Causes of Dry Skin

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Dry skin can have various causes. Identifying these causes is vital to treating the condition properly. Below are some common causes of dry skin:

Using harsh soaps and detergents

Not staying hydrated

Being exposed to a very dry or windy environment

Taking long showers or baths with very hot water

Swimming in water with too much chlorine

Diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and psoriasis

Age

Side effect of drugs such as statins and diuretics

Dry Skin Remedies

Some useful tips to moisturize dry skin include:

Use mild soaps. If your skin continues to dry out, then only apply the soap to the armpit, genital, and foot regions to keep your skin's natural oils from being washed away.

Take quick showers (within 5 to 10 minutes) with warm water; not too cold, not too hot.

Moisturize your entire body within 3 minutes of bathing.

Drink enough liquid to quench your thirst when you feel thirsty.

Wear clothing made of cotton. It is gentler on your skin and can help keep it healthier

Only use drugs under medical supervision.

Use specific creams for regions such as hands, feet, elbows and knees

Before swimming in chlorinated water, apply a moisturizing cream or oil to the skin all over the body. Avoid being in the water for too long.

Aging is one of the natural causes of dry skin. Make sure to keep your skin well moisturized with creams or lotions.

Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Some examples of excellent moisturizers for dry skin include:

Cocoa Butter formula with vitamin E

Nivea cream

Neutrogena body moisturizer with glycerin.

Facial moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin with UV protection

Soaps for Dry Skin

Avoid harsh bars of soap that are detergent based because they will wash away your skins protective oils and leave it dry, as well as cause irritation. Glycerin based soap will be gentler on your skin and keep it from drying out. There are a variety of glycerin soaps available in liquid or bar form with added vitamins and antioxidants that you can experiment with to see which works best for your skin.