Let’s face it, living in the high desert environment here in Northern Nevada means that most of us have experience with dry skin. Dry skin (also called xerosis) can occur in response to multiple factors. Certainly, the environment can play a role. In the winter, the cool air outside in combination with indoor heating contributes to dry skin. And, in the summer, hot outdoor temperatures lead to water evaporating from the skin ultimately drying us out.
The skin has a barrier that maintains our moisture levels. Long, hot showers can actually dry out the skin. Different soaps can damage that lipid barrier causing our skin to feel drier. Furthermore, the lipid barrier of our skin changes as we age meaning that we are more prone to dry skin with increasing birthdays. And, certain medications or illnesses can also lead to dry skin.
Knowing some of the main factors that contribute to xerosis, it is no surprise that in Northern Nevada many of us suffer from dry skin. And, those of us who have dry skin know that it can be itchy leading us to scratch and rub at our skin. Most of the time that’s the extent of the issue; however, when we scratch at the skin and have breaks in the skin barrier, we can develop complications like infections.
So, what can be done about dry skin? There are a few tips and tricks that you can implement at home to make your skin look and feel moisturized and to reduce that winter itch.
1. Take fewer, cooler showers. You don’t need to be freezing in there but don’t steam up your bathroom and turn into a prune either.
2. Moisturize daily. Be thoughtful about the moisturizer that you choose for your skin and when to apply it. Ointments provide the most moisture, followed by creams (which are thick and white and need to be scooped out a jar). Lotion is the least moisturizing as it has been thinned to come out of the pump.
3. Moisturize while you’re wet! The body responds best to moisturizers when the skin is damp. Make this part of your post shower routine.
4. If you’re itchy, try not to scratch – it just makes the itching feeling more intense. A lotion with pramoxine in it can help distract the nerves from that itching feeling and may soothe you enough to stop the scratch.
5. Pick your soap wisely. Avoid harsh soaps with fragrances. If you are struggling with dry skin, choose gentle soaps for sensitive skin like Dove.
Winter is still here so there’s no time like the present to re-evaluate your skincare routine and modify your regimen for the change in weather. Afterall, no one likes having itchy skin.
If you’re struggling with your skin, seek help and advice from a board-certified dermatologist. Maybe something more than dry skin is ailing you.
