Dry skin can be a sign of something happening in the body that needs attention, or it can simply be a condition that a person is born with. The condition is also more likely as a person ages, and the natural oils, collagen, and elastin that keep skin supple tend to decrease. Here are seven signs that your skin is too dry and how to fix them.
Skin That’s Prone to Wrinkling
Even in younger people, dry skin wrinkles more than normal or oily skin. Wrinkling is especially prevalent around the eyes and on the brow. Applying a bit of coconut oil is helpful in locking in moisture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
Dry Patches on the Skin
People with dry skin may also have areas of skin that are especially dry. This dryness is worsened by cold, dry weather and the sometimes harsh chemicals found in skin cleansers. The remedy may be to avoid weather that dries out the skin, or if that’s impossible, keep the skin covered. Also, harsh cleansers need to be avoided.
Flaking Skin
Like dry patches, flaking skin is often a symptom of exposure to cold, dry weather. Flaking skin may also be the result of dehydration. The remedy is to apply moisturizers such as virgin coconut oil, avoid or wrap up in cold weather, and use gentle cleansers on the affected area of the skin. Drinking lots of clean water also helps to reduce flaking and other problems with dry skin.
Skin That’s Easily Irritated
Dry skin allows pollutants to more easily penetrate it. This leads to irritation as the immune system works to counteract the pollutants. Very hot or very cold temperatures can also leave skin red and inflamed. The solution may be to apply emollients such as mineral oil or even petroleum jelly to the skin to soothe it.
Itchy Skin
People with dry skin often complain that their skin itches. The itch doesn’t just come and go but is frequent and even constant. This is not only physically uncomfortable but can affect the person psychologically as the itching distracts them. Again, an emollient or moisturizer can often help with the itching caused by dry skin.
Skin That’s Prone to Infection
Dry skin allows contaminants to penetrate it, and some of these contaminants include bacteria or other pathogens that can lead to infection. A person who suffers from infections due to their dry skin should visit their dermatologist for the proper treatment.
Skin Conditions Such as Eczema
People with dry skin are more at risk for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. These conditions often require prescribed medications that are used topically, orally, or through injection. The pain of these conditions can also be eased by light therapy or moist dressings applied by a health professional.
The discomfort of dry skin can also be eased by such activities as avoiding tanning beds or too much sunshine, eating oily fish, seeds, nuts, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, staying no more than 5 to 10 minutes in a bath or shower, making sure the temperature of the bath or shower stays on the cool side, and visiting a med spa who can assess your situation.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
