Having a healthy looking complexion is something each of us wants. After all, no one wants to have dry itchy skin which can make you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed in front of your friends and family. But for some reason, everyone has to contend with dry skin at one time or another.
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin (or Xerosis) is a fairly common problem. Dry skin is most common in your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. Dry skin refers to the situation when less oil is produced by the oil glands. In order to stay soft and supple your skin needs to retain its natural moisture. But when exposed to direct sunlight in summer or harsh weather in winter, it quickly loses its natural moisture and oils, becomes dry and chapped. It can occur at all ages and in people with or without other skin problems.
What causes the skin to dry?
There are many causes for this situation:
- Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition.
- As we grow old, the skin loses its capacity to retain moisture causing dry skin.
- Water deficiency also causes dry skin or dehydration of the skin.
- Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps.
- Dry skin may arise as an effect of medications like diuretics, antihistamines and anti spasmodics.
- A poor diet especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can contribute to dry skin.
- Metabolic factors such as an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss.
- Few underlying diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis or seborrhea may also lead to dry skin.
What are the symptoms of Dry Skin?
The symptoms of dry skin include:
- Dry and rough skin;
- Development of wrinkles at an early age;
- Scaling, itching and redness;
- Cracked skin;
- Aged looks;
- Dull and lifeless appearance;
- More prone to fungal infection and dry eczema;
- A feeling of tightness in the skin, especially after showering, bathing or swimming.
What can I do about it?
There are numerous natural remedies to dry skin. These don't have any side effect and totally work. Some of them are:
- Avoid using harsh soaps and face washes as they remove natural oil that protects your skin.
- It's best to shower in lukewarm water instead of hot water as hot water robs skin of moisture causing dry skin. Also, try to keep your bath or shower short, and try showering only once per day. Showers may be better than baths.
- Drink 7-9 glasses of warm water everyday (do not drink cold water as it increases vata).
- Moisturizer is the key to soft, supple skin. Apply moisturizer when your skin is a little damp (pat skin dry instead of rubbing with your towel before application) as this helps trap more moisture in the skin.
- Exposure to cold and windy climate for long time can remove moisture from your skin. So, wear gloves whenever you go outdoors during the winter season.
- Protect your skin from sun and pollution. Use a proper sunscreen lotion.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol as they are diuretics.
- Add half tablespoon of honey to 1-2 tablespoon of rose water. Apply on face, neck, and other dry skin area. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes and then wash off with tepid water. Cucumber face pack is also very beneficial for the treatment of dry skin.
- An oil massage is the best and the most effective remedy to treat dry skin. Regularly massage your body with coconut or olive oil.
- Avoid junk food like chips, deep fried food etc. Eating food rich in minerals and proteins and vitamins is very much helpful in overcoming dry skin. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin A and B vitamins should be included in the diet.
- Oatmeal is a popular dry skin remedy. So much so, it can be found in many soaps, body washes and facial scrubs.
- Avoid swimming for long periods of time in heavily-chlorinated water.
- Consume herbal tea as it contains vata balancing herbs regularly.
The key to enjoying vibrant and glowing skin it to make sure that it is moisturized all the time. The healthier the skin, the slower is the aging process. Use the above tips to make sure that your skin receives the adequate attention all the time. Chances are the only beauty products you need are right in your own pantry.
