestyle changes and skincare routines. Here are some effective dry skin treatments you can do at home:

• Moisturize Regularly: Use a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after bathing and throughout the day to lock in moisture.

• Use Gentle Cleansers: Avoid harsh soaps and opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers to maintain the skin’s natural oils.

• Limit Bathing Time: Keep showers and baths short, and use lukewarm water instead of hot to prevent further drying of the skin.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

• Choose Soft Fabrics: Wear clothing made from soft, natural fibers like cotton to reduce irritation.

• Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid products or environmental factors that trigger your dry skin, such as certain detergents or allergens.

• Over-the-Counter Treatments: Consider using over-the-counter creams and ointments containing ingredients like urea, lactic acid, or glycerin, which can help retain moisture.

How to Prevent Dry Skin

Preventing dry skin involves proactive measures to maintain skin hydration and protect it from external factors. Here are some tips:

• Maintain Your Environment’s Humidity: Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and prevent skin from drying out.

• Moisturize Daily: Apply moisturizer every day, even when your skin feels fine.

• Protect Your Skin: Use gloves, scarves, and other protective clothing in harsh weather.

• Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV damage with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

• Hydrate Internally: Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from the inside.

Professional Dry Skin Treatments

If at-home remedies aren't enough, professional treatments like mesotherapy and specialized facial treatments can provide significant relief and improvements.

Dry Skin Treatment with Skin Booster

Dry Skin Treatment with Facial Treatment

Examples of Facials for Dry Skin Treatment:

• Hydrating facial
• Oxygen facial
• Collagen facial
• Hyaluronic Acid facial
• Vitamin C facial
• Aloe Vera facial

Unsure Which Treatment is Right for You?

Don't know which treatment is best suited for your dry skin? Book a free consultation with us at Skinserity. Our skincare specialists are here to help you find the most effective solutions tailored to your unique skin needs. Let us guide you on your journey to healthier, more radiant skin.