Coping with dry skin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for many people. It’s challenging to spend a day out with friends or colleagues, only to notice ashy-looking limbs in a nearby mirror.
While a quick splash of water may offer temporary relief, it’s important to find longer-term solutions to address the dryness and prevent it from recurring, helping individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
Many people assume that the effects of having dry skin are due to a lack of using moisturisers or body lotion, however, this is not always true.
According to the skincare company Eucerin, there are several reasons why people are confronted with dry and flaky skin and these are due to internal and external factors.
Internal:
Genetics
Moisture levels in the skin are partly determined by genetics, with fair-skinned individuals being more prone to dry skin. Certain diseases like Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, diabetes, and ichthyosis also have a genetic predisposition.
Hormonal Influence
It is said that the influence caused by pregnancy or menopause also tends to have a person’s skin becoming dry.
Diet
Having a proper diet is known to have various effects on our overall health and external appearance. However, Eucerin explains that the lack of unsaturated fatty acids and nutrients can affect the condition of our skin. This is why it is important to include vitamins C and E in your skin.
External
Sun exposure
One of the common reasons for dried skin is constant exposure to the sun. If not protected by a 24-hour or thick-quality moisturiser, the sun has the potential to damage and dry out the surface of one’s skin.
Solution
The lifestyle publication Healthline recommends the following solutions to ensure that your skin is hydrated and in excellent condition.
- Coconut oil
- Petroleum Jelly
- Humidifier
- Antioxidants (berries, tomatoes, carrots, beans) and Omega 3’s
Also see: Beauty experts reveal the dos and don’ts for pre-teen skincare routines
