DRY FACIAL SKIN: WHAT CAUSES IT?

The skin is the body's first line of defense. It helps keep harmful microorganisms such as dirt and bacteria from entering the body. There are many different skin conditions, and dry skin is an uncomfortable one, marked by scaling, itching and cracking, which can be triggered by many different factors. Dry skin can get worse if it lasts a long time and is accompanied by an infection. So what is dry skin lacking? Are there skincare measures that can improve it? This article will help you better understand the causes of dry facial skin.

1. What is dry skin? Signs of dry skin

Normal skin has a soft, supple texture because it holds just the right amount of water. For skin to feel soft, supple and "normal", its top layer must contain at least 10% water. The ideal level is 20% to 35%. To help protect the outer layer of the skin from losing water, the skin's sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is a complex mixture of fatty acids, sugars and other natural chemicals that forms a protective barrier against water evaporation. If the skin does not have enough sebum, it loses water and feels dry.

Signs of dry skin:

Dry skin may be only temporary, but it can also be a long-term condition. Signs of dry skin include:

• A feeling of tightness, especially after bathing or swimming.
• Skin that feels rough.
• Itching, stinging, a burning sensation.
• Mild to severe scaling or flaking.
• Fine lines or cracks appearing on the skin.
• Skin that easily becomes red or inflamed.
• Deep cracks that may bleed and sting.
• Dry skin can crack, allowing bacteria to get in and cause infection.

Who is prone to dry skin

Anyone can develop dry skin. But you may be more likely to develop it if you:

• Are middle-aged: usually 40 and over, with the risk rising with age – more than 50% of older adults have dry skin.
• Live in a low-humidity environment or a dry climate.
• Work in a dry environment or around chemicals.
• Swim frequently in chlorinated pools.
• Have skin conditions or nutritional deficiencies.

Causes of dry skin

Dry skin is mainly caused by the environment, your constitution, or a lack of certain nutrients. Below are some common and underlying causes of dry skin:

• Weather: Skin tends to be driest in winter, when temperature and humidity drop sharply. Dry weather also makes skin more prone to dryness.
• Hot baths or frequent swimming: Swimming often, especially in heavily chlorinated pools, can quickly dry out your skin.
• Using cleansers: Many soaps and detergents strip moisture from the skin with frequent contact.
• Other skin conditions. People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis are prone to dry skin.
• Age: As you get older, your pores naturally produce less oil, raising the risk of dry skin.

2. Other symptoms of dry facial skin

If the skin on your face is dry, it may flake or itch. Sometimes it can feel tight to the touch or even painful. Other symptoms of dry skin include:

• Skin scarring
• Peeling skin
• Redness
• Ashy patches (for people with darker skin tones)
• Rough or sandpaper-like skin
• Bleeding

Dry skin can become severe enough to crack. Cracked skin can let bacteria into the body and cause infection. If you suspect an infection, you should see a doctor.

Symptoms of infection include:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus
• Blisters
• Rash
• Pustules
• Fever

Dry facial skin can often be treated by adjusting your skincare routine or changing certain environmental factors. Sometimes dry skin is a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs a doctor's treatment.

3. How can you reduce dryness on your face?

3.1. Avoid hot showers

If possible, skip the hot shower and switch to lukewarm water. Hot water can dry your skin by stripping away its natural oils. Cutting your shower time down to 5 to 10 minutes is also important. This avoids unnecessary exposure to water, which can leave your skin drier than before you stepped into the shower. Avoid showering or bathing more than once a day, as this can make dry skin worse.

3.2. Cleanse gently

When choosing a cleanser, avoid soaps and cleansers containing harsh ingredients such as alcohol, retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids. These unnecessary ingredients can dry out your skin and cause irritation or inflammation.

Intensive Moisture Cleanser – an impurity-removing cleanser for dry skin

There are a number of gentle, moisturizing, fragrance-free soaps you can try. Look for one or more of the following moisture-retaining ingredients:

• Polyethylene glycol
• Alkyl polyglycoside
• Silicone surfactants
• Lanolin
• Paraffin

Syndets, or synthetic cleansers, are another beneficial soap ingredient. They often contain chemicals such as sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid and ethylene oxide, and are very gentle on sensitive skin.

You should also be gentle when applying soap or cleanser to your face. Use only your fingertips and massage it gently over your face instead of using a more abrasive sponge or washcloth. Do not scrub the skin on your face, as this can cause irritation.

Avoid washing your face several times a day. If you are dealing with dry skin, it is best to wash your face only in the evening. This cleans your face after a long day of collecting dirt and keeps you from stripping away the oil your skin needs.

Don't exfoliate every day. Instead, try just once a week. This can reduce irritation from harsh scrubbing.

3.3. Apply a moisturizer

Find a moisturizer that suits your skin and use it regularly, especially after bathing. Applying it at this time can help your skin hold on to moisture.

Facial moisturizers should be free of fragrance and alcohol, as these can cause unnecessary irritation. You may want to try a moisturizer that includes sunscreen to protect yourself from sun exposure. Look for products that help hold water in the skin.

To restore moisture, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer containing ingredients that help the skin retain water. Petrolatum-based products are best for dry or cracked skin, because they stay on longer than creams and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from your skin.

Skin Smoothing Cream – a moisturizer that hydrates continuously for 48 hours

Lip balm can help relieve dry or chapped lips. Make sure it feels comfortable when applied and does not make your lips itch. If it does, try another product.

A moisturizer is an essential product if you have dry skin.

3.4. Keep warm

Exposure to cold weather can make dry skin worse. Try wrapping a scarf around your face to prevent dryness. However, keep in mind that your skin may react to the scarf's material and to the detergent you wash it with. Avoid rough, scratchy fabrics. Detergents should be hypoallergenic and free of dyes and fragrances. You may find detergent formulas made for sensitive skin helpful.

3.5. Try a humidifier

Low humidity can be a factor drying out your skin. Use a humidifier in the rooms where you spend a lot of time. Adding moisture to the air can keep your skin from drying out. Make sure your humidifier is easy to clean, which helps prevent bacteria from building up.

4. When to see a doctor

Trying these basic treatments first for dry facial skin should ease your symptoms. Contact a dermatologist right away if:

• Your dry skin persists despite regular skincare
• You suspect you have a skin infection
• You suspect you may have another, more serious skin condition

Conditions that may at first look like mild dry skin but need more specialized medical treatment include:

• Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, causes very dry skin on the face and other parts of the body. It is thought to be inherited.
• Seborrheic dermatitis affects areas with oil glands, such as the eyebrows and nose.
• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition involving scaling, dry patches of skin and other symptoms.

Your doctor may recommend a prescription treatment for your dry skin. These treatments may include topical creams such as corticosteroids, or oral medications such as immunomodulators. Your doctor will likely recommend these medications alongside a regular skincare routine.

(Source: kenh14.vn)

Changing your bathing habits or adjusting your skincare routine should ease your symptoms within a week or so. To see lasting change, be consistent with these lifestyle changes. Sticking to a regular routine is the only way to ensure long-term results.

If your symptoms persist or get worse, consult a doctor. In some cases, dryness can be a sign of an underlying skin condition. Your doctor or dermatologist can work with you to find the cause of any dry skin and put together a treatment plan. Contact a doctor if your dry skin continues despite regular care

5. HOW TO PREVENT DRY SKIN

To prevent dry skin in the future, adopt a healthy skincare routine.

• Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
• Choose skincare products suited to your skin type – oily, dry or combination.
• Protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply moisturizer after bathing to lock in moisture.
• Keep a balanced, sensible diet and lifestyle

With this general information about dry facial skin, we hope that if you're on team dry skin, you'll know how to nourish your skin and make it more radiant. Keep following Lunaria for our upcoming articles! To book an appointment at Lunaria, please call our HOTLINE or book directly HERE