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Description

Dry skin refers to a skin ailment that develops when the skin fails to retain enough oil and moisture. Lipids, or fats, make up the skin’s natural barrier, which aids in retaining moisture and shielding the skin from harm. This barrier weakens when the human skin loses excessive amounts of moisture and oil, which can cause dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Anywhere on the human body can develop dry skin, but the hands, arms, and legs are the most frequently affected areas.

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Dry skin: Description, Causes, And Treatment Protocol is an original (HealthXWire) article.

Possible Causes

The following are some of the potential reasons for dry skin: –

Environmental factors: Exposure to harsh climatic elements including wind, low humidity, and cold temperatures may result in dry skin. Long hot showers, together with excessive soap and detergent usage, can deplete the skin’s natural oils.

Harsh detergents and soaps: The skin’s natural oils may be stripped away by strong detergents and soaps that result in dryness.

Hot baths and showers: Hot water deprives the human skin of the natural oil that it produces naturally.

Age: The skin gets thinner and generates less oil with age, increasing its propensity for dryness.

Medical conditions: Dry skin can be a symptom of multiple illnesses, including thyroid disorders, psoriasis, and eczema.

Genetics: Some people are more likely than others to have dry skin due to genetics.

Exacerbating and Mitigating Factors

The following factors might either aggravate or alleviate dry skin: –

Abrasive detergents and soaps: Detergents and soaps with strong chemicals dry out the skin by robbing it of its own essential oils.

Warm baths: Skin can be dehydrated as hot water can strip of the skin’s natural oil.

Clothing: Dry skin can get irritated by several textiles, including wool and synthetics.

Humidity: High humidity may help to alleviate dry skin, whereas low humidity might make it worse.

Standard Treatment Protocol

Usually, an assortment of the following is used in the conventional dry skin treatment initiative: –

Moisturizers: The skin barrier can be strengthened and restored by using a moisturizer on the skin. Moisturizers with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea, are recommended as it restores the moisture barrier.

Humidifiers: By introducing moisture into the air, utilizing a humidifier may prevent dry skin.

Abandoning warm water: Using cool water instead of hot may keep the skin from losing more natural oils.

Gentle cleansers: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleansers should be sought after because those cleansers retain the moisture barrier of the skin.

Treatment Options

Several other treatment alternatives may be beneficial alongside the typical dry skin treatment procedure, such as the following: –

Over-the-Counter Formulations: To treat dry skin, a variety of over-the-counter products are available. The following are some of them: –

• Moisturizers

The foundation of dry skin care is moisturizer. A moisturizer with substances like lactic acid, urea, or ceramides might help in restoring the skin’s inherent barrier.

• Emollients

Emollients are generally heavier and thicker than moisturizers but comparable in function. They function by producing a shield over the skin, stopping moisture loss. The knees and elbows constitute two places where emollients are beneficial because of the thicker skin there.

• Lip balms

The lips can also be impacted by dry skin. One must find a lip balm with components that can assist in locking in moisture, like petrolatum or beeswax.

• Humectants

Humectants function by drawing water from the skin while keeping it moisturized. It is important to search for products that have components like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

• Oatmeal baths

Baths with oatmeal may be beneficial in relieving dry, itchy skin. It is essential to seek out items that include colloidal oatmeal which is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities.

Prescription drugs: Prescription drugs could be required to treat dry skin when over-the-counter remedies are ineffective.

The following are a few of the widely prescribed drugs for dry skin: –

• Topical corticosteroids

These drugs can lessen the irritation and swelling brought on by dry skin.

• Topical retinoids

These medicines can aid in enhancing skin texture and minimizing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors

These prescription medications can also lessen the irritation and swelling brought on by dry skin.

• Systemic medications

Systemic drugs like immunosuppressants might be administered to treat inflammation in serious instances of dry skin.

Nutritional Supplements: Certain dietary supplements could prove useful in controlling dry skin alongside topical therapies. The following supplements are a few that have been proven to be efficient: –

• Biotin

A B vitamin considered crucial for the health of the skin is biotin, sometimes referred to as vitamin H. It can aid in enhancing the elasticity and moisture of the skin. Sweet potatoes, eggs, almonds, and other foods alongside supplements contain biotin.

• Vitamin C

Another antioxidant that may help in shielding the skin from harm is vitamin C. Additionally, it may aid in boosting collagen synthesis, which enhances skin suppleness and lessens the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. Citrus fruits, kiwis, and bell peppers are a few examples of foods that contain vitamin C.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy skin as it assists in controlling the skin’s immune response. Sunlight and dietary supplementation are both sources of vitamin D.

• Vitamin E

Antioxidant vitamin E may help defend the skin against oxidative stress brought on by free radicals. Almonds and spinach are two examples of foods that contain vitamin E, along with supplements.

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Fatty seafood like salmon and sardines along with flaxseeds and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may help in decreasing inflammation and hydrating the skin.

• Zinc

Zinc is crucial for maintaining healthy skin as it strengthens the skin’s immune reaction. Foods like oysters, steak, and pumpkin seeds are good sources of zinc, as are supplements.

Natural and Herbal Remedies: Certain herbal and natural therapies can help with dry skin management. The following are some of the treatments that have been demonstrated to be beneficial: –

• Aloe vera

A succulent plant called aloe vera has been used for generations to cure a variety of skin issues, including dry skin. Minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants found in the plant’s gel-filled leaves can aid in hydrating and calming the dry skin and antioxidants found in the plant’s gel-filled leaves can aid. Aloe vera also contains anti-inflammatory qualities that may help lessen inflammation and redness.

• Coconut oil

Coconut meat is used to make coconut oil. It contains lots of fatty acids, which can help to protect and moisturize one’s skin. Lauric acid, another component of coconut oil, has antibacterial qualities that may aid in staving against infections.

• Honey

Since ancient times, dry skin and other skin diseases have been treated with honey. It is said that its high antioxidant content and antibacterial qualities might aid in calming and safeguarding the skin.

• Chamomile

For generations, people have utilized chamomile to cure a variety of skin issues, which includes dry skin. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in calming and decreasing sensitivity and redness. Tea made from chamomile may be used topically, and it can also be found in skincare items.

• Oatmeal

For thousands of years, dry skin was regularly treated with oatmeal which includes substances known as avenanthramides. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities that can aid in calming the skin.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree plant leaves are used to make tea tree oil that can stop infections and calm dry, irritated skin.

• Jojoba oil

Natural oils generated by human skin and jojoba oil share a similar chemical makeup. It has a lot of fatty acids, which might aid in moisturizing and protecting one’s skin. Jojoba oil makes an excellent moisturizer for skin care.

• Shea butter

Obtainable from the nuts that grow on the shea tree, shea butter contains significant amounts of vitamins and fatty acids that aid in hydrating the skin. In addition to having anti-inflammatory qualities, shea butter also helps alleviate irritation and redness.

• Calendula

The herb calendula has been widely used for many years for dry skin treatment. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities which calm and minimize sensitivity and redness. These make it suitable to be as a skincare item.

• Evening primrose oil

The seeds obtained from the evening primrose plants are used to make evening primrose oil. Gamma-linolenic acid, an important fatty acid found in the oil that might aid in moisturizing and protecting the skin, is present.

Conclusion

Dry skin often requires consistent care to maintain skin health and prevent discomfort. As mentioned, dry skin occurs when the lipid barrier weakens causing the layer underneath to lose moisture and oil that results in flaky skin. People with dry skin must avoid harsh soaps and opt for shorter and cooler showers along with using humidifiers to improve skin hydration. Dermatologists may recommend specific treatments or prescribe medicated creams for people with more severe cases. It is also good to have a hydrating skincare routine that involves the use of moisturizers and gentle cleansers to address the dryness. By adopting these practices and consulting with dermatological experts when needed, persistent skin dryness can be curbed.

Additional resources for further reference

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skin

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin

Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.

Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.