Known scientifically as xerosis, dry skin is a condition that is usually not serious or life-threatening. However, it can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing, as it creates wrinkles and fine lines. The causes of dry skin vary, with most being attributed to environmental conditions that can at least be somewhat controlled. However, some cases of severe or chronic dry skin are due to skin conditions that require treatment from a dermatologist who specializes in skin care. Here are some of the most common causes of dry skin.
Weather
The weather often plays a part in the condition of your skin and can contribute to the dryness that develops.
- Low humidity: Your skin is typically the driest during the winter months because of the extreme cold and the lack of humidity in the air. However, this can also occur if you live in desert regions where the temperature is high but the humidity is still very low.
- Sun exposure: Being exposed to the sun for long periods of time dries out your skin. However, it also causes damage within the deeper layers of your skin, which can result in loose, sagging skin and wrinkles.
Heat
Sources of heat also tend to lead to dry skin. This can include:
- Dry heat: Wood-burning stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, and central heating all reduce humidity which in turn dries out your skin.
- Hot baths or showers: Taking long, hot baths or showers dries out your skin as well. Heavily chlorinated pools can also have the same effect if you are a frequent swimmer.
Skin Products
There are many products you use every day that could be drying out your skin. For example:
- Harsh soaps: There are many popular soaps that strip the moisture from your skin and lead to dryness. Antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging.
- Detergents: Certain laundry detergents can irritate your skin as well, which will lead to dryness and other problems.
- Deodorant: Some types of deodorants can be very damaging your skin by reducing the moisture that is naturally present.
- Shampoo: Depending on the ingredients, some shampoos can dry out your scalp.
Skin Conditions
There are certain skin conditions that have dry skin as a symptom. Some of the most common include:
- Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, this is a chronic skin condition that causes your skin to become very red and itchy. This is a condition that can occur at any age, but it is especially common among children. Though there is no cure, there are treatments that can help relieve the itching and prevent outbreaks as much as possible.
- Psoriasis: This is a very common skin condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells, which causes them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. As a result, the extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and dry, itchy, red patches that can be very painful. Psoriasis is a chronic, life-long disease that has no cure. However, there are treatment options that can help you manage your symptoms and prevent outbreaks.
