Dry skin is a very common problem and at some point we all have needed to manage it. Dry skin is itchy, flaky and irritating. Sometimes it is accompanied by redness and in severe cases it becomes cracked or bleeds. Dryness can be caused by many factors but fortunately there are many things to do to treat dry skin and improve its appearance. Let’s find out more.
Why is my skin dry?
Genetics
Dry skin is a common skin type and can be caused by genetic factors. It results from a lack of hydrating oils in the skin. Some skin conditions like eczema can also be inherited and make things even worse as they can cause itchy and dry skin.
Weather and environmental conditions
The cold, the heat, the air, the humidity are factors that can cause dry skin. During autumn and winter months the temperature falls and the air gets cold making your skin drier. The heaters you use indoors (air-condition, fire place, central heating, etc.) reduce humidity and the air gets drier worsening itchy skin.
Age
As we get older the functionality of our skin alters. It loses elasticity, gets thinner and drier. Women in menopause tend to get drier skin due to hormonal changes as well.
Too much exposure to water
Long baths with hot water remove the natural oils from the skin and cause dryness. Washing your hands too often and spending too much time at the swimming pool can also result to dry, itchy skin.
Using skin care products with harsh chemicals
Most conventional skin care products contain harsh chemicals as preservatives, petrochemicals, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, etc. that can be harmful to your health and cause dryness and irritations. You will find those chemicals in shampoos, shower gels, soaps, creams…and the list goes on. The more you use them the more your skin will suffer from dryness.
What can I do to treat and protect dry and dehydrated skin?
- Avoid taking long, hot baths and showers. Use warm or lukewarm water and try to keep it down to 5-10 minutes. You will do your skin a big favor and you will help the planet reducing water usage.
- Throw away your synthetic bath sponge and opt for a natural sea sponge. Natural sponges are extremely soft and do not irritate sensitive skin. They are hypo-allergenic and toxin free. To learn more about their benefits, read this article.
- Replace conventional skin care products with organic ones. Organic personal care products are free of toxic chemicals, synthetic dies, harsh preservatives and other harmful ingredients. They do not cause irritations, allergies and dehydration and they are friendly to sensitive skin.
- Use a rich body butter for deep nourishment and moisturization right after your bath. Apply to all parts of your body and wait until it is fully absorbed. To seal in moisture, you can apply a body oil on top. We recommend organic virgin coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil. There are a lot of choices, take a look here.
- Take good care of your face. Use a mild cleanser and avoid cleansing products like conventional face soaps that will strip oil from your skin and dehydrate it. Don’t scrub your face more than once every week and choose a mild face scrub for dry and sensitive skin. Apply a rich moisturizing face cream every day and a nourishing night cream before you go to bed.
- Protect your hands. Your hands are constantly exposed to weather conditions and it’s the only part of your body that stays in water for so long (due to frequent hand washing). Wear gloves on cold days and apply a rich moisturizing hand cream on a daily basis.
