Dry Skin problems are prevalent in cold areas of the country. To understand some of the causes of the dryness. you have to understand some basics of your skin. Normal, healthy skin is has a thin layer of natural lipids or fatty oils. They store moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple. Something externally in the environment or something you do may strip away these fatty oils, leaving your skin unprotected. The cause may be also internal; a health condition or genetic predisposition is making your skin dry out. The skin when dry can let all sorts of bacteria inside which can lead to all sorts of problems if left untreated. On severe cases, xerosis (scientific term for dry skin) can lead to dermatitis. Here are some of the causes of it:
Dry Air - Dry air is most common problem especially during the winter as it draws the moisture right out of the skin and causes winter itch. Turning down the thermostat a bit in the winter can also help and putting on humidifier can counteract the dry air problem.
Long Hot Baths - Prolonged exposure to water can wash away the fatty oils that stored and protects your skin. As a tip, if you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it has dried out. To prevent this keep your bath short and limit hot water,
Soap - The use of soaps is one of the major causes of xerosis. Scrubbing your skin can lose the essential fatty oils. Most of the supermarket or commercial soaps can cause dry skin. Some home soaps like glycerin and herbal soaps can prevent dry skin problem.
Tight Clothing - Tight clothes can scrub against you skin and make you feel dry. Clothes like wool can also cause itchiness and dry your skin. Try wearing loose or cotton clothes that allows your skin to breathe and remain moisturized.
Above are some of the common problems of dry skin and their cures. Now you can take preventive measures to rectify the problem and have soft and supple skin.
About this Author
Sam Mathews has been writing for past 5 years and usually writes on topics based on health. He provides Dry Skin Remedies tips like preventing dryness by using Dry Skin Soaps. He is a speaker, a great cook and an avid blogger.
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