FIVE THINGS ABOUT DRY SKIN

The Skin Lightening website brings you another skin-care article...

Our skin needs moisture to smooth and supple, but retaining moisture is not always easy.

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a common problem although it is not usually a serious issue. Factors which contribute to dry and cracked skin include:

• Inherited factors.

• Metabolic factors such as an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss.

• Increasing age, resulting in decreased natural lubrication.

• Cool weather, especially when windy.

• Air conditioning.

• Excessive bathing, showering or swimming, especially in strongly chlorinated hot or cold water.

• Contact with soap, detergents and solvents.

• Frictional irritation and chapping.

Chronic or severe dry skin problems do exist and may require a dermatologist's advice; however, for mild cases of xerosis there are steps that can be taken to improve the skin’s condition.

Locate

The fact that we may have oily facial skin does not mean that the rest of us is as lucky. Dry skin is most common on the lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen) and thighs. Locate these dry areas and embark on a plan to remedy their condition.

Showering and bathing

Hot water dries out the skin, so try to use lukewarm water when showering and bathing. It is also a good idea to limit the time you spend in the shower to an absolute minimum. Bathing provides the skin with moisture temporarily, but it removes the skin's oily lipid layer and in the end causes more moisture loss than gain.

Avoid rubbing the skin too harshly with sponges or washcloths and when towelling, do not rub the skin. Instead, blot or pat dry so there is still some moisture left on the surface. Next, apply a moisturizer.

Products

Steer clear of harsh soaps that dry the skin. Recommended soaps are Dove, Olay and Basis. Even better than soap are skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Lotion or Oilatum. When moisturising, water-based lotions are best cosmetically, however oil-based creams are more effective in trapping moisture. If you have very dry skin, apply oil to the still moist skin, then apply a moisturizing cream at bedtime.

Protect

All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands and back of the neck should have a moisturiser containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 30 applied daily.

Laundry

For laundry, try using non-biological washing powder or liquid and avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Do not wear clothing made of wool or other ‘scratchy’ fabrics and use good quality cotton percale sheets on your bed.

If you feel itchy without a visible rash or if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping you should consult your physician. Additionally, if you have any open cuts or sores from scratching or if your home care measures do not relieve your dryness and itching, you should definitively seek medical advice.