Camas, WA
Dry and itchy skin seems like it should be a trivial problem, but it can make you miserable. Many people try moisturizers from the drugstore shelves, but these don’t always treat the issues. As a result, those with irritated and flaky skin might experience inflammation, infections, and even bleeding. In these situations, dry skin needs a more professional approach and could even require an official diagnosis from a dermatologist. Below, we will explore the different causes of dry skin and professional skin care for dry skin available at Skin by Lovely.
Environmental conditions are often the cause of dry skin. In many locales, the onset of winter results in dropping temperatures and humidity levels. This saps the moisture from your skin, causing it to become tight and itchy. Heat generated by central heating systems, fireplaces and space heaters decreases the humidity in your space, which also triggers dry skin.
If you tend to indulge in hot showers and baths, then your dry skin could be caused by the heat it endures when you bathe. Swimmers are also at a high risk of developing dry and irritated skin conditions if they don’t thoroughly shower and moisturize after every dip in the pool. This is especially the case if you swim in pools that are heavily chlorinated.
Take a look at your soaps and laundry detergents. Some types are produced to eliminate oil. While these products can get rid of grime and stains, they are hard on your skin.
For most people, dry skin is more of an irritation than it is harmful. However, dry skin is sometimes a dermatologic condition that often requires the assistance of a dermatologist. Two such skin conditions that are often confused with dry skin are eczema and psoriasis. Eczema causes your skin to become inflamed, red and cracked. If it cracks, then this may let bacteria in and result in an infection. Psoriasis is similar to eczema, but often more painful.
Go Thicker: With dry skin, thick, oil-based creams are essential to find relief. Many creams are specially formulated for dry skin, extra dry skin, and also skin conditions like eczema. For best results, we recommend applying your specially formulated moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of your shower every day. For most people, applying the cream twice a day helps provide faster results.
Go Mild: Dry skin is more sensitive and prone to additional irritation from chemicals, certain fabrics, and perfumes. For cleansing skin care for dry skin, use a creamy, unscented body wash or facial cleanser to avoid unnecessary drying and irritation. Make sure to cleanse the skin thoroughly, but gently, after swimming.
Climate Control: Dry skin is often caused or made worse by dry air. Invest in high-quality humidifiers and turn down the heat in the house. Take cooler, shorter showers, as hot water strips the skin of moisture.
Moisturize Your Insides: Add moisturizing supplements and foods to your diet. Flaxseed oil and fish contain essential fatty acids, so use flaxseed oil in cooking and add more fish to your diet. If you are able to take Vitamin E safely, start taking a supplement to improve skin moisture. Applying Vitamin E topically can also help.
Oatmeal Baths: If itching is a major problem, consider an old-fashioned but tried-and-true option like an oatmeal bath. Use your blender or food processor to grind up the quick or slow-cook variety of oats. Sprinkle them into the bathtub, and then soak in the water for at least 15 minutes. Don’t make the water too hot, and make sure you use your moisturizer after you rinse.
In addition to home care, good skin care for dry skin often involves professional products and treatments. For dry skin on the face, gentle chemical peels like SkinMedica’s Illuminize Peel can be very helpful and provide some relief. The initial results of gentle chemical peels are subtle, but follow-up treatments will enhance them.
Chemical peels contain varying strengths of acidity depending on the needs of the patient. During a gentle chemical peel, which is recommended for dry skin, you may experience a slight tingling sensation. However, you shouldn’t require pain relief for a light peel.
In many cases, you can treat your dry skin at home. At Skin by Lovely, we offer skin care products formulated to treat itchy, uncomfortable skin. Gentle chemical exfoliation and thick, deep penetrating moisturizers restore your skin, allowing you to shift your focus away from the itching and onto things that require your attention.
If your skin requires comprehensive care, then consider using a moisturizing cleanser. We sell SkinMedica’s AHA BHA cleanser in our online store, which also includes a chemical exfoliant to gently remove dry, dead skin. A staff favorite, Alastin’s Gentle Cleanser is a gentle, moisturizing wash. Follow it up with the Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer for optimal care.
Skin care for dry skin provides much-needed relief for the itching and general discomfort. From gentle, moisturizing cleansers and topical creams to chemical peels, we offer treatments designed to smooth your skin and give it the feel that you desire. Contact us at Skin by Lovely for a consultation today!
