🤩 Skin-care hacks 🤩
The list of culprits that cause dry skin is a long one, from daily bathing habits (think hot showers and scrubbing yourself dry with a towel) and wicked winter weather, to a lack of natural oils in your skin as you age.
The good news is that unless you’re managing a skin condition, you may not need to visit a dermatologist to soothe dry skin. Instead, you might consider incorporating a home remedy to your skin-care routines.
Today, I’d like to share with you several dry-skin causes, some fixes that may already be in your kitchen, and how to protect and repair your skin barrier. Hopefully you’ll learn something new, along with some helpful insights that can make a difference for you and your loved ones skincare 🤩
Before we get started, I hope you found last week’s newsletter “Age related markers and increasing your Health-span” helpful. If you missed it, you can use this link, Here.
Okay, let’s talk SKIN!
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What Is the Skin Barrier, and How Does It Work?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis is the top layer of skin, and the very outermost layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum.
To put it simply, the skin barrier prevents things from escaping (such as moisture) while also preventing things from getting into your skin that you don’t want (allergens and viruses). Here are three main functions of your skin barrier.
Keeps Skin Moisturized:
The skin barrier helps your skin retain water so it’s supple and properly hydrated. Dry skin, as a result, can be flaky and more prone to irritation and itch. Well-moisturized skin appears plumper, which counteracts signs of premature aging.
Plays a Role in Immunity:
Your skin plays a critical role in your health, and is your body’s first-line defense against things that can make you sick. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can increase the risk of infection, allergic reaction, irritation, itching, and pain.
Protects Against UV Radiation:
The outermost layer of skin provides the first source of protection against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation. Once UV rays penetrate skin, the damage can trigger redness, signs of premature skin aging (wrinkles, discoloration), as well as skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Unfortunately, UV rays also break down the skin’s barrier.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Barrier Damage
Your skin will tell you when something’s wrong. Your skin can become red, itchy or dry and flaky (or some combination). These are all signs that the skin barrier is damaged. Dry skin may suggest a compromised skin barrier and can happen on any part of the body, including the legs.
The general cause of itchy, dry skin might seem like a no-brainer: It’s a lack of moisture. But where does that lack of moisture come from?
Dry skin is caused by a dysfunction or deficiency in the necessary healthy fats in the top layer of the skin. Normally, the top layer of skin is made up of dead cells and natural oils, which help trap moisture to keep the skin soft and smooth. But if there’s not enough water in this top layer of cells, which can happen if the protective oils are diminished, dry skin can result.
In most cases, experiencing dry skin isn’t a big concern. It’s extremely common, can occur in people of all ages, and can pop up anywhere on the body, from the hands and face to the legs and stomach. Dryness can make the skin red, flaky, or itchy, which can be uncomfortable, but beyond that, there’s usually not much to worry about.
Sometimes the dryness will be severe and may indicate an underlying skin issue or health condition. If the dryness is so severe that it interferes with your ability to work or sleep, if the skin is inflamed or painful, or if it appears infected, be sure to visit your primary care doctor or a dermatologist.
Your first thought when you experience dry skin may be to pile on moisturizer. And while that’ll help and you’ll likely see changes within a few minutes, this is a temporary solution. It may be more beneficial to get to the bottom of what’s causing the dryness in the first place. You might be surprised by what you find — some skin dehydrators lurk in surprising places.
Battling itchy, dry skin? Chances are one of these notorious dehydrators is to blame!
If you’re looking for remedies for dry skin, check this list first to find out whether one of these offenders may be to blame, and find out how to combat these dehydrators. You should see improvements within one to three weeks of caring for your skin properly.
1. Fragrance can cause problems
Fragrance has a tendency to irritate dry skin or make it worse, so avoid deodorants and skin-care products that are filled with fragrance. That’s because fragrance is a common source of allergic contact dermatitis. It could take several exposures for the skin to react, or you might see a reaction the very first time.
Check the ingredients list for the word “fragrance,” and remember that “fragrance-free” is your friend. Body lotions and creams may do more harm than good when packed with perfumes. Read labels carefully.
2. Soap can be too harsh
Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos subtract moisture from your skin and scalp, as they are formulated to remove oil.
It’s important to carefully choose face washes, body washes, and laundry detergents. Using only moisturizing body wash is better than a harsh bar soap.
Stop using harsh detergents — and even fabric softeners — if you have dry skin. Instead, look for gentle laundry soaps like Seventh Generation Free and Clear.
3. Genetics can affect your risk
If you’ve always had dry skin or if it runs in your family, it’s essential that you’re diligent with daily moisturization. Look for ceramides and lipids in moisturizers, which help build and reinforce the skin barrier.
4. Hard water can prevent moisturizers from absorbing
When tap water contains a high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, it’s known as hard water. These minerals can leave a film on skin that causes dryness. Heavy metals turn the oils on skin into a thick substance that plugs glands, aggravates conditions like acne and rosacea, and prevents moisturizers from being absorbed into the skin. Investing in faucet water filters may help. Adding skin-care products that contain vitamins A and C to your routine can be helpful because they counteract the coating deposited by hard water.
5. Acne medications and Retinol
Salicylic acid can be great at treating acne, but it may also dry out your skin when you first start using it. Dryness is a common side effect of retinol, too, and it happens because retinol loosens the connection between cells on the skin’s surface. The good news is that you don’t have to give up these skin-care saviors, though cutting down on their use may deliver results without irritation. Reduce the frequency of use from every day to every other day or so, make sure you choose a gentle cleanser that isn’t compounding the issue, and ask your dermatologist for a less drying prescription if necessary.
6. Dry air can increase symptoms
Sometimes the air inside can be as punishing on your skin as the air outside. Forced air, especially heat, can draw humidity levels down, making skin feel dry and itchy. Luckily, you don’t need to suffer from dry, itchy skin all winter: A humidifier can help restore moisture to the air in your house. It’s best to set yours between 30 and 50 percent humidity. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep a mild, 1-percent hydrocortisone cream on hand. Use it early if you see signs of chapped or dry skin. Hydrocortisone, which sometimes requires a prescription, reduces swelling, redness, and itching and helps soothe dry, chapped skin and speed its healing.
7. Handwashing can become an issue
Some people with dry skin just wash their hands constantly. That won’t help the dryness because washing your hands very frequently can lead to dry, cracked skin. This can be a big issue for people who work in industries that require frequent handwashing, such as health care. To mitigate the drying effects of your sanitary habit, use lukewarm water (hot water strips your skin’s moisture), opt for moisturizing soaps, gently dry your hands, and finish off with some type of lotion or ointment.
8. Long, hot showers can cause dehydration
It might be tempting to stand under steaming, hot water for an extended period of time, especially during the cold months. But the practice could end up creating issues with your skin. Taking long and steaming showers or baths can dry out the moisture in your skin. Limit showers to no more than five minutes and to keep the water temperature warm, not hot. Afterward, apply a moisturizing cream within one minute of getting out of the shower, as moisturizers work best on damp skin.
9. Aging can increase dryness
Dry skin tends to become more of an issue as people get older. Adults ages 40 or older are at an increased risk of experiencing dry skin, and it affects about half of the individuals in this age group. As we get older, our skin produces less oil and gets drier. For women, it could also be due to the hormone changes associated with menopause. The fix? Moisturize every day (or multiple times a day if needed). Look for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin), and petrolatum. These ingredients help replenish lost moisture and quickly repair the skin barrier.
10. Certain medical conditions can cause dryness
Skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more prone to dryness. But dry skin could also indicate something seemingly unrelated, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or HIV. So how might you know if the dryness is the result of something run-of-the-mill like the weather or something more serious? Be on the lookout for inflamed areas, crusting, intense itchiness, hyperpigmentation, and rough, flaky, or scaly patches on the skin and take those as a hint it’s time to visit a doctor. Once you’ve nailed down the root cause for the dryness, your doctor can help you determine the proper treatment.
How to Protect and Repair Your Skin
Moisturize Regularly:
Your first must-do: Keep your skin well hydrated. Dry skin is compromised skin. Choose skin moisturizers that have hydrating ingredients and can keep the skin barrier intact (or repair it when necessary). Top ingredients include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. More on those below, and home remedies to try 🤩
Another option, is to apply a product on skin that will mimic the stratum corneum, the very outermost layer of the skin. An ointment, like Vaseline can create a bubble around skin that mimics your natural skin and keeps water from escaping. This is one of the most effective, cheap, and easy ways to repair the skin barrier. The downside is these products can feel thick and greasy, which many people don’t enjoy. Choose the products based on the needs of your skin, as well as those you want to use regularly.
Choose a Gentle Cleanser:
You may be surprised to hear that commonly used soaps can strip the skin of much-needed moisture and compromise its barrier. Choosing the right face cleanser for your skin type is key. If you have drier skin, use a cream-based cleanser; for oilier skin, go for a foaming cleanser, which will remove some oil but not strip it altogether. Also cleanse with lukewarm water, as hot water can also remove oil.
Apply Retinoids with a Light Hand:
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, are used for stimulating collagen to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, as well as increase skin cell turnover, which can lighten discolorations and fight acne. If you have drier skin, only applying a retinoid once a week; oilier skin types may be able to tolerate application three times per week. Keep in mind that what your skin can handle will also depend on the seasons. Summer, with its humidity, may allow you to apply retinoids or other active ingredients that exfoliate the skin more often without causing irritation. In the wintertime, you may find that the drier indoor and outdoor air means you need to scale back.
Sauna promotes healthy Skin:
Collagen energizes skin tissues, keeping them firm and supple. Collagen production declines with age, but regular sauna use can boost the production of this anti-aging protein. Besides removing dead skin cells, sauna heat also stimulates the production of new cells and aids in circulation.
Soothe Skin with Colloidal Oatmeal:
If skin is already red and inflamed, use a moisturizer that contains colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oats reinforce the skin barrier's integrity and regulate oil production in the skin, among other functions, which has been shown to improve skin hydration. Colloidal oatmeal is also commonly used to relieve itching from eczema.
Get Serious about Sunscreen:
Finally, apply sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy outdoors, to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. Choose an SPF 30 or higher. A facial moisturizer with an SPF 30 is suitable for regular day-to-day use, but if you’re spending a lot of time outside sweating or going in the pool or beach, apply a sunscreen that’s designed for sport or swimming.
As we’ve learned, the list of culprits that cause dry skin is a long one, from daily bathing habits (think hot showers and scrubbing yourself dry with a towel) and wicked winter weather to a lack of natural oils in your skin as you age.
The good news is that unless you’re managing a skin condition, you may not need to visit a dermatologist to soothe dry skin. Instead, you might consider incorporating a home remedy to your skin-care routine.
In fact, the ingredients for these dry-skin fixes may already be in your kitchen. Several of the ingredients we include below, such as coconut oil, tea, and Aloe vera, are often collectively referenced as “remedies,” though they have been used for centuries as homeopathic medicines in cultures worldwide. Importantly, though, if you are managing an underlying skin condition that may be causing your dry skin, be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist before you try any home remedy. Doing so can help you avoid worsening dry skin.
Home remedies are great for many skin types, especially if you are in a pinch or opt for alternative skin-care remedies. However, if you are experiencing chronic skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and cystic acne, consult with an aesthetician or dermatologist first.
Why opt for a natural dry-skin remedy rather than buy a product?
If long ingredient lists concern or confuse you, a home remedy may be worth trying. Over-the-counter products can have a ton of ingredients — they not only contain the active moisturizing products, but they also have preservatives.
That’s often the case for water-based products, because bacteria grow easily in these formulas. But while well intentioned, these preservatives, not to mention additives such as alcohol and fragrances, can contribute to irritation, dry skin, and sometimes allergic reactions.
You may prefer to keep your skin-care routine simple, especially if you have allergies or a sensitive complexion. For example, unlike preservative-laden water-based lotions and creams, oils have a natural base, making them a good choice for dry skin when a skin condition isn’t involved.
How Natural Remedies Can Soothe Dry, Irritated Skin
Your skin naturally produces oil, called sebum, which protects it from moisture loss, but everyday actions — such as forgetting to put on moisturizer or washing your hands with a drying soap — can strip away these natural oils. For people without acne, oils can restore skin’s sheen and protective moisture barrier.
Dermatologists generally recommend that people with acne choose an oil with care, as acne is usually caused by overproduction of sebum. One option is tea tree oil, as some evidence supports the idea that tea tree oil may improve mild to moderate acne, but may cause skin irritation.
There are many ways to reap the moisturizing benefits of oils, either on their own or with other ingredients, to make a DIY nourishing mask or an exfoliating rub. Castor oil, lavender oil, and avocado oil may be good ingredients for certain people with dry skin.
Coconut oil is another oil you may have in your kitchen cabinet that can be a good choice for those not prone to acne. Coconut oil has roots in African and Indian cultures, and is a popular home treatment for healthy hair and skin. Coconut oil becomes a solid at room temperature, so use it as a moisturizing cream at bedtime or anytime. For chapped heels and hands, apply the oil, then layer with thick socks or nonlatex gloves. There are different mechanical and chemical processes that are used to manufacture coconut oil—for use in skin care, unrefined (virgin or extra-virgin) cold-pressed coconut oil is what's recommended.
Due to the abundance of Vitamin E in Shea butter, it makes for an excellent moisturizer. Since vitamin E is very heavy and can help prevent moisture from leaving the skin when it is exposed to the atmosphere. While Shea Butter may be a better moisturizer than coconut oil, it often feels heavy and may need to be melted before it can be applied to the skin.
Jojoba wax is a lot like human skin sebum, the oil your skin makes to stay moisturized and supple. Because jojoba oil is so similar to sebum and has a high vitamin E content, it's an an excellent skin softener that can smooth dry skin, prevent flakiness, and improve skin elasticity. Jojoba oil should not clog up pores as it is a non-comedogenic oil that is able to hydrate your skin without making it feel oily or greasy. This enables it to act in a similar way to natural sebum, benefitting your skin without clogging pores and creating further issues.
Aloe vera is also effective as a natural moisturizer. It contains mucopolysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid, which help lock moisture into the skin and make this another naturally moisturizing skin-care ingredient you’ll want to try.
While often thought of as sunburn relief, aloe vera gel can be helpful during the dry winter months, too. It works by alleviating redness and irritation related to excess dryness, and it can even decrease signs of aging, as well as acne breakouts and skin injuries. Be aware that some people develop allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema to aloe, so you may want to perform a patch test before you apply it to a large area of skin.
Honey has emollient and humectant effects that can soften your skin and help it retain moisture. It’s also an alternative treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff.
Honey, and especially manuka honey, is also effective at healing wounds. It’s naturally antimicrobial, keeps the affected area moist, and has a thick consistency that works as a barrier against infection.
These properties make honey a good base for face mask recipes, and it can be a powerful spot treatment for patches of dry, irritated skin. For best results, apply honey in small amounts to your face. Leave on for several minutes before rinsing it off.
Chances are you already have a jar of Vaseline or Aquaphor in your medicine cabinet. These contain petroleum jelly (also called petrolatum), which can help alleviate dry skin, prevent chafing, and support skin healing. Better yet, petroleum jelly may be safe enough to use all over the body, including on your lips and eyelids. Some people so swear by petroleum jelly that they slather it all over their face, leaving it on overnight, a practice called “slugging”.
You can apply petroleum jelly throughout the day as needed, but it works best on damp skin. Avoid applying it to your face if you have acne-prone skin, as it may cause breakouts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“Your skincare routine is a bank account. Invest wisely.”
“Skincare is not superficial because it’s healthcare. When you have beautiful skin it’s a sign that you have a healthy mind and body.”
“Did you know? Your skin is constantly replacing itself, so it is never too late to start a healthy skincare routine.”
Hopefully you are now an expert on what causes dry skin and you’ve learned some natural remedies to help!
The bottom line, follow these steps to protect it and keep it from drying out again.
Make moisturizing a part of your daily skin-care routine. As soon as you step out of the shower, slather your skin from head to toe with a moisturizing lotion (the thicker it is, the richer it is). For extra dry skin, consider an ointment or a cream. You can also consider products with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or jojoba oil.
Develop other skin-friendly bathing habits. You should avoid hot showers and baths, and limit your overall bathing time between 5 and 10 minutes. Regular bar soap can contain ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives that can be harsh on your skin, so opt for a mild cleanser or liquid body wash instead.
Avoid exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. That includes alcohol and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients can worsen dry skin and even cause burns in some cases.
Drink plenty of water. You may have heard that drinking water helps your skin look less dehydrated. Keep hydrated!
Dress appropriately for the weather. This goes beyond wearing sunscreen in the summer to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. Remember to put on your gloves before you go outside into the winter air to prevent dryness and chapping!
These Lifestyle tips can alter your aging process and promote a healthier you! 🤩 Don’t forget, we have saunas in all our locations now; spread the good news!
Make an appointment and come talk with us if you are having doubts or questions about your family’s health. We will give you the honest truth, and the clinical research that supports it.
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Or, you can always give me a call at (973) 210-3838
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