Dry, flaky skin is much more than an embarrassing cosmetic issue — it can make you feel uncomfortable and even be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue. You might think that dry skin is just a part of your life, but there are ways to combat the cracks with simple but effective skin-care tips.
At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we believe that beautiful skin is healthy skin. Dr. Robert Topham shares his best advice on how to keep your dry skin in check.
You might be wondering why your skin is dry in the first place. To answer that question, you have to first understand how your skin works.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ that protects the important structures inside your body. It consists of complex layers of tissue, blood vessels, nerves, oil and sweat glands, and hair follicles.
Soft skin relies heavily on water content, more specifically, your skin’s ability to retain water and stay moisturized. When the outermost layer of your skin is depleted, you notice the signs and symptoms of dry skin.
There are lots of reasons why your skin feels itchy and tight and looks ashy and cracked. It could be that you live in an environment with low humidity, or you could be naturally predisposed to dry skin.
Other common causes of dry skin include:
Whatever is causing your dry skin, there’s no reason to feel stuck in the desert of parched skin.
The good news is that managing your dry skin can be as easy as making a few lifestyle changes. Dr. Topham recommends you do the following if you want to take control of your dry skin:
You might not realize just how important proper bathing is to keeping your skin healthy and moisturized. From the moment you turn the water on to the end of your drying process, the proper bathing techniques can make or break your skin.
The next time you hop in for a rinse, turn the heat down a bit. Soaking in hot water can be great for relaxing muscles, but it wreaks havoc on your skin. Try skipping a shower every other day and keep your bathing time down to 10 minutes. It’s a good idea to check your body wash and opt for soap that has moisturizers built in.
When it’s time to get out, gently pat yourself dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing the water off. Before you get dressed and throw your towel over the curtain rod, be sure to liberally apply a moisturizer all over to help your skin retain as much water content as possible.
Dry skin, especially dry skin caused by medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis, can be itchy, tempting you to scratch. Do your best to keep your hands off and leave your skin alone.
Your dry skin is begging for some help when it comes to getting and retaining water, and there are few things you can do to give your skin the support it needs. Invest in a humidifier for your home, especially if you live in a dry climate.
We also strongly encourage you to drink plenty of water. That’s not just good advice for your overall health, but the extra hydration gives your skin a boost from within.
It can be easy to stroll down the aisles of your local store and grab whatever bottle of lotion or moisturizer has the prettiest colors or makes the boldest promises. Instead, come see Dr. Topham and our team. We give you the best recommendations based on your specific type of skin, so you’re not moisturizing in vain.
Don’t surrender to the seasons, your age, or any other conditions that cause dry skin. Get our expert advice, treatment, and support, and feel the effects of healthy, moisturized skin that’ll last all year round.
If you’d like more information or would like to request a consultation, call our office in Holladay, Urah, or schedule an appointment online today.
