The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum. When the skin
produces too much oil, this can lead to pimples. However, having some
sebum on the skin is important for keeping it hydrated and protecting the cells
from infection.
If dry skin does not improve or it worsens, a person can visit their dermatologist says by Dr. Manju Keshari , the Senior Dermatologist at KEMS SKIN Clinic, Vaishali, Ghaziabad.
Skin that is not creating or replenishing enough sebum can
become dry.
Dry skin can be itchy, and it may look flaky and bumpy or
have red patches. Dehydrated skin lacks water and appears dull or rough.
Some potential causes of dry or dehydrated skin on the face
include:- Cold weather
- Dry air
- Exposure to harsh chemicals in soaps or other products
- Washing the skin excessively
- Unbalanced skin pH
- Skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- smoking
- spending too much time in direct sunlight
People can treat dry skin using several different methods.
The best treatment option will depend on the cause of someone's dry skin and
its severity. Treatments also vary among different skin types, which can be
normal, dry, oily, or a combination.
1. Use Moisturize daily
Moisturizers, ointments, and creams improve the skin's
natural barrier function, which promotes water retention. Moisturizing
overnight can provide extra benefits. A person can apply moisturizer to their
face before bed and wash it off with a gentle cleanser in the morning.
Coconut oil and shea butter contain natural oils. Some
people with normal, oily, or combination skin types may experience breakouts
after using these products.
2. Use a gentle cleanser
Soaps that contain fragrances, colors, and other chemicals
can irritate and dry out the skin. It is generally better to opt for mild,
fragrance-free cleansers or facial soaps and to avoid products that contain
alcohol, artificial colors, and plastics.
3. Exfoliate to remove excess dry skin
The skin naturally makes new cells and sheds old cells,
typically replacing itself within about a month.
When dead skin cells become stuck on the surface, people may
notice dry patches and clogged pores.
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, which can reduce
dry patches and improve the skin's overall texture.
Exfoliators can be either mechanical or chemical.
- Mechanical exfoliators
- Chemical exfoliators
A person should avoid exfoliating every day as this can irritate
and dry out the skin. Applying a good moisturizer immediately after exfoliating
will help lock in moisture.
People can use the following tips to prevent dry skin on
their face:
- Washing the face daily with a gentle cleanser
- Wearing sunscreen every day
- Applying moisturizer after bathing or washing the face
- Using warm, not hot, water when washing the face and bathing
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Limiting caffeine intake
- Limiting time in direct sunlight
If dry skin does not improve or it worsens, a person can visit their dermatologist says by Dr. Manju Keshari , the Senior Dermatologist at KEMS SKIN Clinic, Vaishali, Ghaziabad.