Dry skin – we complain about it, scratch it, moisturize it, peel it off; but nothing seems to help! To effectively solve the problem of dry skin, we first have to understand what causes it and where we’re going wrong in treating it.
Natural, healthy skin stays soft and moisturized by ‘lipids’ released by our body. The sebaceous glands produce a substance called ‘sebum’ (containing lipids) which maintains the moisture in our skin. Dry skin is caused when this layer is stripped away, either by natural causes or by our own lifestyle choices/habits.
If dry skin is left untreated, it can cause dermatitis, skin inflammation, swelling or skin infection. Most cases of dry skin are external and similarly, most treatments for dry skin are external as well. It is easy to maintain supple skin with proper care and management.
Some common mistakes resulting in dry skin are:
Mis-moisturising:
The most common mistake people make is applying moisturizer to the already dry skin. The role of the moisturizer is to trap the moisture already present on the skin. So it is advisable to dab your skin with a wet towel right before applying your moisturizer. Choosing the right moisturizer for your skin is also important – People with dry skin should opt for thick, yet mild moisturizers without any artificial perfumes or alcohols in them. A simple way to check if a moisturizer is thick enough is to put a blob of it on the back of your palm, and if it runs off the surface, it isn’t thick enough.
Long, hot showers:
There’s a reason our skin feels extra dry after a long shower with hot water – extended exposure to warm water washes away all the natural oils that are responsible for keeping the skin moist and supple.
Have quick showers, with lukewarm water and dab gently with a towel to dry off- instead of vigorous rubbing. Apply a moisturizer immediately in order to retain the natural oils of your body.
Excessive soap:
We’ve always been told to wash our hands, face, and feet regularly. But overdoing it is actually counterproductive for our skin. Scrubbing your skin often drains the natural oils and will result in dry, flaky skin in the long run.
Use gentle soaps with mild fragrances or even opt for the foam and liquid variations that are available. Never scrub your skin too hard and do not use soap too frequently.
Extreme hot or cold:
Those long hours in the AC aren’t doing your skin any favors! Long exposure to extreme cold or hot temperatures has an adverse effect on your skin. It drains out your skin’s natural oils and leaves it dry and scaly. Prefer a room with moderate temperature and avoid staying in the same place for long periods of time. Taking a small break from your desk benefits your mind, body, and skin!
In some advanced cases of acne or dry skin, you might need to turn to medical treatment. With specialized equipment and the best experts in acne scar removal, skin rejuvenation, scar and stretch mark removal; our clinic ensures you get the best treatment possible for all your skin-related woes.
Consult with our panel of top cosmetologists and dermatologists to understand your skin type better and to know what products and remedies suit your skin.
