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Dry Skin Care Tips

Dry Skin (xerosis)

• Dry skin is more common in the winter because the humidity is usually low.

Significantly dry skin can lead to dermatitis, an inflammation (flaking or scaling) of the skin.

The lack of proper moisture levels in your skin disturbs your skin's natural elimination of cells from the stratum corneum (the releasing of dead cells on the top layer of skin). When this process is disturbed, dead skin cells collect and become visible as dry skin flakes.

As dryness penetrates deeper, healthy corneocytes cannot reach the surface skin, which impedes the skin’s ability to ward off dryness and environmental damage.

Why skin wrinkles (hands and feet) after we take a bath or shower: As previously mentioned, the top layer of skin on the hands and feet is called the stratum corneum. This top layer absorbs water like a sponge when it is submerged into water. The more it is saturated with water, the more it expands and gets softer – resulting in the prune-like condition we all have experienced. Since the fingertips and toe tips contain the thickest stratum corneum, this area shows the most prune-like changes.

Although the top layer of skin on the hands and feet absorbs the most water, this type of exposure is followed by a rapid drying process (Transepidermal Water Loss), which eventually leaves the skin drier. When washing dishes, etc., wearing rubber gloves blocks the evaporation process and protects against the skin wrinkling – drying process.

Moisturizers

Effective moisturizers contain a healthy balance of humectants and occlusives. Glycerin is an example of a humectant and petroleum jelly is an occlusive. Humectants bind water within the corneocytes, while occlusives replace lipids in the skin surface, forming a physical barrier that reduces Transepidermal Water Loss, while also sealing in moisture into the cells.

Dry Skin Remedies

• For the cheapest, most effective solution to severe dry hands (the kind that are chapped, cracked and sore), we recommend simple Vaseline Petroleum Jelly for it’s ability to literally melt into your skin – both protecting it from outside exposure and forming a barrier that seals in moisture. 

• For simple dry skin problems, look for lotions that contain humectants and occlusives and have a texture and fragrance you enjoy.

• Limit baths or showers to 5 – 10 minutes.

• After a bath or shower, pat yourself dry gently with a towel, rather than rubbing.

• Apply a moisturizer immediately after drying off from a shower or washing your hands.

• Use bath oils and moisturizers daily. Thick moisturizers work best. Avoid products with alcohol.

• Don’t scratch dry, itchy spots; apply extra moisturizer instead.

• If you have the time, apply a cool compress to itchy areas instead of scratching. If skin is inflamed, try over-the-counter cortisone creams or lotions.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Rashes

Use old-fashioned cornstarch for rashes, insect bites, hives, etc.

Additional Measures for Dry Skin

• Lower the thermostat – hot air is drier than cool air.

• If you need to keep it warm, a humidifier will put moisture back into the air.

• Avoid very hot baths or showers as hot water draws away the fatty substances that aid skin in retaining water.

• When outdoors, protect your skin against windy cold air – bundle up.

• Choose fabrics that are kind to your skin. Natural fibers such as cotton and silk allow your skin to breathe.

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Source: Skin Care and Aging: National Health Institutes (www.niapublications.org)

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