What Causes Dry Skin and What Can You Do About It?
Most people can relate to the dreaded feeling of having dry skin in the wintertime – it cracks, peels, and can be very irritating if you don’t take care of it in time.
In fact, according to a study by OnePoll, three-quarters of Americans experience dry skin in the wintertime, and 64 percent admitted to seeking out a dermatologist to help. If you are seeking relief from your dry skin, getting down to the root of the cause can help determine the best approach going forward.
Keep reading this guide to discover what causes dry skin and what you can do to help get it under control.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Having dry skin can be painful, itchy, and irritating to those experiencing it. The annoying skin condition can be caused by several different reasons, including harsh weather and other irritants. Many people experience dry skin in their hands, but it can occur anywhere on the body and can get worse if you’re not careful.
The various causes of dry skin include:
- Skin conditions
- Heat
- Allergies
- Weather
- Harsh soap
- And chlorine
The dreaded “winter skin condition” affects most people in the U.S, caused by freezing cold weather and dry air. The harsh weather can also irritate other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, leaving them more itchy and irritated.
Using harsh soap loaded with fragrances, fillers, and binders can leave even the most moisturized hands feeling cracked and itchy. It’s best if you do experience dry skin, avoid swimming pools with high amounts of chlorine, or take a shower directly after to wash it off your body.
What to Do About It
Luckily, occasional dry skin is one of those conditions that can be mostly preventable with a few key lifestyle changes. However, if you’re experiencing severe dry skin that won’t go away even with using the best lotion for dry skin, you might want to consider making an appointment with the dermatologist.
The lifestyle changes that can help provide dry skin relief include:
- Drinking enough water
- Using a natural, moisturizing soap
- Avoiding prolonged hot showers
- Avoiding alcohol in skin products
- Limiting the heat in the shower
- Avoiding chlorine pools
- Using a natural lotion
- Going fragrance-free
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for individuals experiencing dry skin. A clinical study posted in the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology shows how drinking more water daily can have positive effects on dry skin.
Making the most of a daily moisturizer can also significantly improve symptoms associated with dry skin. With Christmas just around the corner, lotions and other moisturizers can make excellent stocking stuffers for your friends and family. It’s recommended to use a daily moisturizer after taking a shower to avoid additional cracking and peeling.
Additional Dry Skin Relief & Other Health Tips
You know all too well how irritating having dry skin can be, especially during the frigid cold winter months. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help limit and prevent cracking skin. It’s best to determine what causes dry skin for you, and then you choose the best treatment option.
For more information on dry skin relief and other helpful health tips, check out the rest of our website!
