The condition known as dry skin occurs when your skin cannot retain adequate moisture and consequently dries out. In most cases, it is not an indication of anything serious. You may frequently treat it on your own, and in most cases, it will go away on its own within a few weeks. You should consult a doctor if your dry skin is severe.
There are numerous causes and forms of dry skin, ranging from the outside temperature to the amount of moisture in the air.
Dry Skin Causes and Risk Factors
Most of the time, environmental factors, like the weather, can cause dry skin. Causes of dry skin include:
- Harsh soaps or detergents:Soaps, shampoos, and detergents are made to eliminate oil on your skin. That means they can also get rid of all the water and dry it out.
- Heat:Space heaters, central heating, fireplaces, and wood stoves can all lower the humidity in a room and dry out your skin.
- Long, hot showers or baths:If you take long, hot showers or soak in a hot bath, your skin could get dry.
- Other skin conditions:People with psoriasis or eczema can also have dry skin.
- Swimming Pools:When swimming in pools, be aware that the chemical used to disinfect some of them, like chlorine, can dry the skin.
Dry Skin Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of dry skin vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as health, age, and the underlying cause of dry skin. However, you might expect to experience the following when your skin is dry:
- Cracked skin
- Redness
- Itching
- Peeling, scaling or flaking
- Skin that is ashy and grey in appearance and has a harsh texture
- Tight, dry skin, especially after swimming, bathing or showering
Remedies
Dry skin is a frequent problem for people of all ages, but it’s most prevalent in infants and young children. Hands, face, arms, legs, and even the back have all been known to be affected.
Creams and ointments are used to relieve dryness and itching. During the winter, when symptoms are typically more severe than at other times of the year, some people even resort to food and lifestyle modifications to treat or prevent dryness. The ability to treat minor skin irritations with at-home remedies is a valuable skill.
Below are five natural remedies to soothe dry and itching skin and restore moisture.
Oatmeal Baths
An oatmeal bath is a quick, cheap, and easy remedy for many children’s skin issues. Diaper rash, dry skin, and eczema are just some conditions that can benefit from an oatmeal bath.
Oatmeal is good for more than just kids. You can also use it on your skin if it’s dry or itchy. The “colloidal” form of oats, which functions as an emollient, is the key to successfully calming and moisturising skin that is both dry and irritated.
To be colloidal, particles must be finely divided. Grinding whole oats into a powder makes them more emollient. Thus, the skin is better able to take in nutrients. Doctors recommend oatmeal baths for various skin conditions, and you can either purchase a commercial product or prepare your own at home for less than a pound. You probably already have oatmeal in your pantry; it’s the only thing you need.
Any kind of unflavoured oats will do, whether quick-cooking, slow-cooking, or instant. All of them are equally effective. You will need the following:
- Blender
- Warm water
- Cheesecloth or muslin bag
- One cup of oatmeal (for a full-size bath)
Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular herbal therapies for external skin issues. This is because the plant’s gel-like components are used to treat minor skin injuries and irritations.
You may have even tried aloe for sunburn, wounds, or abrasions in the past. The question of whether or not it is safe for facial use arises despite its curative properties. In most cases, which is safe. A wide range of skin conditions can be alleviated with the proper application of aloe vera.
Do you struggle with dry skin? Use the healing properties of aloe vera to triumph over them. Because it provides much-needed hydration, aloe vera is an excellent option for dry skin. Use aloe vera gel as a natural moisturiser instead of chemical creams. When applied topically, aloe vera gel provides an immediate rush of moisture to parched skin. Don’t worry about your skin getting greasy when you use aloe vera. It sinks deep into the skin to hydrate it.
Have Milk Baths
You take a milk bath by mixing milk in liquid or powder form with warm water in your bathtub. It might help with eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin, among other skin problems. It can be hard to live with dehydrated skin. As the skin dries out, other problems like itching and irritation start to show up. Lying in milk is good for your skin because it helps bring back the moisture that has been lost. This is because milk has proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and lactic acids, all suitable for the skin.
Proteins and fats soften the skin, while vitamins and minerals protect it and keep it from getting hurt. The lactic acid gently removes dead skin cells and makes collagen grow. Exfoliation is vital for removing dead skin cells and making your skin feel smoother.
Some people should avoid taking milk baths. Stay away from milk baths if you have sensitive skin, as the lactic acid in milk could aggravate it. If your fever is quite high, you should also avoid milk baths. Consult your physician before attempting a milk bath if you’re pregnant. Immediately exit the bath if you feel faint, dizzy, or unwell. Additionally, never consume the water from a milk bath. It is unsafe for consumption.
Make Use Of A Moisturising Lotion
It is safe to assume that nearly everyone has dry skin, particularly as summer gives way to autumn. If you don’t take preventative measures, rough, scaly spots can be a pain to eliminate and are more likely to appear when temperatures drop. It is essential to get ahead of it while the weather is warmer before it feels too late.
High-quality moisturisers can assist in soothing and repairing dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Moisturisers are an indispensable component of every skin care regimen. They help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent environmental damage to your skin.
If you have dry or dull skin, a daily lightweight moisturiser containing hydrating substances such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid can be beneficial. If you have dry and itchy skin or live in a cold location, you may want to choose a formula that is thicker and tailored to your unique skin needs.
Try Coconut Oil
Coconut oil functions as a sealant because it helps retain moisture in the skin by trapping water. In this way, it functions similarly to a moisturiser; however, it is best applied over a moisturiser or to damp skin.
Similar to how fatty acids can benefit human health, coconut oil is loaded with essential fatty acids for keeping good skin. By delivering critical needed fatty lipids, coconut oil can aid in preventing cracks and water loss in the epidermis. Because these lipids increase the skin’s barrier function, the skin feels supple and hydrated.
Coconut oil can help relieve inflammation caused by various skin disorders because it includes no harsh additions or chemicals. To be more specific, as coconut oil penetrates the skin quickly, it can be beneficial for enhancing skin suppleness and reducing itching caused by various skin conditions.
