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Radiant and glowing skin is every woman’s dream, but these dry skin scalings or patches make it challenging. Being a very common skin condition that almost everyone experiences at least once during their lifetime, dry skin prevalence is higher in women than in men1. It is an uncomfortable condition, also called xeroderma or xerosis. This blog will guide you regarding dry skin, its causes, and dermatologist-approved common skincare mistakes that should be avoided for managing dry skin in women.
Synopsis
About Dry Skin
Dry skin is often characterised by rough, flaky, itchy, or scaly skin. It can affect anyone, irrespective of their age. Dry skin is usually experienced during the winter, is mostly temporary, and can be cured using the right moisturising products. If the skin becomes painful, inflamed, or does not improve with home-care remedies and lifestyle changes, it's important to seek consultation with a dermatologist for effective skin disease treatment.
Causes of Dry Skin
The loss of water is the main cause of dry skin, and various factors that lead to this include:
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Heat and climate change
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Certain occupations
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Genetics
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Harsh soaps and detergents
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Other skin conditions (eczema or psoriasis)
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Taking more baths or long hot showers
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Scrubbing skin
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Medical treatments (cancer, dialysis, certain medications)
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Medical conditions (diabetes, thyroid, kidney disease)
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Ageing
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Dehydration
Consult our dermatology hospital in Bhubaneswar if you need treatment for the above causes and avoid dry skin.
Skincare Mistakes to Avoid for Women with Dry Skin
Here are 6 skin care mistakes recommended by dermatologists that should be avoided to prevent dry skin:
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Using Hot Water: Using hot water for bathing, washing your face, or taking a long shower strips essential oils and disrupts the skin's pH, making your skin dry and irritated. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and shorter showers, and apply a gentle moisturiser immediately after bathing or washing your face.
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Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating skin is good for removing dead skin cells and dry skin flakes, but avoid over-exfoliating, especially if you have dry skin. It can hurt your skin barrier and remove natural oils, causing irritation and exacerbating dryness. Use only a gentle scrub to exfoliate, and do it no more than twice a week.
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Skipping Moisturiser: Moisturiser is essential to lock in the skin's essential nutrients and moisture. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin, protecting it from environmental stressors. So, never skip using moisturiser, even on hot summer days, irrespective of your skin type. The best time to apply moisturiser is after cleansing or bathing when the skin is still damp.
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Using Harsh Skincare Products: Using toxins-enriched or harsh skincare formulations not meant for your skin type can cause itchiness and dryness by removing essential oils from your skin. Dermatologists recommend using gentle, non-foaming, fragrance-free, or natural skin products meant for your skin type.
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Not Using Sunscreen: Sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from the damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause many skin issues like dryness, wrinkles, and skin cancer. A sunscreen with SPF above 30 is recommended, and don’t forget to use sunscreen on cloudy or overcast days, as the sun’s UV rays can still damage your skin’s hydration levels.
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Ignoring Climate: Environment and climatic conditions like low humidity levels can affect your skin by removing the desired moisture, making your skin even worse. To protect your skin from extreme dryness in the winter months, use a humidifier in your home, as it maintains optimal moisture levels in the air.
Consult our dermatologist in Bhubaneswar if you want to know more about how to avoid dry skin and get a personalised skin care routine for dry skin.
Conclusion
Managing dry skin effectively, especially during the winter, requires following all the steps of a good skincare routine and avoiding common mistakes that can exacerbate this skin condition. By incorporating dermatologist-approved dry skin tips and being mindful of these common pitfalls, women with dry skin can achieve a healthier and more radiant complexion. If your dry skin condition is not improving or getting worse, seek consultation with a dermatologist at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, for appropriate skin treatment and personalised guidance for your specific skin type.
FAQ's
Yes, you can have dry skin or dry-to-normal skin, but you will need to take good care of your skin by using the right products and formulations made for your skin type.
You can keep your skin hydrated by drinking at least 7-8 glasses of water daily. Also, avoid the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can disrupt your body’s hydration levels, impacting your skin’s overall health.
Yes, getting enough vitamin E is essential for keeping skin healthy and moisturised. That's why it's a common ingredient found in many skincare products. You can take it as a supplement or through foods such as sunflower seeds.
Coconut oil is perfect for dry skin treatment, as it nourishes dry and cracked skin and strengthens the skin barrier by replenishing its lost moisture. It can be used by everyone, irrespective of their skin type.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Dermatology Department or visit our website.
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