Dry skin has a moisture content of less than 30 percent. Once aware of this fact, you can easily answer the question, “What makes your skin dry?” with the simple statement, “a lack of moisture.” While this answer may satisfy some people, the more curious will require additional information. In reality, this statement, while correct, does not begin to address what really makes your skin dry.
Identification
Sebum is the skin’s main natural moisturizer. Sebaceous glands in the skin produce and secrete sebum that works to moisturize and stop water from evaporating from your skin. Although present in smaller amounts, fats present in skin cells work with sebum, helping sebum perform its role. If these oils are not present, or are present but not in sufficient amounts, natural moisture levels decrease and water in skin cells begins to evaporate, causing your skin to become dry.
Causes
Genetics, the environment, health issues such as a thyroid condition or diabetes, your age and diet can all affect sebum production. Health and beauty products containing strong ingredients or ingredients that you are allergic to, as well as personal habits, can strip moisture from your skin, causing dryness.
The Mayo Clinic website identifies three factors that can put you at risk for developing dry skin. These include being over the age of 65, living in a cold, dry climate and frequent bathing or showering. HealthSkinCare.com identifies additional risk factors that include smoking, consuming diuretic beverages, such as coffee, and swimming in chlorinated water.
Effects
A common effect of dry skin is a dry skin rash. Skin that needs moisture is itchy skin. Scratching leads to more itching and results in more scratching. As this occurs, your skin becomes red, rough and inflamed and may develop painful cracks and scaly patches that can become infected.
Prevention/Solution
The most important step you can take to both prevent and treat dry skin is to moisturize your skin. Use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type and level of dryness. Moisturizers are especially effective when you apply them immediately after bathing or showering. MayoClinic.com recommends limiting exposure to water, especially hot water, to no more than 15 minutes. If dry skin problems become severe, see your doctor or a dermatologist, especially if your dry skin is the result of an underlying medical condition.
Considerations
Dry skin that results from a medical condition, such as diabetes, deserves special consideration. High blood glucose levels cause problems in two areas. First, as blood glucose levels rise, fluid levels in your body fall, resulting in general dehydration and skin dryness. Second, as blood glucose levels rise, so does your risk of developing infections that may be difficult to treat in a diabetic. Make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, use moisturizers and perform regular skin inspections to check for dry patches, redness and sore spots.
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