Understanding And Managing Dry Skin - The Only Guide You Will Need

Skin color isn’t the only factor that lies heterogeneous across individuals. There are a lot of other potential factors that vary from one person to another as we delve into the vast realm of dermatology. 

The sebaceous secretion of the skin, its hydration level, and its sensitivity to external factors (such as climate). All these factors collectively decide what type of skin a person will have for the rest of their life.

Based on characteristics, human skin can be classified as:

• Normal skin
• Oily skin
• Dry skin
• Oily and Dry skin
• Sensitive skin

The center of discussion in this blog is primarily dry skin and other related aspects, such as what causes dry skin, its underlying symptoms, dry skin home remedies, how to avoid dry skin, etc. 

The skin has always been a significant element of the human body. Not only is it responsible for providing us with a charismatic look, but it is also entrusted with performing a couple of other factors such as:

• Maintaining and regulating body temperature 
• Checking fluid balance
• Regulating moisture loss

So, if you are encountering a flag of skin problems owing to exceeding dryness in your skin, then make sure to read this blog till the end.

Of course, the excessive dryness in the skin varies from person to person. However, the primary cause of dry skin is the loss of water from the outermost layer of skin.

Such water slippage in the skin gets triggered by:

Unfavorable environment: A freezing and low-humid environment causes oil detention in the skin, which leads to more water loss and, eventually, low moisture and more dryness.

Skin conditions: People suffering from skin conditions such as dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis become more vulnerable to dry and itchy skin. 

Pre-existing medications: Several medications associated with cancer treatment and dialysis can potentially cause the skin to become disproportionately dry.

Highly chemicalized skin products: Using soaps and face wash loaded with harmful chemicals disturbs the skin's natural composition. This, in turn, hinders the oil-retention capacity of the skin, which adds to its dryness.

Aging: Aging is one of the most apparent causes of dry skin. Although inevitable, resorting to a healthy lifestyle can delay the impact of skin aging.

If you are observing the following discussed symptoms across your entire body, consider them a red flag for having excess dry skin:

• Dehydration - Due to low moisture in the skin, dehydrated skin is categorized by fine lines and irritating itching on the skin and face.
• Formation of rough textures - Have you ever thought about why dry skin becomes a nurturing ground for rough textures?

Well, loss of moisture from the skin can be cited as the potential reason. In such a condition, the skin starts to flake off and forms those rough textures.

• Sore cracks on the skin - As the skin continuously loses water, it begins to shrink. Such shrinking of skin is followed by the formation of cracks on its surface. Most people have these cracks under their heels. When exposed to solid ground, these cracks cause raging pain.
• Skin infection - Intense dryness in the skin is a pampering ground for germs and bacteria that are skin infectious. Usually, the infectious part of the skin responds with the formation of yellow crusts on the skin. Then, in even severe conditions, the puss starts oozing out from the area that has been infected.
• Itchiness - For people with a high level of skin dryness, constant itching becomes a significant roadblock to their focus.

Having a lot of dryness in your skin is an issue that you should be concerned about. However, ignoring it on the pretext of “this is my natural skin type” will make the aftermath even more daunting and troublesome for you.

In the long run, over dryness in the skin can lead to skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, ichthyosis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Adopting a skincare routine should be the first step you should initiate to take care of your dry skin. Start with merely improving your food intake and keeping yourself hydrated 

However, suppose you have an intensely tough time dealing with skin dryness. For instance, your itching is continuously bothering you, and there are red, dry patches and spots all over your face. Consider setting up an appointment with your nearby dermatologist to avoid further complications.

Dry skin is not a disease, rather a trait that we inherit via genetics from our parents. Unfortunately, it is practically not possible to permanently get rid of it. 

Well, you can indeed alleviate the high level of skin dryness by resorting to some natural and feasible home remedies:

Coconut Oil Massage 

Coconut oil is rich in fatty lipids that occur naturally in its composition. Therefore, incorporating a gentle coconut oil massage in your dry skin skincare routine can replenish the water levels, keeping the skin hydrated. In addition, applying coconut oil to cracks heals them and gives you smooth skin. 

Being naturally derived from coconuts, it can even be applied to the face and other sensitive body parts due to its emollient properties. However, avoid mixing it with water or any other skincare product. 

Sunflower oil seed

Sunflower oil seed is indeed a great natural way to reduce skin dryness, particularly on the arms. Improving hydration helps the skin regain its oil-retention capacity that tends to smooth the skin. Moreover, being high in Vitamin E and antioxidants reduces inflammation and redness on the skin.

Honey

Like coconut and sunflower seed oil, honey has also been deemed a natural home remedy to alleviate the dryness of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties make it viable to use for dry skin.

Avoid using it daily. Once or twice a week serves the purpose. 

Oatmeal bath

Several studies have corroborated the astonishing benefits of an oatmeal bath in treating dry and itchy skin. Being high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the usage of oatmeal as a home remedy for dry skin goes back centuries. 

To get the most out of it, just mix some ground oatmeal in lukewarm water and have a refreshing bath with it. Don’t forget to immediately apply moisturizer to your skin to prevent bacteria and germs from penetrating your skin. 

Food rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants aid the body in re-nourishing the damaged skin cells. Such damage occurs when skin is subjected to external elements harmful to the skin. 

The best way to ensure an optimum supply of antioxidants for the body is to include foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3. These are:

• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Blueberries
• Mangoes
• Salmon

Avocadoes

Whether dry or oily, taking care of your skin demands discipline on your side. It’s not just about drafting a dry skin care routine, you have to stick to some do’s and don’ts to nourish your dry skin so that it does not deteriorate the quality of your life.

Let’s have a quick glimpse of the dos and don’ts:

The do’s

• Always keep yourself hydrated. The more your drink, the more your skin gets smoother and healthier.

• Gently massage your face with facial oil to keep your face smooth.

• Apply sunscreen on your face and neck before going out in the sun. It acts as a shield against the burning rays of the sun.

• Use serum so that skin can be shielded against environmental dust and pollution.

• Moisturize your skin after wiping your wet face and body. Use a clean towel or a napkin for the latter.

• Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet. It will add charm to your skin.

The don’ts

• Minimize munching on oily and fried food now and then as it increases cholesterol levels that cause dryness in the skin.

• Don’t apply skin and face products overpowered by toxins and chemicals.

• Avoid over-washing and over-exfoliating your face.

• Don’t scrub your body too harshly as it can lead to reddish skin.

• Never apply moisturizer on dry skin or face, as it will beat the essential purpose of using a moisturizer.

• Avoid excess sugar and salt in your diet. They are not less than a slow poison for dry skin.

If you want your skin to be smoother and shiner, you must prioritize to abide by a string of some daily-life habits that have a crucial role in nourishing dry skin. Of course, the primary prerequisite is keeping a close check on your diet. By working on this aspect, you will notice a significant improvement in your skin and face. Besides, doing a sufficient level of physical activity flushes out toxins from your body which also contributes to a healthier skin. Lastly, don’t forget to have a sound sleep so that the skin cells can replenish themselves.

biocule has thoughtfully formulated the best face serum for dry skin - Aqua Boost Hydrating Serum that contains hyaluronic acid and penetrates multiple layers preventing dryness.