Using harsh soaps
There are various daily use items like soaps, shampoos and detergents that are harsh on your skin. Even if you switch to a gentle soap, your skin is exposed to shampoo and other products with chemicals. Using harsh skincare products for prolonged periods can cause dry skin problems. You should use everything that your skin comes into contact with, carefully.
Hard water rinse
There are two types of water- hard and soft. Hard water can trigger skin dryness as it is overloaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium. When you wash your face with hard water, a layer of these heavy metals forms on the skin that clogs pores and triggers conditions like dryness, eczema, etc. If you have hard water supply at your house, install water filters to get rid of these metals.
Fragrance
We like good fragrances in skincare products but is that safe for your skin? NO. Most of the fragrant products are irritating on the skin. For example, using deodorants with strong smell can trigger itching and irritation. This is a potent trigger of allergic reactions. If you use fragrance-loaded face products, you are sure to get dry skin problems. Invest in fragrance-free products instead.
Ageing
Not only wrinkles and fine lines but your skin may also become dry with age. As you get older, the hormones in the body change that also affect the texture of the skin. Your skin may not be able to produce less oil which eventually makes it dry. Therefore, using a good moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated is a must.
Long, hot showers
You might be loving a long, hot, relaxing shower after a hectic day but this might not go down well with your skin. Hot water strips off natural oil from the skin leaving it dehydrated and dry. You may need to replenish the oil loss by using oil-based skin care products to prevent dryness. Better to shower with normal water for the sake of your skin.
Genetics
Sometimes, it is your genes that affect the type of your skin. As per studies, if any parent has dry skin, the child can inherit it too. This is because genes affect protein which is responsible for maintaining the type of the skin. However, the chances of inheriting dry skin are very less.
Acne medications
If you have acne and you are taking oral or topical medication for the same, you may counter dry skin problems. Most acne treatment formulas contain salicylic acid which is highly effective in treating acne and pimples. The same thing is with retinol-based products. Using these would leave your skin dry. Thus, using a good moisturiser is a must.
Dry air
If you expose your skin to dry air including summer heat and indoor air, your skin would become dry over time. Forced air such as heat exposure, humid air, blowers, etc. can make the skin dry by drying out all the moisture from the skin. Limit your exposure to dry air to not make your skin dry.
Vigorous Handwashing
Handwashing is a good practice but overwashing your hands is a potential cause of dry skin. Using harsh soaps for washing your hands can cause irritation and redness. Not using a hand cream or hand moisturiser after washing hands can cause dryness that may lead to dermatitis. Thus, always use a moisturiser.
Certain medical conditions
There are certain medical skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis that also trigger dry skin. Apart from skin conditions, certain medical conditions like diabetes, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, etc. also cause dry skin. Your skin would become flaky, scaly and patchy over time which are characteristics of dry skin. You can speak to a doctor to prevent dry skin.
