In this post you shall see how to identify dry skin, causes of dry skin,and how to care for dry skin....

Dry skin(known medically as xerosis) is comes due to the inability of the outermost layer of the skin(epidermis) also called the barrier layer to prevent loss of water(also called transepidermal water loss where by water escapes more easily to the atmosphere from your skin) and loss of the skin natural oil.

When your skin losses water, the skin cells curl upwards, shrinks, develop scales and the volume decreases.

Due to decrease in cell volume, the skin cells become inelastic;it is due to this inelasticity that dry skin gets it's characteristics of been itchy with red patches, cracked and flaky.

When your skin is in this compromised condition, it allows easy passage to bacteria,micro-organisms which can cause infection, inflammation and irritation on the skin.

How to identify dry skin

This skin type is fine and thin with almost invisible pores. There are occasional dry, thin and flaky patches on it,acne(pimples) and blemishes are rare except allergic reactions. A dry skin may promote early signs of ageing, including wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth and throat.

Causes of dry skin

Weather.

Generally, your skin is dries up easily in cold seasons of the year like harmattan period,winter; these periods are when temperatures and humidity levels drops. Your skin looses most of it's ability to hold in moisture leaving the skin dry,itchy and flaky

Taking long hot showers and baths

it might be very tempting to take a long hot shower or bath after you have been exposed to cold,but mind you that long hot bath and showers strips off the skin of it's natural oil, and leaves your skin all dry.

Sun exposure

ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates far beyond the top layer of skin (epidermis) into the dermis and damages it resulting to easy and quick breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers than normal. this leads to deep wrinkles and loose, sagging skin (solar elastosis).

Harsh bar soaps

Many popular bar soaps such as antibacterial and deodorant soaps strip lipids and water from your skin leaving it dry and more sensitive; also, the products we we apply on our hair contains some detergents which dry out the scalp.

Improper nutrition

The skin cells are wrapped in a protective burp of fats(lipid) which help keep them soft and flexible; hence If you don’t take enough of fatty acids in your regular diet, your body won’t have enough building blocks to maintain this protective wrap.

Wearing the wrong clothing

Clothes made of wool can aggravate dry skin, especially for those who have sensitive skin or eczema rashes because if you look under the microscope, these fibers look like little pieces of steel wool which can irritate and itch your skin.

Been dehydrated: water is been loss through your skin every day so if you don't drink a lot of fluid your skin dehydrates making you look and feel dried-up

Some diseases like

Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism is condition which occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones, reduces the activity of your sweat and oil glands leading to rough, dry skin.

Psoriasis. This skin condition is qualified by a rapid build up of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form thick scales.

How to care for dry skin

-Wear protective clothings so as to protect your skin from the hash weather and UV radiation(sun) Be sure to apply a rich moisturizing lotion that contains oil which helps lock up moisture in the skin. Pay special attention to your hands, feet, elbows, and knees while applying this.

-Shower or bath in warm and not hot water. Limit showers and baths to 10 minutes, just enough to clean dirt from your body. Instead of bar soaps, use a moisturizing, fragrance-free body wash that leaves your skin soft and not stripped. immediately after showering(do not dry your body, just leave it wet) apply a creamy body lotion to lock in moisture. Apply again before going outside and before going to bed

- Make sure you drink plenty of water during this cold periods, even if you aren't thirsty. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which will make you lose even more water. Drink herbal tea as well as decaffeinated coffee.

-Foods that contain good fats especially omega-3 fatty acids, avocados should be eaten as this can help replenish your skin’s natural fats and keep it looking smooth and supple. Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3. If you’re allergic or can’t stand the taste or smell of fish, try soy beans tofu, walnuts, flaxseed,or you can take fish oil supplements in your diet every day.

-Wear clothes made from cotton, silk .These natural fibers help your skin breathe and wick away sweat.

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