How to treat Dry Skin

 

Eimear Nee, the Allcare Pharmacy trainer, shares her top tips on how to manage dry skin.

Managing dry skin

The skin is our largest organ and is made up of several layers, protecting us from the environment. It produces a natural oil called sebum. This oil protects the skin from losing water and becoming dry. When there is not enough sebum in the skin, water is lost through it and the skin becomes dry, itchy, tight, and flaky. Dry skin can appear at any age. It can occur at any stage in the year but is commonly worse in winter.

Skin can become dry for a variety of reasons:

  • Weather – exposure to cold, wind, and rain
  • Heat – sunburn, central heating. In winter we commonly surround ourselves with central heating. This can reduce the moisture in the air. The skin reacts to this by releasing further moisture, which dries it out even faster
  • Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids can cause the skin to become dry
  • Washing – long, hot baths and showers and the use of cosmetic products can strip the skin of moisture
  • Ageing - skin produces less sebum as we get older
  • As a symptom of other conditions e.g. eczema or psoriasis

 

Winter can play havoc with skin, commonly causing chapped lips and dry hands. The following top tips can help you to restore your natural glow and promote skin health during the winter:

 

  1. Follow a good facial skin routine:
  • Use a mild cleanser to soothe and refresh dry irritated skin whilst removing oil and dirt
  • Use a good quality hydrating moisturiser. This helps to retain moisture within the skin and reduces discomfort associated with dry skin
  • Protect your skin from UV rays. Even though you may not feel the sun’s heat (nor see it!), UVA and UVB rays are present all year round.
  • Hydrate throughout the day
  1. Take extra care of areas such as the hands and lips which are particularly prone to dryness, especially in the winter. Increase how often you moisturise these areas
  2. Drink plenty of water
  3. Be aware of your environment. If you are spending a lot of time in a poorly vent ventilated room with central heating, this will draw moisture from your skin. Keep the air more humid by placing a wet towel or a bowl of water at a radiator or try an air humidifier device.

 

Managing dry skin

The skin is our largest organ and is made up of several layers, protecting us from the environment. It produces a natural oil called sebum. This oil protects the skin from losing water and becoming dry. When there is not enough sebum in the skin, water is lost through it and the skin becomes dry, itchy, tight, and flaky. Dry skin can appear at any age. It can occur at any stage in the year but is commonly worse in winter.

Skin can become dry for a variety of reasons:

  • Weather – exposure to cold, wind, and rain
  • Heat – sunburn, central heating. In winter we commonly surround ourselves with central heating. This can reduce the moisture in the air. The skin reacts to this by releasing further moisture, which dries it out even faster
  • Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids can cause the skin to become dry
  • Washing – long, hot baths and showers and the use of cosmetic products can strip the skin of moisture
  • Ageing - skin produces less sebum as we get older
  • As a symptom of other conditions e.g. eczema or psoriasis-related room with central heating, this will draw moisture from your skin. Keep the air more humid by placing a wet towel or a bowl of water at a radiator or try an air humidifier device
  • Reduce the length of time in a hot shower or bath, which can dry the skin further
  • Apply moisturising products while the skin is still damp, to lock moisture into the skin
  • Avoid harsh soaps and bubble baths. Soap substitutes may be used on very dry and irritable skin, however, they can leave the bath or shower slippery, so take care when using!
  • Gentle exfoliation once weekly will help to remove dead skin which can build up and cause further itching

 

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture

La Roche Posay Lipikar Moisturising Balm AP+M. This balm provides three effects. It helps to soothe, relieve itching and prevent dry skin flare-ups. It can also be used on babies over 3 months of age and for those with eczema-prone skin.

Avene Rich Recovery Crème restores the protective barrier of the skin, with lasting effects. The product contains Parcerine, combined with Avène thermal spring water to soften the skin, reduce its reactivity and reduce the feeling of tightness

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water is a dewy spray, formulated to rehydrate and soothe sensitive skin and is ideal for use during the long hours spent indoors in the winter 

Avene Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+ provides very high sun protection for dry, sensitive skin on the face. The non-greasy formula dries in quickly for a flawless finish

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream contains key ingredients including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to moisturise, soothe and restore the skin’s barrier. Dimethicone within the formula acts as a skin protectant. The hands feel soft and comfortable following the application of the fast-drying, non-greasy cream which is suitable for use on sensitive skin.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier. It leaves the skin feeling comfortable and provides 24-hour hydration.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser provides gentle, non-irritating exfoliation for the face and body. Containing three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it helps soften and smooth the skin without disrupting its protective barrier. Also suitable for acne-prone skin.

Or speak to your local Allcare Pharmacist today about your skin