Dryness causes skin cells to shrivel up, making fine lines more noticeable. Using a humidifier is a common solution to hydrate the skin indoors. A humidifier, however, isn't effective for everyone. If you don't change water daily, a humidifier can release bacteria into the air. Additional treatment methods will assist with hydrating the skin and minimizing dryness.
Causes of Dry Skin
Environmental factors are common causes of dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com. A decrease in humidity often triggers dry skin outbreaks. Use of a humidifier increases humidity in the air. For some people, however, this isn't enough to soothe dry, irritated skin. Showering too frequently and using products that promote skin dryness also cause this problem.
Dry Skin Treatments
Bathe daily using warm water, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Keep bathing sessions short -- 5 to 10 minutes at the most. Avoid using hot water, which sucks natural oil from the skin, creating dryness. Close the bathroom door during bathing sessions to trap humidity, increasing skin hydration. Gently pat skin dry after getting out of the bath and use a moisturizer within three minutes to trap moisture.
A moisturizer that contains lactic acid or urea is effective for treating dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Hyaluronic acid is another active ingredient that traps moisture and decreases dryness. Moisturizers that contain mineral oil or petrolatum are also effective for this skin problem.
Misconceptions
Sun exposure makes dry skin worse, according to MayoClinic.com. Ultraviolet rays damage deep layers of skin, causing collagen break down. The result is dry skin, wrinkles and sagging skin. Wear a sun protection of at least 30 SPF. Even if the weather is cloudy, sunscreen is necessary. Harmful rays penetrate through clouds, causing skin damage. Some skin moisturizers have sun protection built in to the product.
Prevention
If you use anti-aging creams, use products with retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acid with caution. These products may dry out skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Also, avoid showering more than once daily. This will aggravate dry skin and strip natural oils from the skin.
Warnings
Some medical conditions cause dry skin. If your skin is dry, despite using a humidifier or other treatments, contact your doctor. Psoriasis, a condition that causes rapid buildup of dead skin cells, may cause dry skin. Thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism, also cause dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com.
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