Harsh weather conditions, lack of moisturizing and even certain clothing items can all contribute to dry skin. When your skin loses it natural moisture, it become dry and itchy. It can start as a mild annoyance, but without intervention can graduate to a more severe skin condition.
Significance
Keeping skin moisturized is a part of maintaining your health. Without adequate treatment, dry skin can become cracked and in severe cases, can bleed or become infected. Taking a preventive approach can avoid the development of these conditions and return skin to its natural form.
Basic Skin Care
It is important to cleanse and moisturize your skin every day. More than 90 percent of your body is covered in skin and it all must be taken care of. When choosing a skin cleanser, be wary of cleansers that contain high concentrations of perfume or other chemicals as these can actually dry your skin out.
A cleanser that is hypo-allergenic or one with added moisturizers can be beneficial, particularly during the fall and winter months. In addition to cleansing the skin, you should also apply a moisturizer. It is not necessary to use a moisturizer that is oily or greasy as they tend to remain on the top layer of skin and are often difficult for the skin to absorb. Instead, choose a creamy moisturizer or body butter and apply generously to your skin. Because these products are thicker, when massaged onto the skin they are absorbed well and are less likely to rub off underneath clothing.
Warning
When cleansing skin during a bath or shower, avoid using hot water to prevent further drying and irritation of the skin. Use warm water instead.
Considerations
Exfoliation is a natural part of the skincare process. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells to reveal newly-generated skin. It's important to exfoliate to prevent the development of dry skin. If you are applying the appropriate moisture and not noticing any difference in the appearance of your skin, you may need to exfoliate.
Potential
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis include dry skin as a symptom. These conditions must be treated with condition-specific creams or ointments. Standard moisturizers are generally not effective. If you suffer from these conditions, your physician can provide you with a specific treatment plan to keep symptoms under control.
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