Dry skin is a very common and usually harmless skin ailment. While dry skin isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, it can be itchy and look flaky in the mirror. Here how to know what may be causing your dry skin so you can take measures to treat it.
Dryness isn’t the only symptom of dry skin. According to Michele Farber, MD a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, some other symptoms of dry skin are:
Itchiness
Irritation
Cracked skin
Tightness
Pain
Bleeding
Additionally, you will usually be able to tell that the skin is dry by looking at it. The appearance of dry skin may be rough or scaly, and it might be peeling or flaky. This dryness may occur on the skin of specific body parts, such as the hands, or the dryness might be more widespread, most commonly on the extremities: your arms and legs, according to Farber.
Related Slideshow: 25 foods that are great for your skin (Provided by Photo Services)
Eat your way to flawless skin. From dark chocolate to red wine, stock up these foods and look like Greek goddess Aphrodite.
Yogurt
It contains protein that helps keep the skin firm, making it resistant to wrinkles. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, an American dermatologist, believes that Greek yogurt is even better as it has double the protein content.
Olive oil
Major anti-oxidants such as vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols present in olive oil prevent the skin from pre-mature aging. Also, you can replace regular night cream with organic olive oil because the latter does not clog the pores and it is easily absorbed by the skin.
Soy
Aglycone, an isoflavone, present in soy improves skin elasticity and stops collagen from breaking down, which is responsible for sagging and wrinkles.
Walnuts
They are rich with omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which is quite important for those who don’t eat fish. Lack of this fat in the body leads to dry, scaly skin.
Dark chocolate
It contains a range of anti-oxidants and properties that protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which usually lead to sun burns and skin cancer. Dark chocolate will also help your skin retain moisture.
Orange peel
They are a rich in vitamin C, calcium and fiber. When you consume them, they help renew skin cells and prevent irritable bowel syndrome. If you don’t like to eat peel, dry and powder them to make various organic face packs.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are full of vitamin E, which helps the body fight off skin inflammation. The seeds also prevent acne.
Oyster
Oysters are one of the best sources of dietary zinc, the mineral which is responsible for the growth and proper function of skin cells. According to some studies, people prone to acne usually have low level of the mineral.
Kale
The nutritional powerhouse contains anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, kaempferol and quercetin, preventing the loss of skin elasticity which is generally caused by excessive ultraviolet radiation.
Mackerel
It is one of the best sources of vitamin B12, and the lack of the vitamin leads to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and vitiligo (white spots).
Rosemary
A great source of anti-oxidants such as carnosol and ursollic acid, Rosemary effectively prevents the deadly skin cancer called melanoma.
Red wine
The level of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and resveratrol, in wine is higher compared to grape juice. These antioxidants absorb free radicals that are majorly responsible for aging and age-related diseases. A glass of red wine a day is enough to keep your skin supple and smooth.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C. Apart from helping you achieve younger-looking skin, the vitamin will keep damaging free radicals in check.
Strawberries
The antioxidant called ellagic present in strawberries minimizes wrinkles while preventing the destruction of the collagen. It also protects the skin against UV rays, which can cause premature skin aging.
Kiwi
It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that avert various skin problems while protecting cell membranes. The high amount of collagen present in the fruit enhances elasticity and glow of the skin.
Sardines
The nutrient-rich fish contains omega-3, B-12, protein, calcium, and iron. While the vitamin fights against itchy eczema, omega-3 prevents various skin problems, including adult acne and dandruff.
Coffee
Regular coffee drinkers are less exposed to the risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, according to a 2007 study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. Experts believe that having six cups of coffee a day reduces the cancer risk by 30%; however, the excessive consumption may cause other health problems.
Grass-fed beef
Apart from having high ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids which helps reduce inflammation, grass-fed beef is rich in proteins — the building block of collagen and elastin tissue.
Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin promotes the growth of skin cells, keeping the skin smooth and wrinkle-free.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene in abundance, which protects skin cells from free radicals that can harm cells and damage DNA. Although they can’t replace sunscreen, they have the potential to protect your skin from harmful sunrays. Vitamin A present in tomatoes helps maintain healthy skin and hair.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, which contains fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and iron, is free of sugar carbs and so the production of hormones known as androgens is controlled. When the level of androgens rises, sebaceous glands of the skin secrete more oil, leading to acne.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source for protein, which is necessary for repairing tissues and tightening the skin. Moreover, lutein in eggs helps retain the moistness and elasticity of the skin.
Pomegranates
This fruit is packed with polyphenols, an anti-oxidant that fights damaging free radicals and regulates the blood flow. You can even apply it to the skin for smooth lines and moisturizing effect.
Chickpeas
It contains manganese, which helps skin cells produce energy and fight wrinkles. Moreover, molybdenum present in chickpeas detoxes skin, while the high level of folate repairs damage from harmful sunrays and toxins.
Kidney beans
Kidney beans are another great source for zinc, a mineral that Dr. Jessica Wu from Los Angeles, California, U.S., believes fights blemishes. “That may be because of zinc’s healing properties.” Also, studies suggest that topical zinc is as helpful against acne as antibiotics are.
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The causes of dry skin
There is a multitude of causes for dry skin that can depend on everything from the weather to your cleaning products.
Here are some common causes of dry skin:
Harsh soaps: Soaps are emulsifiers, designed to remove unwanted oils, grease, and dirt. “The skin has natural sebum or oil that helps retain moisture. When removing unwanted oil and dirt, soap does not distinguish between natural oil on the skin and unwanted excess oil, and can cause overdrying,” says Farber. Additionally, ingredients like sulfates or added fragrances in soap may be irritating and drying. According to Farber, harsh soaps can disrupt the skin barrier and make skin more susceptible to becoming dry. Even if you aren’t using harsh soap, the repeated act of lathering and rinsing can strip natural oils from your skin.
Hot water: While many people enjoy taking long hot showers or baths, the hot water can take a toll on the skin. Farber says hot showers are a big culprit. The hotter the water in the bath or shower, the harsher it will be on the skin, stripping it of the skin’s natural oils that keep it moisturized. She says hot water temperatures, usually above 105º Fahrenheit will cause irritation.
Chlorinated pools or hot tubs: Most pool and hot tub water contains chlorine to kill bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms in the water. However, this chlorine dries skin out and can further aggravate already irritated skin. Damage is double in a hot tub, since you also experience the drying effects of the hot water.
Winter weather: According to Farber, cold weather reduces humidity and pulls water from the skin. The combination of the cold air and low humidity leads to dry, dehydrated skin. This is common, and even has its own name. People call it the “winter itch.”
Heaters: Farber says that cranking up the heat can cause dry skin, adding even more to the damage of winter on skin. Regardless of if you are using central heat or space heaters, any type of heater will reduce the humidity in your home, which can suck the moisture out of your skin.
Pre-existing skin conditions: Your skin will be more sensitive to outside forces if you are already dealing with a skin condition. “Underlying skin conditions exacerbate this process because people are already more sensitive to outside irritation and the skin barrier does not function in the same way,” says Farber.
Risk factors for dry skin
According to Farber, some people are more prone to dry skin than others. Factors that can increase your risk include:
Age: The skin naturally will become dryer with age, Farber says. According to the Mayo Clinic, over 50% of older adults have dry skin.
Climate: If you live somewhere that has an extreme climate that is cold and dry most of the time, you’re at higher risk for dry skin.
Occupations involving chemicals and/or frequent washing: “Any occupation that exposes the skin to chemicals, frequent washing, or keeping skin in water for prolonged periods can cause chronic irritation,” says Farber. Some examples are healthcare workers, cleaning jobs, hair stylists, construction, and food industry workers.
Medications: Some blood pressure medicines and topical acne treatments can contribute to dry skin.
On top of this, dry skin might be a result of certain health conditions, Farber says. Even conditions that aren’t directly pertaining to the skin can affect it. Some examples are:
Eczema
Psoriasis
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease
If your dry skin doesn’t get better with behavioral changes and moisturizers, you should make an appointment with a doctor to make sure it’s not something more serious.
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