Dry hand skin: causes. Very dry skin, what to do? Causes of dry skin of the body: treatment of trouble and recommendations of nutritionists Too dry skin what to do

Many people who have experienced dry skin know that it can cause a lot of problems. Contraction, finely porous structure, irritation, dull color, peeling and - these uncomfortable sensations can upset and make you think about finding ways to deal with them. In addition, dry skin is more prone to wrinkles and ages faster.

In this article, we will tell you about the causes of dry skin and how to treat it. Such knowledge will help get rid of the discomfort that it can deliver and prevent the formation of premature wrinkles.

Signs of dry skin

You can determine the dryness of the skin yourself: when you press your fingers on its surface, traces do not disappear for a long time. There are also other signs:

  • tightness;
  • invisible pores;
  • frequent irritation (redness);
  • peeling;
  • lack of elasticity;
  • cracks.

With the drying of the upper layer of the skin, it loses its integrity and through the formed microcracks it can pass dirt, bacteria and chemicals. Subsequently, these foreign agents can cause irritation and itching.

The reasons

Frequent sun exposure contributes to dry skin.

Dry skin leads to inhibition of sebum production, which is provoked by a number of reasons. In some cases, such inefficient work of the sebaceous glands is caused by a hereditary predisposition. Dermatologists note that dry skin in young people often indicates a genetic feature, while in people of more mature age it appears due to other internal or external factors.

The main external causes of dry skin are as follows:

  • dry air;
  • climate;
  • hot and cold water;
  • prolonged exposure to the sun;
  • freezing;
  • improper skin care (aggressive cosmetics, frequent washing with soap, etc.).

The main internal causes of dry skin:

  • (insufficient water intake, indigestion, high temperature, etc.);
  • hormonal disruptions (, hypothyroidism, menopause, etc.);
  • metabolic disease;
  • frequent stress;
  • long-term use of antibiotics;
  • (especially A and E);
  • skin diseases (allergies, keratosis, fungal infections, etc.);
  • poor nutrition and debilitating diets;
  • bad habits(smoking, excessive consumption of sweet tea and coffee, carbonated drinks);
  • aging.

Dry skin can be general or affect specific areas of the body. One or another localization of such zones may indicate the cause of their appearance, and various means can be used to eliminate and treat it.

Treatments for dry hands and fingers

Dry hands and fingers are more often caused by external factors. Washing dishes without gloves with aggressive substances or in hot water, cold air, using antibacterial or deodorized soap, working on the ground, working with building mixtures - these are not all factors that contribute to overdrying of the skin. Particular attention should be paid to the formation of cracks on the fingers. Such a symptom may indicate insufficient intake of vitamins A, E and group B.

To eliminate and treat dry skin of the hands and fingers, a number of measures should be taken:

  • use cotton or rubber gloves when working with aggressive substances;
  • wear warm mittens or gloves in the cold season;
  • use sunscreen;
  • gently dry the skin of the hands after washing with a soft towel;
  • use mild and high-quality detergents for washing hands;
  • normalize nutrition;
  • pay attention to the sufficient intake of vitamins A, E and group B.

Treatment of dry skin of the hands can be carried out with the help of pharmaceutical wound healing creams and various folk recipes.

  1. Potato mask - boil the potatoes in their skins, peel and mash into a pulp. Add a tablespoon of warm milk to it. Apply a warm mask on the skin of the hands for 20 minutes for several days in a row, 2-3 times a day.
  2. Compress of honey and glycerin - take 1 teaspoon of honey, glycerin, water and flour. Mix the ingredients until smooth and brush your hands with the resulting mixture. Put on cotton gloves for 20 minutes. Such compresses are best done several times a day for a week.
  3. Sour cream compress - mix a glass of fat sour cream with egg yolk and lemon juice. Moisten the gauze with the resulting mixture and attach it to your hands, fix it with cling film on top and put on gloves or wrap your hands with a warm towel. After 20 minutes, remove the remnants of the compress with a cotton pad and put on clean cotton gloves. Such compresses are best done before going to bed for several days.
  4. Olive oil and lemon juice mask - mix a tablespoon of oil with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of hand cream. Before going to bed, apply the mixture on the skin of the hands and put on cotton gloves. Such a mask can be carried out once a week for prevention or for several days to treat dry skin of the hands.
  5. Oil bath - pour olive, sunflower or linseed oil into a small bowl and heat in a water bath to a comfortable temperature (it should be very warm). Soak your hands in the oil for 20 minutes. After that, wet your hands with a napkin. Such procedures are recommended to be carried out 2 times a week.

On the fingers are used such folk recipes:

  1. Resin and honey ointment - in a metal bowl, mix 10 g of resin, 10 g of honey, 15 g of beeswax and 30 ml of vodka. Put on fire and, constantly stirring, wait for the complete dissolution of all ingredients. Pour the ointment into a clean glass dish and store in the refrigerator. For treatment, apply the agent to the crack and seal it with a bactericidal adhesive plaster. Leave for 7-8 hours.
  2. Ointment from plantain - grind dry grass into powder, mix with 3 drops of oil and add petroleum jelly (in a ratio of 1: 9). Apply in the same way as an ointment of resin and honey.
  3. Calendula ointment - grind half a glass of dried calendula flowers into powder and mix with one glass of melted interior lard. Place the mixture in a water bath and, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula, bring to a homogeneous consistency. Pour into a glass dish and store in the refrigerator. Apply in the same way as an ointment of resin and honey.

With dry hands and cracked fingers, a dermatologist can recommend you vitamin and mineral complexes - it is not recommended to choose them yourself.

In some cases, dryness and flaking of the hands can be caused. The skin is covered with spots of different sizes and colors (from pink to slightly bluish), and the patient may experience itching and burning. On the folds, it can crack and form white flaky islands. Proper Treatment such fungal infections of the skin of the hands are prescribed only by a dermatologist after laboratory tests to determine the type of fungus. Only after that, the doctor will be able to prescribe antifungal drugs and determine the duration of their use.

Treatment options for dry elbows

Dry skin on the elbows can be caused by many external and internal causes. Peeling in this area is provoked by mechanical action (for example, when working in an office) or frequent bathing. It can also be caused by various diseases.

Most often, dry elbows are observed when:

  • hypothyroidism - this disease leads to a slowdown in metabolism and skin regeneration, epidermal cells die off, do not have time to exfoliate and the skin becomes dry and rough;
  • - lack of iron leads to a decrease in hemoglobin and a lack of oxygen in the tissues, metabolic disorders cause dry skin;
  • diabetes mellitus - a metabolic failure causes malnutrition of all tissues of the body, the skin becomes dehydrated, becomes vulnerable and thin, areas of inflammation and itching appear;
  • autoimmune and dermatological diseases - atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, skin ichthyosis and other diseases, lead to peeling and roughening of the skin.

Treatment for dry skin on the elbows is aimed at eliminating the cause that causes such a symptom. In addition to treating the underlying disease, it may be recommended to use creams with chamomile and alfalfa, Lipikar balm, Pitival and Atoderm creams, Radevit ointment, oils (cocoa, shea, mango, etc.) and folk recipes.

Traditional medicine advises such remedies for dry skin on the elbows:

  1. Coffee grounds and honey scrub - Add honey to the coffee grounds, apply to the elbows and massage in circular motions to remove dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water and apply a nourishing cream or oil.
  2. Compresses of sour cream and sunflower oil - mix the ingredients in equal proportions, apply the mixture on gauze and attach to the elbows, wrap with a warm cloth and leave for 10-20 minutes.
  3. Baths of milk - warm the milk and immerse the elbow in it for 20 minutes. Blot with a napkin and repeat the procedure on the other hand.

Treatments for dry skin


To cope with dry skin of the face at home, masks made from natural ingredients will help.

Dry skin of the face can be explained by hereditary predisposition, external factors, age-related changes or disruption of the sebaceous glands. A decrease in the level of sebum secretion can provoke various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine or nervous system and a lack of vitamins A, E and group B. To treat these pathologies, a doctor's consultation is necessary, which will identify the cause and determine the course of treatment of the underlying ailment.

To prevent the development of this problem, it is necessary to minimize the aggressive impact environment and take proper care of your skin. Washing and caring for such skin should be carried out only with the help of special products. You can also use various homemade nourishing and moisturizing products.

Traditional medicine suggests using such masks for dry skin of the face:

  1. A mask of plum, melon and jojoba oil - take all the ingredients in the same proportions. Plum pulp and ripe melon mash with a fork until pureed. Add oil and mix thoroughly. Apply to face and wash off with warm water after 20 minutes.
  2. Mask of egg yolk, vegetable oil and chamomile - beat the egg yolk with a teaspoon of vegetable oil (almond, linseed, sunflower, olive, etc.), add a tablespoon of chamomile pharmacy extract and beat again. Apply the mixture on your face and wash off after 10-15 minutes with lukewarm water.
  3. Mask of oatmeal and olive oil - boil the flakes in milk. Take 3-4 tablespoons of porridge, add the same amount of olive oil to it and beat. Apply to the face in a thick layer. Wash off after 15 minutes with warm water and rinse your face with cool water.


Ways to treat dry skin on the body

General dryness of the skin on the body can also be caused by external factors, but most often it is provoked by diseases of the internal organs. For its treatment, it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it. In addition to getting rid of the effects of external factors (hot water, aggressive detergents, prolonged exposure to the sun, etc.) and treating the underlying disease, it is recommended to observe a normal drinking regimen, eat enough dairy products, fish, vegetable oils, broccoli, nuts and seafood .

To moisturize and nourish the skin after hygiene procedures, various cosmetic products for dry skin with ceramides, fatty acids and lipids should be used. You can also use various folk recipes for baths, masks and peels:

  1. Peeling with honey, sea salt and olive oil - mix 4 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the resulting mixture and mix. Apply to cleansed body skin and massage lightly. After 5 minutes, take a warm shower.
  2. Bath of decoction of flaxseed and chamomile - boil 5 teaspoons of flax seeds in a liter of water for about 15 minutes, prepare a decoction of chamomile (the recipe is indicated on the package). Mix both decoctions in a 1:1 ratio and add to 1/2 bath. The duration of the procedure is about 15 minutes.
  3. Bath of milk, almond oil and honey - heat a liter of milk and add 200 honey to it, mix with a dessert spoon of almond oil. Pour the composition into the bath. The duration of the procedure is about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Honey and olive oil mask - mix honey and oil in a 1: 1 ratio, apply to cleansed body skin and leave for 20 minutes. Take a warm shower.
  5. Mask of avocado, banana, cream and butter- Grind the pulp of one avocado and banana with a fork until mashed, add 100 g of butter, 1/2 cup of cream to the mixture and beat everything thoroughly. Add a few drops of rose oil and beat the mask again. Apply to cleansed body skin for 15 minutes. Take a warm shower with a washcloth.

Methods of treatment for dry skin of the feet and heels

It can be caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes, insufficient amounts of vitamins A and E, diseases of the endocrine system and fungal infections. In some cases, all these reasons can lead to the formation of cracks in the area of ​​​​roughened skin, which cause a lot of discomfort and pain.

If such a problem was caused by uncomfortable shoes, then it is enough to get rid of it and choose shoes that take into account the size and shape of the foot. Treatment of dry skin of the feet and heels should be aimed at eliminating the underlying disease. To do this, you need to consult an endocrinologist or dermatologist. Lack of adequate treatment will lead to aggravation of the underlying disease and the development of complications.

For local treatment of dry skin of the heels and feet, various agents can be used: emollients, exfoliants, antibacterials and wound healing. Their choice depends on the condition of the skin.

To eliminate very dry skin of the heels and feet, traditional medicine offers the following recipes:

  1. Mask of green apples - grate one apple on a fine grater, put the puree on gauze and attach it to the foot. Put on socks. Leave the compress overnight. Wash off the mask in the morning and apply a nourishing cream to the skin.
  2. Potato and flaxseed mask - grate raw potatoes on a fine grater, add the same amount of flaxseed, add a little water and boil the mixture until it thickens. Allow to cool slightly and apply on the feet. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water, remove areas of flaky skin and lubricate the feet with iodine.
  3. Masks with castor oil - moisten gauze with oil and apply to the foot or heel. Wear warm socks and leave overnight. In the morning, blot the skin with a tissue.

For the treatment of cracked heels, you can use folk recipes that were described above for the treatment of cracks in the fingers. Good results are obtained by the use of such means.

There are several reasons for the appearance of excessive dryness of the body (xeroderma):

  1. sun exposure: it is intense solar radiation that dehydrates and, as a result, dries the skin. If you do not protect yourself from the sun with special creams in the summer, spend a lot of time on the beach and are exposed to intense solar radiation, then the result, as a rule, is overdried skin of the face and body. Intense exposure to low temperatures also provokes dry skin;
  2. use of aggressive hygiene products: soaps, shower gels, liquid soaps, shampoos. The vast majority of these products contain sulfates, which remove the protective film from the skin, thereby irritating it and causing dryness;
  3. use of cosmetics containing alcohol: many body lotions and mists are alcohol-based;
  4. products containing mint, menthol and eucalyptus, citrus essential oils. If the dermis is prone to dryness, it is not necessary to exclude these products from use, you just need to treat them with a certain degree of caution;
  5. the use of rough scrubs also irritates and dries the skin;
  6. products designed to moisturize the skin, under certain conditions, dry it. For example, creams with glycerin, petroleum jelly, hyaluronic acid in dry rooms, in the cold season, in dry climates and low air humidity (below 65-70%), instead of transferring moisture from the environment to the skin, act exactly the opposite, stretching this very moisture from the deep layers of the skin to its surface and to the environment;
  7. lack of water and products with fatty acids in the diet negatively affects the beauty of the skin. You need to consume at least 2 liters of water a day, eat walnuts and red fish - then everything will be in order with the intake of fatty acids in your body and the water-lipid balance of the skin;
  8. uncontrolled use of laxatives and diuretics can also lead to dry skin;
  9. dishwashing detergents, washing powders and other household chemicals, as well as bad water in pools and taps. Also, your skin may become dry after sea bathing - you just need to wash off the sea salt well;
  10. if you drink coffee excessively, smoke, often abuse alcohol, then your skin under the influence of these factors can become dry.

Dry skin is also observed in severe diseases:

  • chronic kidney disease,
  • hepatitis,
  • cirrhosis,
  • oncological pathologies,
  • skin diseases.

In old age, dry skin is a constant companion. There is also a genetic predisposition to dry skin, which is observed in fair-haired and fair-skinned people.

When to See a Doctor

If dry skin itches, you constantly feel discomfort, pain, cracks appear - you should definitely visit a dermatologist.

He will collect an anamnesis, determine which doctors you still need to visit.

After all, such manifestations can be evidence not only of a cosmetic problem, but also a factor in serious failures and pathologies in the body.

The role of water

About 20% of all water in the human body is contained in the skin. Water determines both the mechanical and physiological properties of the dermis, ensuring the integrity of the skin.

The youthfulness and health of the skin depends on the usefulness of the water balance. Well-moisturized skin is always soft, supple, fresh and smooth.

If the dermis is dehydrated under the influence of external and internal factors, then this leads to a decrease in the protective resources of the skin, which becomes dry, sensitive, and cracks.

To prevent dehydration, the skin needs components that directly affect the process of regulating water balance.

Rules for dry skin care

There are rules, the observance of which will help restore and maintain optimal water balance:

  1. frequent washing- your enemy, for dry skin, evening cleansing with milk and the indispensable use of a moisturizer will be enough.
  2. avoid soap and other alkaline products. It is necessary to use special cleansers designed for dry skin. Cosmetics for dry skin should also not contain alcohol, as it will greatly enhance the existing xeroderma of the skin.
  3. morning and evening it is very useful to wipe the face with a cube of frozen mineral water or herbal infusion. This procedure optimizes blood flow in the skin, enhances muscle tone, the skin is fresher, tightened.
  4. you need to drink up to 2 liters per day of pure water, preferably non-carbonated.
  5. regular physical activity has a very positive effect on the condition of the skin. The lack of movement leads to a slowdown in blood circulation, a decrease in muscle tone, as a result, the skin becomes dry, dull and flabby.
  6. several times a week, pamper your skin with a moisturizing mask that you can prepare yourself at home, or buy at a store or pharmacy.

Treatment

Drugs for dry skin should be prescribed and used after determining factors such as:

  1. the degree of dryness of the patient's skin,
  2. health safety,
  3. hypoallergenicity,
  4. as well as individual tolerability of the drug.

At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that with age, the skin condition changes under the influence of hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause in women, problems with the prostate gland in men).

It is necessary to take into account the time of year: in winter, thicker creams are needed, and in summer, products with a light texture.

If dry skin is not only tight, but also has severe itching, scratching, cracks, a more thorough treatment is selected:

  • creams should be high in natural medicinal components: selenium, zinc, tar, salicylic or lactic acids, urea;
  • you need to do baths and baths with the addition of sea salt, herbal decoctions of plantain, chamomile, yarrow, oak bark, willow bark, birch buds, burdock root. Sea baths nourish the skin with iodine, potassium, zinc, and vegetable baths help normalize metabolism.

What to do at home

For the treatment and prevention of dry skin of the body, you can use masks at home:

  1. mayonnaise mask (prepared not from store-bought mayonnaise, do not be alarmed). cook homemade mayonnaise you can do this: take 2 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (preferably olive), beat until smooth, apply to the body for 30 minutes;
  2. take 25 grams of fatty cottage cheese, a tablespoon of sour cream, two teaspoons of cream, two teaspoons of milk, mix, apply to the skin for 15 minutes, rinse;
  3. very useful for dry dermis stimulation with massages with vegetable oils: coconut, olive, apricot, peach. It is necessary to massage the skin until the oils are completely absorbed.
  4. with a certain degree of caution, you need to do peeling. Peeling should not be very hard, while doing the procedure, you do not need to press, the movements should be delicate and smooth. It is good to make peeling from a mixture of 5 strawberries and 2 tablespoons of cream (fatty) or milk: mash fresh strawberries in a bowl, add milk, apply this gruel on the skin for 10 minutes.

Do you need a vitamin complex

Today there is enough big choice skin-improving products:

  1. drug Aevit. This tool is inexpensive and effective, is very popular, contains the optimal amount of vitamins A and E;
  2. dry skin can also be treated with the complex preparation Vitasharm, which contains many vitamins that are present in small quantities in food;
  3. a good vitamin composition has a Revivon preparation that moisturizes the skin and makes it more elastic.

If you constantly monitor and care for the skin, then you may never encounter the problem of skin xeroderma.

Prevention will definitely give a result:

  1. after a bath or shower, any water procedures, it is imperative to lubricate the body with a moisturizer;
  2. pay attention to the material from which clothes and shoes are sewn: it is desirable that these be simple natural fabrics that allow air to pass through;
  3. Be sure to use sunscreen before prolonged exposure to the sun.
  4. lead a healthy lifestyle, do not smoke, eat a balanced diet;
  5. sauna is good for dry skin, but not every sauna: Finnish sauna is not useful, Russian bath is very useful;
  6. do not delay a visit to the doctor if the problem of dry skin gives you great discomfort. So you prevent serious diseases that can threaten your life, and not just beauty.

Photo: Before and after

The skin is one of the most important organs. She shapes our appearance, gives a sense of touch, controls temperature and protects against infections. However, rough, thickened, flaky, itchy or painfully dry skin loses its ability to function properly - the receptors become less sensitive, the risk of premature aging and sun damage increases, and the risk of infection increases.

Dry skin is unable to regulate its hydration.

Usually, effective solutions are quite affordable, and they are based on daily care that is suitable for dry skin.

Dry skin is the leading cause of skin disease, with over 40% of dermatologist visits related to dry skin. Dryness can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the hands, feet, knees and elbows, and the face because these areas are the most vulnerable. Dry skin on the face can be a factor in premature aging.


Internal and external factors can impair the skin's ability to hydrate and result in excessively dry skin.

When the skin becomes dry, it can become very hard, flaky, flaky, itchy and painful, even very rough and cracked. However, it is not always obvious that dryness is the cause of these skin problems, depending on the degree of dryness and the affected area of ​​the body.

  • Moderately dry skin
    At first, dryness can be noticed in the form of a slight compaction or slight roughness.
  • Dry skin
    If the skin continues to lose moisture, it becomes rough and may take on a cracked or rough appearance, possibly itching.
  • Excessively dry skin
    If such dryness remains untreated or ineffective, the skin can become extremely tight, rough and cracked. At this stage, itching can also become severe and painful.

Areas of the body affected by dry skin

Dryness often appears on the skin of the legs and thighs. Dry skin on the feet is especially common, and often leads to cracked heels, which, if severe, are associated with pain and inflammation.

However, dryness associated with washing with strong detergents can affect the entire body equally. Washing your hands too often also tends to contribute to dry skin on them.

If you wash your hands very often, they can develop dry skin.

Sensitive skin

Dry skin on the body is often quite sensitive, but its sensitivity is not always caused by dryness. Some people's skin is naturally very sensitive, even when it's well hydrated. In any case, it is important to avoid skin care products that contain irritating ingredients such as fragrances and dyes. Always check if the product has been dermatologically tested on sensitive skin.


Dry skin in diseases

For diseases such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the skin may look reddened, flaky and itchy.

Dry skin can also be associated with certain medical conditions:

  • Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. It comes from the Greek: “xero” means “dry” and “osis” means “disease”.
  • Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are also associated with dryness, although inflammatory processes underlie these diseases. As a rule, the skin affected by them looks reddened, exfoliates and is very itchy.
  • Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease can also increase the risk of dry skin.

The main causes of dry skin

There are many causes and factors that cause dry skin on the body, from environmental influences and improper skin care to diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The skin acts as a barrier to the body, but this means that it is exposed to both external and internal influences.

External factors

  • External factors cause dysfunction of the skin as a natural barrier, which leads to an increase in moisture loss through the skin.
  • Violation of the skin's surface barrier by washing away the natural lipid layer makes it impossible to retain moisture, and the rate of its loss increases.
  • Finally, when dryness extends to the lower layers of the skin, the transport of water through deep tissues is disrupted, as the functioning of important hydration channels is disrupted.

Deficiency of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), which bind moisture, leads to dehydration of the upper layers of the skin.

External Factors Contributing to Dryness

The main external causes of the process described above are environmental factors and skin care:

  • Oversupply ultraviolet rays can lead to aging of the skin and, as a result, to dryness.
  • It is recommended to limit bathing time and reduce the temperature of the water, as long baths can cause moisture to evaporate.
  • Since some medications can cause dry skin, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

External environment

  • Harsh weather conditions - heat, cold and dry air - destroy the protective function of the skin.
  • Seasonal changes - dry skin symptoms often worsen in winter or summer.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can accelerate skin aging, and skin becomes more prone to dryness as we age.

Skin care

  • Frequent washing or long hot baths or showers remove the layer of lipids that form the skin's protective barrier.
  • Inappropriate skin care - it is important to follow the instructions and use products that are suitable for dry skin. It is especially important not to use strong soaps that strip away the skin's natural lipids.

Medication
Dry skin occurs as side effect many medicines. Common medications that have this side effect include diuretics to control blood pressure, which act by increasing the amount of water that is excreted in the urine, as well as some antibiotics and oral acne medications. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you

Internal factors

Genetic influences
The moisture balance in the skin is also affected by heredity. Some people have oily skin, others dry, and these skin types are inherited, although a person will not necessarily have the same skin type as their parents. Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus and ichthyosis often have a genetic basis.

Hormonal influences
Changes in the concentration of certain hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, can affect skin moisture and lipid levels. This is especially noticeable after menopause, when the skin becomes dry due to a drop in estrogen levels.
Dry skin can also develop during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and additional body fluid requirements.

Food
Like any other organ, the skin requires a number of important nutrients to function properly. These include unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. The absence of any of these can contribute to the development of dry skin.

Age
With age, the number of sebaceous and sweat glands in the skin decreases, which leads to a decrease in the ability to synthesize sweat and lipids. The water content of the skin and its ability to retain moisture are also reduced. These factors lead to dryness, which in turn causes skin aging and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about dryness associated with age.

Factors that cause dry skin

In addition to the main causes of dry skin on the body, there are several other factors that also affect the degree of dry skin. Understanding this will help to avoid them and thereby reduce their impact.

  • The best time to moisturize is when the skin is clean and slightly damp, such as after a bath or shower.
  • Dry skin needs special sunscreen without any irritating perfumes or dyes.
  • The constant use of protective gloves and hand cream can help some professions, such as a doctor or hairdresser.

Lack of effective treatment
If dry skin is not treated quickly, the degree of dryness may increase and the moisturizing system in the deep layers of the skin may be compromised. In such situations, it is necessary to use a moisturizer designed to solve this problem.

The influence of the sun's rays
While protecting dry skin from sun exposure, it is important that sunscreen also replenishes the lack of moisturizing factors in addition to the appropriate sun protection factor (SPF). It is also important that sunscreen, like any other skin care product used on dry skin, does not contain irritating perfumes or dyes, as dry skin, especially on the face, is more prone to irritation than normal skin.

Professional risks
Some professions require working in conditions that can increase the risk of dry skin. These are usually occupations that involve the development of dry skin, such as working in hot or cold environments (farmer / fisherman), or work involving the use of detergents (doctor / nurse / hairdresser), or working with chemicals (mechanic / cleaner).

Dehydration
The skin receives moisture from the body, and therefore depends on the water balance in the body. When dehydrated, it reduces the supply of moisture to the skin, which slows down the natural movement of water through the skin, which can contribute to dryness. Older people are prone to dehydration because the feeling of thirst decreases with age.

Smoking
Cigarettes contain many toxins, including nicotine, which can slow down blood flow. This leads to a decrease in the metabolic rate in the skin. And this means that the processes of premature aging and drying can start in it.

Dry skin care

Dry skin is caused by a breakdown in the skin's barrier function, resulting in moisture loss and reduced water-retention capacity due to a deficiency in moisturizing factors. Thus, dry skin requires daily care that does not cause further deterioration of the skin barrier and restores the lack of natural moisturizing factors.

Dry and excessively dry skin, as well as dry skin associated with diabetes or psoriasis, require appropriate products depending on the degree of dryness, but atopic dermatitis requires special products for the daily skin care of infants and young children. When choosing a skin care product for children, always check the age indications.

Cleansing dry skin of the body. Most often, skin becomes dry due to damage to the skin's surface barrier, so it's important that the cleanser is gentle enough not to strip away the skin's natural protective barrier. Additional natural moisturizing factors such as urea will also help restore moisture balance in the skin.

Moisturizing dry body skin. The first requirement for moisturizers for dry skin is to restore the balance of moisture in the upper layers of the skin. Substances referred to as "natural moisturizing factors" (NMFs) such as urea and lactic acid retain moisture in the stratum corneum or upper layer of the skin. The minimum recommended concentration of urea, even for moderately dry skin, is 5%. Extremely dry skin generally requires a higher concentration of urea and other moisturizing factors.

Instead of wiping damp skin with a towel, pat it dry and apply a cream or lotion immediately afterwards.

It is important to follow the instructions and use products that are suitable for dry skin.

Dryness, roughness and thickening of the skin can be caused by malfunctions in three main moisture control mechanisms: damage to the surface barrier due to lack of skin lipids, dehydration of the stratum corneum due to the absence of natural moisturizing factors and poor distribution of moisture in the lower layers of the skin.

Protection of dry skin of the body from solar radiation
When going outside, reduce exposure by wearing clothing that covers all parts of the body and using sunscreen. In addition, it is important that sunscreens also contain moisturizing factors. Sunscreens for dry skin should be free of irritating perfumes and dyes because dry skin is sensitive to irritation.

A moisturizing cream that is suitable for dry skin should be applied frequently to the affected area.

Avoiding factors that contribute to dryness

In addition to quality daily cleansing and moisturizing, it is important to avoid factors that contribute to the development of dry skin. This will help alleviate the problem of dry skin and reduce the need for treatment:

  • Avoid dry air by spending less time outdoors in hot, dry or cold weather and using humidifiers if the heating is turned on in the room.
  • Reduce your time in hot water by taking quick warm showers instead of long hot baths.
  • Use gloves when washing dishes - this will help avoid exposure to hot water and aggressive detergents.
  • Wear clothes made from natural materials such as cotton and silk that do not irritate the skin. Wool too natural material, however, can irritate dry skin and should therefore be avoided.
  • Try to use laundry detergents without dyes or fragrances to avoid irritation.
  • Make sure you drink enough water - especially for older people.

There are many ways to dry out oily skin. I gave in the article an example and a recipe from my life and the life of my family. Laundry soap, it has no price.

It kills odors, cleanses the skin and can be used for exfoliation. My mom didn't need any scrubs. She steamed her face once a week and cleansed her skin with soap and a washcloth. You should have seen her face!

A cream for oily and problematic skin is a must. After all, if such skin is not taken care of in time, then it will be more difficult to restore it. Wrinkles don't just appear on dry skin.

If you want to dry and cleanse oily skin on your face and get rid of acne, a procedure that needs to be done in the evening before going to bed will help you with this. I use laundry soap to cleanse and dry my skin every night when I shower.

Recipe:

  • Laundry soap very well helps to get rid of acne
  • carefully wipe each pimple on your face with a damp piece of laundry soap
  • wash your face for the first time after that with cool water only in the morning

About laundry soap, I want to tell you one secret that I learned from my mother, and she from hers. It is passed down in our family from generation to generation. Situations are very different.

It happens when people sweat, the skin emits an unpleasant odor, especially under the armpits. In our family, thanks to laundry soap, no matter how much we sweat, there is no unpleasant smell under the armpits and not only under them.

Wash yourself with laundry soap every night when you go to the shower and you will never have to blush and be afraid that you will smell bad if you do not sweat. Believe me, it's true, I know it for sure. How to deal with sweating more, you can read in this article: ""

I still do peeling with laundry soap. The face becomes as smooth as a baby's. After this procedure, it is necessary to apply a moisturizer on the face.

Cream for oily and problem skin

I thought what kind of cream to offer you for oily and problem skin. I think the recipe for this cream suits such skin the most. Read and try, I think it will only benefit.

Recipe:

  • need a few overripe cucumbers
  • for one part of cucumbers, two parts of alcohol or vodka

Twist the cucumbers in a meat grinder and mix together with alcohol or vodka. Then put in a glass jar. Put in the sun for three weeks. During this time, the jar will be filled to the top with cucumber seed oil.

Pour the resulting liquid into bottles and store in a cool place. Every morning, wipe your face with the resulting cucumber cream. That's what my friend calls it, but I would rather call it cucumber lotion.

This is truly the best cream for oily skin. Before suggesting to you, I tried it on my face. Suits my skin very well. The skin is so smooth and soft!

How is this cream prepared?

  • two egg yolks
  • one tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • one teaspoon runny honey
  • one tablespoon of glycerin
  • one and a half glasses of water

Rub the yolks with vegetable oil and add all other ingredients. Then pour the entire composition into the bottle and shake well. Then add two teaspoons of camphor alcohol and shake the liquid again. The cream is ready.

Oily skin on the face must be dried, then it will be clean and smooth. So you learned how you can dry oily skin. How to prepare a cream for oily and problematic skin and the recipe for the best cream for oily skin.

Be healthy and happy.

Video - Oily, problem skin

Each of us wants to be the owner of a beautiful, healthy skin, but, unfortunately, we often face a number of problems. The skin on the body is dehydrated, rough, flaky, itchy. Why does the skin on the body dry and itch, and what can be done in this case?

The most common reasons

There are many reasons that cause dry skin. All of them can be divided into two groups:

  1. external factors;
  2. internal reasons.

If the skin dries, other accompanying symptoms often occur: a feeling of tightness, excessive sensitivity, peeling, itching, resulting in a desire to itch.

External factors

The sebaceous glands that are present on human skin produce sebum. A thin film is formed, it is a reliable protection of the skin from the influence of various factors. If this process is disturbed, the skin dries out and itches, losing elasticity. Dry skin ages faster, wrinkles, as it is deprived of natural protection.

Some people naturally have dry skin on the body, this is due to genetic characteristics. This phenomenon is usually associated with low activity of the sebaceous glands.

If the skin was normal or oily, and then became dry, there were unpleasant sensations and discomfort, such as peeling, itching, tightness, perhaps the reason for this is the influence of external factors. The most common of them are the following:

  1. Weather. Wind, sun, frost, excessive humidity directly affect the condition of our skin. The protective layer of the epidermis is broken, irritation, dryness, and a desire to itch appear. Similar problems often occur in winter period when we are in conditions of sudden changes in temperature, for example, when leaving the room to the street. Our skin is under stress during this time.
  2. Poor hygiene, lack of or improper care. Quite often, we overdry our skin on our own, using cosmetics incorrectly. Excessive use of soaps, tonics and lotions on alcohol, scrubs, peels contributes to the loss of moisture from the top layer of the skin.
  3. various harmful factors. Dust, gas, poor ventilation and other factors can cause negative action on the skin. This is a fairly common phenomenon that not everyone takes note of. If for one of these reasons the skin began to dry and itch, drinking plenty of water and using high-quality cosmetics can help.
  4. Allergy. A reaction may occur to cosmetics, washing powder, body care products.
  5. Frequent hot baths and showers. With frequent exposure of the body to hot water in combination with cleansers, the lipid barrier of the skin can be disrupted. Also, this should include a visit to the pool, where the water is usually chlorinated.
  6. Insects. The skin can itch due to insect bites, such as ticks, bedbugs, mosquitoes and others.

Human skin quickly reacts to various external stimuli with itching, peeling, and a desire to itch. If the reason that the skin dries out is external factors, getting rid of the problem is quite simple - it is enough to correctly identify and eliminate the cause.

Internal factors

There are many internal factors that are the main cause of dry skin. The main ones are the following:

  • Skin diseases. Eczema, scabies, lichen and other diseases cause dry skin, a desire to itch.
  • Allergic reaction. This is a common occurrence lately. The reasons may be different. Often an allergic reaction occurs to food, medicines.
  • Avitaminosis, malnutrition. If the body does not receive vitamins, minerals in the proper amount, this can lead to skin vulnerability. It dries out, becomes vulnerable, itches. The deficiency of vitamins A, C, E is especially strongly reflected on the skin. Too fatty, sweet food, coffee can also be the causes of severe dry skin.
  • Alcoholic drinks, smoking. Bad habits have a bad effect on the whole body, in particular, on the skin. So, the use of nicotine neutralizes vitamin C, as a result of which the skin dries out, coarsens, and cracks appear.
  • Medicines. Dry skin is a side effect of certain medications, such as laxatives, diuretics. If this is the reason, then after stopping the medication, the water balance of the skin is restored.
  • Diseases of the body. Many diseases cause dry skin. These include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and others.
  • Lack of moisture. If a person drinks a small amount of liquid a day, it affects the skin. Experts recommend drinking at least two liters of water a day.

Separately, it is worth paying attention to itchy skin in pregnant women. The main reason is hormonal changes in the body, high level estrogen. In older people, the problem may lie in age-related changes in the work of sweat, sebaceous glands, skin structure at the physiological level.

What is itchy skin

Skin itching can be physiological and pathological. The first occurs as a result of natural irritation, for example, after insect bites, as a result of exposure to the skin of aggressive substances. This is a normal reaction of the body to a stimulus.

Pathological itching is characterized by duration, intensity, captures the whole body. It starts to itch, the desire to itch is so strong that wounds, scars appear. Itching can be one of the symptoms of diseases such as:

  • atopic dermatitis is a common type of eczema;
  • psoriasis is a disease that is characterized by the appearance of coarsened scales on the human body, itching, a desire to itch;
  • diseases of the thyroid gland, which lead to a decrease in the activity of the sebaceous, sweat glands;
  • somatic diseases;
  • disorders of the nervous system and others.

List possible causes extensive. Reliably deal with them, maybe only a doctor.

To correctly determine the cause, select effective treatment you should contact a dermatologist, infectious disease specialist, neurologist and other specialists.

Diseases are the main cause of dry skin

Psoriasis, lichen, eczema affect the skin quite often. Depending on the characteristics of the disease, the skin becomes blotchy, itchy and itchy.

The problem of dryness may lie in the kidneys. Slags are excreted from the body through the skin, which causes irritation and itching.

The liver and bile have a great influence on the water balance of the skin. If the level of bile acids exceeds the norm, this can affect the skin.

Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease cause a reaction throughout the body.

The condition of the gastrointestinal tract has a strong influence on the condition of the skin. This is especially pronounced after surgery.

Vegetovascular dystonia, nervous disorders, stress, depression are often the causes of excessive dryness, itching and irritation.

How to treat

To get rid of the problem, it is best to use an integrated approach. The first thing to do is to determine the cause of excessive dryness. It is worth taking into account not only external, but also internal factors, since the skin can dry out from an excessive amount of ultraviolet radiation, dry air in winter, and also from health problems.

If dry skin is associated with exposure to the sun, wind, frost, improper care, it is enough to reduce or eliminate the influence of negative factors. It is necessary to learn, competently, to protect the top layer of the skin, using cosmetics to eliminate dehydration of the dermis. Care must be taken to ensure that the skin receives sufficient moisture. To do this, you need to consume at least two liters of fluid daily.

If the cause of dryness is malnutrition, bad habits, it is worth changing your lifestyle. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition. You need to eat vegetables and fruits.

If the cause of dry skin is skin diseases, internal problems of the body, it is worth treating the underlying disease. Skin aids can be used to relieve symptoms. It can be cosmetic substances, ointments, gels, lotions. It is worth reducing the use of ordinary soap, consume a lot of liquids, vegetables, fruits.

If you do not remove the main factors that caused dry skin, any help will not be effective enough, so first of all it is worth eliminating the root cause.


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