If you live in Idaho (or any other dry environment), your dry skin just gets drier
Skin takes a beating in a dry climate such as we have year-round in southwest Idaho, especially if you work outdoors. Taking hot tub baths and working with wet hands are other ways to dry out your skin.
Dozens of skin-soothing creams and lotions are sold at cosmetics counters, and women buy most of these products, probably because they are more likely to have dry skin than are men. Dry skin is usually a minor irritation marked by disturbing wrinkles or itching that can be relieved by applying an enriching lotion.
When the skin is broken or painful, you should take extra care to be sure that infection doesn’t set in or that your skin problem isn’t an indication of another medical condition.
Causes of dry skin begin with living in a dry climate, but may also include the following:
- Very cold winters dry out indoor air
- Central air-conditioning and heaters reduce humidity anddry the skin
- Hot baths break down barriers in your skin and cause dryness
- Antibacterial soaps are very drying
- Thyroid disease
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Not drinking enough water
Self-treatment of dry skin can include the following:
- Thick moisturizing creams
- Baby oil applied after bathing
- Shorter baths (no longer than fifteen minutes)
- Mild soaps containing oils and fats
The Mayo Clinic suggests that you talk to your doctor if one or more of the
following applies:
- No improvement after trying simple remedies
- Sleep disrupted by itching and dryness
- Open sores or infections on the skin’s surface
- Large areas of peeling or scaling skin
Your dry or flaky skin could be a sign of related health problems such as psoriasis, eczema, fish scale disease, or karitosis. Deep cracks in the skin can cause permanent scarring.
You don’t need to see a dermatologist unless your doctor gives a referral. The reason is simple. Skin specialists are rare in this part of the country, and because they are highly specialized, their fees are high. Your primary care doctor can recommend medications and other therapy for your dry skin and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
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Itchy, dry skin is more than irritating. It is annoying. It can also make you nervous while at the same time make your skin red and scaly looking. But what can you do to treat and prevent this very aggravating and common condition from occurring and reoccurring?
If you think it is because of your environmental conditions, you may want to consider adding a humidifier to your surroundings, if it is possible. But if you think your dry skin is not that serious, as of yet and is still treatable by you, there are a number of at home remedies that you can try.
1. Moisturize your skin Look for products that are made for dry, yet sensitive skin. Use moisturizing products all year long. Remember they may even help prevent wrinkles. A great option is Shea Butter which is loaded with essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and phytonutrients to deeply moisturize the skin. Just place some in your hands first and allow it to warm. Then it can spread quicker. You can apply this at night and wake up with softer, more moisturized skin by morning.
2. Drinking more water If your body isn't getting enough water inside of it, your skin will become dry. Then it will not matter how much lotions and potions you apply to it, it will remain that way. You know they say you should drink from 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses a day. Strive for as close to this as you can.
3. Is your skin extremely dry? Try this messy method. Take a warm bath. Then after partially drying off, apply thick liberal layers of Shea Butter all over your skin. Now promptly put on your pajamas and go to bed. You will wake up with really soft, supple glowing skin with a velvety texture.
Remember dry skin makes us appear dull and can cause us to age quicker. Do what you can to keep that skin soft and moisturized.
To learn more about Shea Butter, visit Purely Shea at http://www.purelyshea.com/ for more information.
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