As another cold and windy winter season comes to an end, many of us are currently contending with dry skin. With warmer weather quickly approaching, you probably have questions about how to heal your dry skin – especially before bathing suit season begins.
The skin care experts at The Derm are here to answer all your dry skin questions, including what causes skin dryness, what the best home remedies and treatments are, and when you should visit a dermatologist.
Cut-and-dry facts about your skin
Recent studies confirm that winter skin issues, including skin dryness, plague most Americans. In fact, 60 percent deliberately change their skin care routine during colder months to help resolve these problems. A good thing, since your skin must fight to retain moisture all winter long.
The one-two punch of cold air and low humidity strips moisture away from the surface of your skin, leaving small clumps of dead skin cells that make your skin feel dry and rough. Dry skin is often itchy, and flaky or scaly patches can develop. The most severe dry skin may crack and bleed.
Almost everyone will experience dry skin, but some people are more at risk. These include:
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- Older people – As we age, our skin produces less sebum (a natural oil that keeps skin soft). The amount of sebum your body makes drops dramatically in your 40s – and continues to drop over time.
- People with other skin conditions: Dry skin is a symptom of many skin conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and more.
- People who take certain medications – Dry skin is a possible side effect of several medications, including statins and diuretics.
- People who are vitamin-deficient: Your skin needs nutrients to stay healthy. You may develop dry skin if you don’t get enough iron, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin D, or zinc.
- People who work with water – If your job requires you to put your hands in water often or use harsh chemicals, your skin loses its protective layer more quickly. Hairstylists, nurses, housekeepers, and construction workers often have dry skin.
Next, we’ll answer common questions about skin dryness.
How is dry skin diagnosed?
To diagnose dry skin, your dermatologist will ask about your medical history, review your symptoms and skin care routine, and perform a physical exam.
We may also order tests to confirm any health conditions that cause dry skin, such as:
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- Skin biopsy or tissue sample (to evaluate skin conditions)
- Blood test (to check for diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid issues)
- Allergy test (to identify the source of allergic reactions)
What home remedies are best for dry skin?
There are several things you can do at home to keep your skin moist and healthy:
Gently wash your face at least twice a day
Use a gentle, alcohol-free, non-foaming cleanser on your face at least twice a day and after sweating. If you have sensitive skin, use a cleanser in the evening and rinse with water at other times.
Moisturize often
Apply your moisturizer of choice several times a day, especially after washing your hands or bathing. Look for healing ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Never use moisturizers that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which dries out the skin further.
If you have mature skin, using products that contain antioxidants and/or alpha hydroxy acid can help prevent flaky or scaly skin. Moisturizers often form the basis for wrinkle creams, with added peptides, retinoids, and other ingredients.
Limit bath and shower time
Long baths and showers and hot water remove the natural oils in your skin. Bathe or shower no more than once a day and for 5-10 minutes or less, using warm water only.
Wear skin-friendly fabrics
Natural fibers like cotton allow your skin to breathe, while fabrics like polyester or wool can irritate dry skin. Use a laundry detergent without perfumes or dyes to protect your skin even further.
Avoid dehydrating foods and drinks
Foods and drinks that contain salt, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol pull water from your body, which can lead to dehydration.
Use a humidifier at home
Hot, dry indoor air can make dry skin worse. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home.
What are the best treatment options for dry skin?
The Derm will create a personalized treatment plan for you with one goal in mind: to rehydrate and bring moisture back to your skin.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are the primary form of treatment for most types of dry skin. They come in many forms, including lotions, creams, ointments, and oils.
Moisturizers help soften dry skin while rebuilding your skin’s protective layer at the same time. If you have very dry skin, your dermatologist may recommend moisturizing products that are specially formulated for your needs.
Medications
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help soothe any redness or itching caused by dry skin.
For extremely dry skin, your dermatologist may suggest a prescription medication. If your skin cracks open, we may also prescribe wet dressings to prevent infection.
When should you visit a dermatologist for dry skin?
If the treatments above don’t relieve your dry skin or your symptoms worsen, visit The Derm for a consultation. Be sure to contact us right away if your dry skin:
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- Looks infected (red, swollen, warm, etc.)
- Is painful to the touch
- Itches constantly
- Develops a rash
The Derm can help you fight dry skin
At The Derm, we never leave you high and dry – especially when it comes to your skin. To learn more, schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist at our Glenview, Park Ridge, or Wilmette location today.
