Does your skin feel dry? There are various causes of dry skin, ranging from cold or hot weather, the use of harsh soaps, exposure to sunlight, and so on. This condition is also known as xerosis or xeroderma. Usually, you will feel your skin tight, rough in texture, and sometimes red and itchy.
In most cases, dry skin is not a dangerous condition. However, if left untreated, the dryness can worsen and may indicate a more serious skin problem.
Therefore, you need to know what causes dry skin and how to treat it, which will be discussed further in the following article.
Causes of Dry Skin
The cause of dry skin is a lack of moisture. This lack of moisture is caused by a disruption of the skin barrier and a dysfunction or deficiency of the healthy oils needed by the upper layer of the skin.
Normally, the upper layer of the skin consists of dead cells and natural oils that help lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and smooth.
When there is insufficient water in this layer due to a decrease in protective oils, the water that is usually present in the skin is allowed to escape, causing the skin to become dry.
The causes of a decrease in the amount of protective oils in the skin vary and can be due to endogenous or exogenous factors.
Endogenous factors include genetics, age, gender, skin diseases, and systemic diseases. Meanwhile, exogenous factors include air temperature and humidity, exposure to chemicals, UV radiation, air pollution, and nutrition. Here is the explanation.
1. Use of Harsh Products
The use of soap, detergents, or cleaning products containing harsh chemicals can be a cause of dry, itchy skin. This is because these products usually contain surfactants. These are cleaning agents with an alkaline pH that can damage the outer layer of the skin, which acts as a protective barrier. As a result, the skin becomes dry and easily irritated.
2. Cold or Hot Weather
As previously explained, weather also affects dry skin conditions. In cold weather, temperature and humidity decrease. Similarly, during the dry season, skin can become dry due to dehydration.
3. Taking Hot Showers For Too Long
It certainly feels pleasant to soak in warm water, especially when the weather is cold. However, doing this for too long can cause dry skin, as heat reduces the skin's natural moisture. It is best to limit hot showers to no more than 5 minutes and ensure the water is not too hot.
4. Sun Exposure
The next cause of dry skin is sun exposure. Those who often do outdoor activities should pay attention to this. Too much sun exposure can cause the skin to become dehydrated because UV rays can penetrate deep into the skin. As a result, the skin loses its natural moisture.
5. Scrubbing the Skin Too Hard
Without realizing it, the habit of scrubbing the skin too hard when bathing with a sponge or scrub can cause dry skin. This is because the moisture on the skin's surface will decrease. Therefore, avoid scrubbing the skin too often. Instead, scrub the skin gently and slowly.
6. Aging
People over the age of 40 are more prone to dry skin because the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases with age. To overcome this, use moisturizing products containing ceramides, humectants, and petrolatum.
7. Certain Health Conditions
Skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema can be one of the causes of dry and itchy skin. Additionally, dry skin can also indicate certain unrelated health conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, kidney failure, and ichthyosis.
So how can you tell the difference between normal dry skin caused by the weather and something more serious? If you notice inflamed areas, hardened skin, severe itching, or flaking, it is a sign that you need to see a doctor immediately. Once the doctor has identified the cause, you can receive the appropriate treatment.
8. Not Drinking Enough Water
This may sound simple, but in fact, many people still do not realize the importance of drinking water. It is essential to understand that our bodies need enough fluids to function properly. If these water needs are not met, the skin can become dehydrated, making it appear dry and dull.
Characteristics of Dry Skin
In general, dry skin is only temporary or seasonal. For example, you may experience it during the winter. The characteristics of dry skin can vary from one person to another, depending on age, skin color, health status, and environment. Dry skin has several characteristic features, including:
- Visible characteristics: redness, dull surface, dryness, white patches, layered appearance, cracking, and fissures.
- Characteristics that can be felt: dull and uneven.
- Sensory characteristics: feels dry and uncomfortable, painful, and itchy.
How to Treat Dry Skin
There are several steps you can take to treat dry skin, namely as follows:
1. Use Soap That Contains Moisturizers
When showering, try to use soap that contains moisturizers and mild chemicals. Do not forget to dry your body with a soft towel and rub gently.
2. Bathe Moderately
To combat dry skin, it is best to bathe moderately, not too often or too long. Also, try to limit bathing with warm water so that the skin's natural moisture is not reduced.
3. Use Skin Moisturizing Products
Using skin moisturizers regularly can help relieve dry skin. Moisturizers act as a protective layer on the skin and prevent water from escaping from the body. You can choose products that contain humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, emollients such as linoleic acid, and other ingredients, including petroleum jelly.
4. Drink More Water
To prevent dry skin, ensure your body gets enough fluids. Remember to drink #AQUADULU at least eight glasses of water a day. By drinking enough water, your body will stay hydrated, and your skin will be healthier, more moisturized, and more glowing.
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