Dry body skin – what are the causes of this common ailment?

It has long been known that without water no living creature can survive for long. Lack of water in people is manifested, first of all, by a weakening of the body, and external signs include unhealthy, dull hair, dry skin of the body. This state of the body causes severe discomfort in both a medical and aesthetic sense. Therefore, let's look together at the symptoms of dehydration, the causes of its occurrence, diagnosis and treatment, as well as other aspects that will help you achieve beautiful, elastic, glowing skin.

The role of water for the skin

In order for the process of desquamation, or, simply put, exfoliation of dead particles, to be possible, our skin must contain up to 73% water. That's what the research says.

The skin contains substances that capture and bind water, the skin's natural moisturizing factor. It is this that determines the level of skin moisture in conditions of dry air or insufficient intake of clean water into the body for one reason or another.

The NUF level shows how powerful the generating potential of the skin is. However, even this resource is depleted under unfavorable conditions, the body becomes very weak, dehydrated, vitamins are not supplied in sufficient quantities, and itching appears.

Why is this happening?

If there is not enough water in the body, the newly formed collagen loses its elasticity and flexibility. The skin may not look healthy, ages quickly, has an unattractive appearance, and brings significant discomfort.

The lipid layer becomes thinner and the barrier that protects the body from the penetration of foreign agents and loss of large amounts of moisture is destroyed. Cells produce less fat. Regular moisturizer or oil, unfortunately, will not help here.

Everyone who has encountered this problem (and this is really a problem) understands very well that treatment and elimination of such manifestations must be addressed as early as possible. Doctors also advise this. In their opinion, xerosis - this is exactly what such a diagnosis sounds like - can indicate many serious diseases.

Symptoms to treat

Symptoms of dry skin include the following:

1. The presence of pigment spots, their rapid formation.
2. Peeling, peeling of scales, appearance of cracks.
3. The pores are practically invisible.
4. The roughness of the skin is felt to the touch.
5. Discomfort and very severe dryness in areas of bending and friction (for example, knees, elbows, fingers).
6. Itching and burning often occur, especially after contact with water.
7. After washing my face in the evening, there is a persistent feeling of tightness.

Doctors distinguish two types of dry skin:

• Dryness with good tone - the skin is sensitive to irritants, itching may appear, but it is quite elastic, matte, smooth, without many wrinkles. Requires regular care, protection from UV radiation, otherwise it loses its tone very quickly. Most often seen in young people.
• With reduced tone - very thin around the eyes and in the area of ​​the nasolabial fold, wrinkles quickly form. It is difficult to influence such skin with conventional cosmetics; you need to do more in-depth procedures.

In order to determine whether your skin is dry, you can conduct a test: press your fingertips on the skin, if the dents smooth out quickly, then you are lucky - you are not at risk.

Causes of dryness

Dry skin on the body can be caused by genetic factors and appear from birth, or it can occur throughout life due to exposure to external factors.

The main reasons why the skin can become too dry:

• Dehydration.
• Frequent consumption of foods that help remove water from the body.
• Swimming in too hot water.
• Climate change.
• Allergic reactions.
• Failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Excessive use of incorrectly selected cosmetics.
• Dry air in the house, seasonal factor.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Using weight loss products, an unbalanced diet for the purpose of losing weight.
• Frequent exposure to electromagnetic radiation (for example, working at a computer).
• Diabetes.
• Psoriasis.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Dermatitis.
• Stress.
• Kidney failure.
• Dystrophy.
• Intoxication.
• Keratosis.
• Seborrhea.
• Sjögren's disease.
• Hypovitaminosis A, D, E, PP, lack of zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, vitamins are poorly absorbed.
• Ichthyosis (“fish skin”).
• Hormonal changes in the body.

Treatment

If dry skin is caused by climate change, frequent exposure to the sun, or dry air in the house during the heating season, we recommend installing a humidifier in the apartment. You can put several vases with flowers or just vessels with water.

It is better to set the air conditioner settings in your car to 85% humidity. Use moisturizer regularly. Avoid direct sunlight, carry out cosmetic procedures to moisturize the skin - they will be discussed below.

If dry and itchy skin appears due to the use of weight loss medications, we recommend drinking at least 2.5 liters of water per day. Such drugs help remove fluid from the body. In addition, a strict diet leads to a lack of proteins and microelements that keep the skin toned and saturate it with moisture; vitamins are supplied in insufficient quantities for the body.

If such a skin feature is observed in women who have entered the menopause phase, they are often prescribed hormone replacement medications.

Xerosis is a symptom of a number of diseases that can only be diagnosed by a doctor, so it is better to immediately consult a specialist and begin treatment, especially if:

1. Excessive dryness disrupts sleep
2. There is redness of the skin, itching
3. Ulcers and large flaky areas appear on the surface of the skin
4. If tried home treatment methods do not bring the expected results

In any case, you need to see a doctor, do comprehensive tests, undergo a detailed examination, and find out why this is happening. Specialists such as a dermatologist, allergist, and cosmetologist will help you with this.

Causes of dry skin on the face

There are many factors that contribute to dehydration and a deficiency of fat produced by the sebaceous glands. If the factors are hereditary, the solution to the problem comes down to regular and proper facial care. If dryness and flaking are caused by other circumstances that can be changed or eliminated, you need to put a little effort into tidying up your facial skin.

The problem of dryness and flaking can appear suddenly and for various reasons. Among them:

1. Avitaminosis.
2. Heredity.
3. Prolonged exposure to frost or sun.
4. A set of age-related changes.
5. Nervous system disorders and digestive system diseases.
6. Disturbed functioning of the sebaceous glands.
7. Wrong choice and further use of cosmetics.
8. Incorrect care.

As you can see, the problem appears both due to the fault of a person and regardless of his actions. If dryness and flaking are caused by a factor that can be influenced, it will be possible to restore and stabilize the balance of fat and water inside the cells quite quickly. At the same time as eliminating the cause, provide your facial skin with thorough, competent and situation-appropriate care.

The urgency of the problem increases in cold weather. Winter is an extremely difficult time for the body. Not only does cold air outside negatively affect the condition of the skin, but dry indoor air also enhances the effect.

The skin constantly takes care of itself. The sebaceous glands actively produce lubricant, which protects against environmental influences, keeping it beautiful, elastic and normally hydrated. In some cases, the skin's own protective properties are not enough. Therefore, she has to help using night creams, lotions and other means.

Daily care, cosmetic requirements

1. First of all, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. It must be clean. Better - mineral, non-carbonated. You can add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to it.
2. Dry skin really needs moisture, but perceives it with difficulty. Therefore, when taking a shower or bath, the water should be as cool as possible. Try not to use soap when bathing - it dries out the skin.
3. The skin of the face should regularly undergo all stages of care: cleansing, toning, moisturizing (and nourishing in the evening), do not forget to apply special products to the skin around the eyes and lips, and make masks. Use hand cream regularly. All products must be correctly selected, high-quality, hypoallergenic, and have undergone dermatological testing. The composition should include useful microelements and vitamins, any oil.
4. After a shower, use cream or body milk. It is better if they are oil-based. Gently exfoliate your entire body regularly.
5. Dry skin is very susceptible to irritating factors, so make sure that decorative cosmetics are not expired, otherwise allergic rashes and itching may appear. Through trial and error, you will gradually learn to select products that are right for you and avoid components that are not suitable for your skin. Therefore, read the ingredients before purchasing. A mark on the package “for dry and sensitive skin” does not mean that the product will not cause irritation and redness.
6. When choosing a cream, in addition to the composition, consider the age category for which it is intended.

Care for dry skin of face and body

To keep your facial skin healthy, you need to follow some rules of care.

• When using cosmetics, try to stick to one line. Frequent changes in cosmetic products lead to skin imbalance.
• Use products that do not contain alcohol.
• Do not wash off cosmetics with soap; it is better to use cosmetic milk.
• Apply a special nourishing cream at night.
• Avoid indoor air that is too dry and use a humidifier.

By following these simple rules you will keep your skin young and healthy.

1. The morning begins with washing, which for dry skin is not limited to just rinsing with warm water.
2. To support the skin in the morning, it is recommended to use a decoction of medicinal herbs.
3. Sage, mint, and chamomile can be good helpers in this matter.

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Washing with oatmeal: a recipe for how to properly wash your face with oatmeal

This rinse pleasantly tones the skin, relieving it of flaking and irritation.

Alternatively, you can use special eau de toilette for washing.

But you should not use cleansers, as they destroy the oil defense, causing dry skin to become thinner, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

After washing, it is advisable to apply a toner, which you can prepare yourself.

• To do this, you will need a heaped tablespoon of strawberries, which must be thoroughly crushed and poured with a glass of boiled water at room temperature.
• Strain the solution and add 1 teaspoon of glycerin. The resulting tonic perfectly moisturizes and cleanses.
• After this, it is recommended to apply a nourishing cream, which should contain moisturizing elements, but always with oils and nutrients.

It is best to choose a cream with a rich structure, and in the summer with sunscreen components that will prevent ultraviolet rays from triggering premature aging processes.

It is desirable that the morning cream includes components such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, collagen and elastin.

Nourishing masks have an amazing effect on the skin, which simultaneously tone and nourish the skin, making it smooth and elastic.

Effective home recipes

We have selected for you the most effective home recipes that will help you treat different areas of the skin at home.

Body masks

• After a shower, apply slightly warmed honey to the skin of the body, you can add olive oil. Leave for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. This mask perfectly nourishes and removes toxins.
• Mix 200 milliliters of mineral water with 50 milliliters of milk. Rub the mixture onto your body for 20 minutes. Milk stimulates collagen production.
• Take 1 avocado, 1 banana, 100 milliliters of cream, 100 grams of butter, rose oil - 1 drop. Grind and beat all ingredients until smooth. Apply to a steamed body for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water using a washcloth. The vitamins of the fruits used nourish the skin cells and are powerful antioxidants.

For dry skin care

• Mix oatmeal and grated carrots in a 1:1 ratio, add a spoonful of milk. Leave the mixture on your face for 15 minutes. Vitamins and microelements contained in carrots promote cell regeneration.
• Mix 2 yolks with half a tablespoon of natural honey, heat the mixture in a water bath. Apply to the face with a brush in several steps every 5 minutes. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
• Mix a tablespoon of cottage cheese with a teaspoon of honey, heat the mixture in a water bath. Apply to face for 20 minutes.

To moisturize the skin on the face, you can make masks that contain natural essential oil, cream, flax seeds, decoctions of elderberry, linden, and mint. You can add day cream to the composition of the products.

For hand skin

• For 2 hours, put plastic gloves on your hands, lined with mashed potatoes on the inside.
• Mix a glass of sour cream with the yolk and juice of one lemon. Soak your hands in the mixture for 20 minutes.
• Wipe your hands with a decoction of celery root.

Products containing oil will be useful. After each procedure, apply a rich cream to your hands.

For the skin around the eyes

• Place the crushed aloe leaf in a cool, dark place. After 10 days, you can wipe the delicate skin around the eyes with the juice of this plant.
• Make green tea compresses: dip cotton pads in the liquid and leave them on your eyes for 15 minutes.
• Rub the skin around your eyes and entire face with ice cubes.

For dry hair, use special shampoos; you can add coconut, olive, and citrus essential oils to the balm or mask (no more than 3 drops per 200 milliliters of product); it is advisable to regularly make oil masks.

When carrying out any procedure, interrupt it immediately; if burning and itching occurs, cancel such treatment.

Any unpleasant feature of the body can be eliminated if you have the appropriate knowledge, are not lazy to apply it and move firmly towards the intended result. And regularly and comprehensively take care of your body skin. Love yourself and be beautiful.

How to treat if you have very dry skin

Moisturizing the skin of the body for certain diseases is part of the therapeutic treatment, eliminating not the causes, but the consequences of the pathology. If the skin is peeling, and there are no external reasons for this, you should consult a dermatologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, neurologist or other specialized specialists. If you suspect that dryness has appeared for other reasons, then eliminate them, and then begin to restore the healthy state of the skin. To do this you should:

• review your diet;
• start taking vitamins for the skin of the body;
• use moisturizers.

Vitamins for the body

Caring for dry skin requires not only external influence, but also an internal catalyst for regeneration processes, a stimulator of mineral and lipid metabolism. Vitamins A, E, D, PP, F, H, B2, B5, K, B12 cope with this task perfectly. When choosing synthetic vitamin supplements at the pharmacy, carefully study their composition, making sure that the necessary groups of substances are included in the preparations. Giving preference to natural sources of vitamins, include in your diet:

1. Liver, carrots, cottage cheese, onions (vitamin A).
2. Cereals, potatoes, nuts, greens (B vitamins).
3. Citrus fruits, red peppers, cauliflower, currants (vitamin C).
4. Vegetable oils, milk (vitamin E).
5. Fish, butter, seaweed (vitamins D).
6. Kidneys, legumes, spinach, mushrooms (vitamin H).
7. Broccoli, prunes, eggs, bananas (vitamin K).
8. Tomatoes, dates, wheat germ (vitamin PP).

Body cream

An effective nourishing cream for dry skin includes vegetable and essential oils: olive, lavender, jojoba, coconut, shea, grape seed, avocado. Additional ingredients needed to eliminate dryness:

• glycerol;
• passion fruit extract;
• petrolatum;
• macadamia extract;
• hyaluronic acid;
• collagen;
• elastin.