The Cause of Dry Skin

Dry skin can be caused by many different factors. Even drying your skin with a towel, and generally bathing can cause it to lose some of its much needed moisture. Also, you may be surprised to find that your daily moisturizer could also be causing your skin to dry up.

Generally, dry skin is cause by a low level of sebum and it is often prone to sensitivity. If you do have dry skin you will notice that it feels tight after you have washed it. The wind and extreme temperatures can also contribute to drying out the skin, and it also causes the skin to look dull.

In some cases, dry skin could even be genetic and poor diet is often also a cause for bad skin, especially if you have deficiencies in Vitamins A and B. In some cases, it is not uncommon for dry skin to be a symptom of another health problem such as eczema or psoriasis, so sometimes it is better to get a doctors opinion. Other medical problems which dry skin could be a symptom of include an under active thyroid, diabetes, and certain drugs could also participate in the problem.

Treatments Available and Care You Should Take

You may not realize that washing the face with tap water can often leave the skin too dry. This is due to the deposits in the water. Hot water is also a definite no no as that really does sap out all of the moisture from the skin. So what are you supposed to do? Well, warm water is OK, and when you do wash your hands or expose them to tap water, you should always moisturize afterwards. This helps to keep them in tip top condition and the moisturizer keeps the skin protected. A good way to give moisture to the skin after bathing is to spray mineral water over the skin with a plant sprayer, and then lightly pat it dry. Other factors which may help include:

Gentle Cleansing

Gentle cleansing is always a good thing. Stimulation and massage of the skin really helps to encourage the production of oil within the body. Making sure you cleanse gently with a non-harsh cleanser is an essential part of looking after the skin. Avoid soap at all costs as it is one of the worst culprits that dry out the skin. Neutral PH products are the best to go for as they are the most gentle.

Moisturize Regularly

With dry skin it is absolutely essential that you moisturize regularly. There are plenty of moisturizers developed especially for dry skin so you should not have a problem finding one to suit you. The Moisturizer helps to lock in moisture and it acts as a protective layer both overnight, and throughout the day. If your skin is particularly dry, you may think about using oil instead which is a lot more moisturizing than a cream moisturizer.

Apply Baby Oil After a Bath or Shower

If you apply baby oil after a bath or shower, your skin will really thank you for it. The oil acts as a protective layer, just as a moisturizer does, and it really will lock in the moisture. You may find it a bit sticky and greasy at first, but your skin will love it!

Overall, as much as dry skin can be a pain, luckily there are plenty of products out there which can help. If you consult your doctor they may also recommend that you change your contraceptive pill as some can be used to treat skin problems too. Always remember to moisturize and always make sure that you cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. If you follow these steps you should notice that your skin clears up within a couple of months.