Having dry skin can be irritating because it may feel tight, it may itch, and sometimes it may be flaky. While body lotion can help ease some symptoms of dry skin, in order for it to work its best, you should know the root of your skin problems. Here are some of the most common reasons people have dry skin.
Dry Air
Most people complain of dry, itchy skin when it starts getting cold outside. This occurs because there is less moisture in the air, so your skin dries out. In addition, turning up the heater is going to add to your problem because it tends to take more moisture from the air. You can help replenish your skin by drinking more water, using a humidifier, and using a moisturizing lotion after bathing.
Hot Showers
While a long, hot shower may help warm you up when you come in from the cold, it won’t do your skin any good. The natural oils in your skin can dry out the longer you stay in a shower. So, when you do want to get under a hot spray, make it as brief as possible, use lukewarm water, and instead of soap, which also robs skin of moisture, use a body wash with aloe Vera or other natural moisturizers to help revitalize your skin.
Stay Damp
While showering can help retain moisture, especially if it is quick, drying off with a towel by rubbing your skin can strip its moisture. When you get out of the shower, lightly pat your skin to partially dry it, but leave it damp. Apply moisture-rich body lotion for dry skin while your body is still damp. This will help seal moisture into your skin and provide it with a protective barrier.
Getting Older
One of the main causes of drier skin is something you cannot change, which is getting older. As people age and their hormone levels change, skin becomes thinner and drier. The best way to fight back is to apply a generous amount of moisturizing lotion to your body every morning and a moisturizing cream specifically for the face.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes the laundry detergent, fabric softener, or even certain fabrics you wear can irritate your skin. If you’ve recently changed your detergent, dryer sheets, or anything else that touches your skin, try switching back to the products you were using before, if they didn’t irritate your skin. If that doesn’t work, buy products for sensitive skin or made without fragrances or dyes.
Chronic dry skin can also be the result of a medical condition, such as diabetes or psoriasis. If you have chronically dry skin and moisturizers don’t seem to help, you may have to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist to get to the underlying reason for your dry skin issue. It will be easier to revitalize dry skin if you know what is causing it, especially if moisturizing lotions or creams do not seem to help your skin feel softer and smoother.
