A variety of factors, both internal and external, can cause dry skin. Here are some common reasons why people experience dry skin:
Weather: Low humidity levels, especially during winter, can lead to dry skin. Cold, dry air can strip moisture from the skin, making it feel tight and flaky.
Hot Showers and Baths: Excessive exposure to hot water can remove the natural oils (lipids) that keep the skin moisturized, leading to dryness.
Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Cleansers that contain strong detergents or fragrances can strip away natural oils from the skin, causing dryness and irritation.
Age: As we age, our skin produces less oil (sebum) and becomes thinner, making it more prone to dryness.

Treating dry skin involves lifestyle changes, skincare routines, and sometimes medical treatments depending on the severity.

Here are some general tips:
1. Use Gentle Cleansers: Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that strip natural oils from your skin. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers, avoiding sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. My favorite is Everyone 3 in 1 Soap which is available at Natural Grocery or Sprouts. It is available in different aromatherapy choices and is a plant-based surfactant. Gentle enough for body and hair.

2. Moisturize Regularly: Apply a good moisturizer several times daily, especially after washing your hands or showering. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or shea butter.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can further dry out your skin. Use lukewarm water for bathing and showering, and limit your time in water. Unfortunately, this means hot tubs. I prefer a rich body oil or grape seed oil after soaking.

4. Humidify: If your home is dry, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during colder months when indoor heating can dry the air.

5. Protect Your Skin: Wear gloves when doing dishes or cleaning to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and drying agents.

6. Choose Skin-Friendly Fabrics: Natural fibers like cotton and silk are less likely to irritate your skin than wool or synthetic fabrics.

7. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

8. Avoid Irritants: Perfumes, dyes, and other chemicals in skincare products can irritate dry skin.
Consistency is key when treating dry skin. Establishing a daily skincare routine with gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing and hydrating serums can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

9. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and diabetes can cause dry skin as a symptom.

10. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to have drier skin types, which may require more diligent skincare routines.

11. Overwashing: Washing your skin too frequently or using harsh products can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to dryness.

12. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition can all contribute to dry skin by depleting the skin’s moisture levels.

13. Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants and UV radiation can damage the skin’s barrier function, leading to dryness and irritation. I offer several choices of moisturizing sunscreens. Please use Blue Light emission- blocking screen covers for all your devices. This light spectrum causes the same damage to your eyes and skin as UVA Rays.

14. Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, retinoids, and some acne treatments, can have side effects such as drying on the skin.

Understanding the underlying cause of your dry skin can help you choose the appropriate treatments and skincare routines to alleviate symptoms and restore moisture. If you’re unsure about the cause or if your dry skin is severe and persistent, it’s advisable to contact me for a consultation so I can assist you.
When choosing skincare products for dry skin, it’s important to look for ingredients that help to hydrate, nourish, and repair the skin’s moisture barrier.

Here are some key ingredients that are beneficial for dry skin:
 Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
 Glycerin: Another effective humectant, glycerin draws moisture into the outer layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
 Ceramides: These are lipids (fats) that occur naturally in the skin and are crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier function. Ceramides help to prevent moisture loss and keep the skin hydrated.
 Fatty Acids: Omega fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 help to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe dry, irritated skin.
 Shea Butter: A rich emollient derived from the shea nut, shea butter is deeply moisturizing and helps to soften and smooth dry skin.
 Oils: Natural oils like jojoba oil, almond oil, argan oil, and coconut oil are excellent emollients that provide long- lasting hydration and nourishment to dry skin.
 Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera gel can help to calm dry, irritated skin and promote healing. Mix this into any of the above suggestions. I prefer it straight from the leaf of the plant.
 Oat Extract: Oat extract has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to relieve itching and irritation associated with dry skin conditions like eczema.
 Antioxidants: Ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, green tea extract, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help to protect the skin from environmental damage and support overall skin health.
 Humectants: Besides hyaluronic acid and glycerin, other humectants like urea and sorbitol can also attract moisture to the skin and help maintain hydration.

Exfoliation is essential at least 2-3 times per week using a light scrub, exfoliation glove/mitt, or a loofah. This becomes even more important with age. Your skin will not regenerate as quickly with age, causing a build-up of dead skin cells; exfoliation and hydration will make an important difference in skin renewal.