The general reason of itchy and dry skin may appear obvious: a lack of hydration. But where does this lack of moisture come from?
“Dry skin is produced by an impaired skin barrier and a dysfunction or deficiency of necessary healthy fats in the highest layer of the skin,” explains Shari Marchbein, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City.
Usually, the top layer of skin comprises dead cells and natural oils, which help retain moisture to keep skin soft and smooth, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
But if there is not enough water, stop. The layer of cells can occur if the protective oils decrease, and dry skin can occur.
In most cases, dry skin or xerosis is not a significant problem. According to MedlinePlus, it is widespread, can occur in people of any age, and can appear anywhere on the body, from the hands and face to the legs and stomach.
Dr. Marchbein says dryness can cause the skin to become red, flaky, or itchy, which can be uncomfortable, but beyond that, there’s usually not much to worry about.
Fragrance Has the Possibility to Cause Skin Irritation
“Fragrance tends to annoy dry skin or make it worse, so avoid deodorants and fragrance-laden skin care products,”
says Amy Forman Taub, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine.
In Chicago. Perfume is a common source of allergic contact dermatitis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it may take multiple exposures for your skin to react, or you may notice a reaction the first time.
Check the ingredients list for the word “fragrance” and remember that “fragrance-free” is your friend. When loaded with fragrances, body lotions, and creams can do more harm than good.
Read labels carefully. Lavender oil and other botanical oils have natural preservative properties and are used in cosmetics that may still be labeled “fragrance-free.”
Soap May Sap Moisture From the Skin and Scalp
“Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos strip moisture from the skin and scalp because they are formulated to remove oil,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
Choosing facial cleansers, body washes, and laundry detergents is essential. It’s best to use a hydrating body wash instead of a harsh bar of soap, says Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego.
Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska, warns against harsh detergents and even fabric softeners if you have dry skin. Instead, look for mild laundry soaps like Seventh Generation Free and Clear.
Genetics Can Affect Your Risk for Dry Skin
Chalk it up to something else you can blame on your mom and dad: Researchers say dry skin can be hereditary. Mutations in genes that control the production of the protein filaggrin, which plays a role in skin barrier formation and hydration, may cause several skin conditions, a study suggests.
People with these mutations (around 10% of the population, according to the study) have drier skin and are more likely to develop eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a common type of eczema.
If you have always had dry skin or a family problem, paying attention to daily hydration is essential. ”
Look for ceramides and lipids in moisturizers, which help build and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, manager of clinical and cosmetic investigation in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Hard Water Can Prevent Moisturizers From Absorbing
When tap water covers a high concentration of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, it is called hard water, according to the United States Geological Survey.
These minerals can leave a film on the skin that causes dryness. “Heavy metals turn oils in the skin into a thick substance that clogs glands, worsens conditions like acne and rosacea, and prevents moisturizers from being absorbed into the skin,” says Dennis Gross, MD, dermatologist.
In New York. According to a Newsweek article, investing in tap water filters can help. Dr. Gross also recommends adding skincare products containing vitamins A and C to your routine, as they neutralize the film deposited by hard water.
Acne Medications and Retinol Speed Skin Cell Turnover, Causing Dryness
Salicylic acid can treat acne but can also dry out your skin when you first start using it, according to MedlinePlus.
According to one study, dryness is also a common side effect of retinol and occurs because retinol loosens the connection between cells on the skin’s surface. The good news is that you don’t have to give up these skincare saviors, although reducing their use can produce irritation-free results.
“Reduce the frequency of use from every day to every other day, be sure to choose a gentle cleanser that won’t aggravate the problem, and ask your dermatologist to prescribe less drying if necessary,” says Dr. Forman Taub.
The best frequency will depend on your specific skin type, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Consider burning, scaling, and peeling as signs that you should stop using the product, says Dr. Frieling.
“It’s not something you can play a guessing game with or use trial and error,” he says. Please make an appointment with your dermatologist and bring the product so the doctor can evaluate it and ensure it suits your skin.
Dry Air, Indoors or Out, Can Increase Symptoms of Dry Skin
Sometimes, indoor air can be as harmful to the skin as outdoor air. Forced air, especially heat, can reduce humidity levels, causing the skin to feel dry and itchy, says Frieling.
Luckily, you don’t have to suffer from dry, itchy skin all winter long: a humidifier can help restore moisture to the air in your home. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s best to set yours between 30 and 50 percent humidity. ”
Also, having a gentle 1% hydrocortisone cream on hand is a good idea. Use it early if you notice dry or cracked skin signs,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
According to MedlinePlus, Hydrocortisone, which sometimes requires a prescription, reduces swelling, redness, and itching, helps soothe dry, cracked skin, and speeds healing.
Zealous Handwashing Can Lead to Redness and Irritation
“Some people with dry skin wash their hands constantly,” says Forman Taub. This won’t help with dryness, as washing your hands too frequently can lead to dry, chapped skin.
This can be a big problem for people who work in industries that require frequent hand washing, such as healthcare. To lessen the drying effects of your sanitary habits,
use lukewarm water (hot water absorbs moisture from your skin),
opt for moisturizing soaps, dry your hands gently, and finish with some lotion or ointment, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Long, Hot Showers Can Contribute to Skin Dehydration
It can be tempting to stand under hot, steaming water for an extended period, especially during cold months. But this practice could end up creating problems for your skin. ”
Taking long, humid showers or baths can dry out the moisture in your skin,” says Frieling. Marchbein advises limiting showers to five minutes or less and keeping the water temperature warm, not too hot.
Marchbein adds moisturizer a minute after getting out of the shower. Moisturizers work best on damp skin, according to MedlinePlus.
Aging Can Increase Skin Dryness
Dry skin tends to become an increasingly problematic problem as people age. The Mayo Clinic notes that adults ages 40 and older are at increased risk for dry skin, affecting about half of people in this age group. ”
As we age, our skin produces less oil and becomes drier,” says Frieling. For women, it could also be due to hormonal changes associated with menopause, according to the AAD. The solution? Hydrate daily (or several times daily if necessary), and recommend the AAD.
Marchbein advises looking for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin), and petroleum jelly. She says these ingredients help replenish lost moisture and quickly repair the skin barrier.
Certain Medical Conditions Can Cause Dry Skin
Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can make skin more prone to dryness, says Frieling. But dry skin could also indicate something seemingly unrelated, like diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or HIV, according to the AAD.
So, how do you know if drought results from something mundane like the weather or something more serious? Frieling says to watch for swollen areas, scabs, severe itching, hyperpigmentation, and rough, scaly, or scaly patches on the skin
and take them as a clue that it’s time to see a doctor. Once you have identified the root cause of the dryness, your doctor can help you determine the appropriate treatment.