Dry Skin Causes

Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body. The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body". The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

Causes of Dry Skin

-Weather. In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse. - Age. It is an undeniable fact that as we grow older, our sebaceous glands begin to produce less oil. This eventually leads to an impaired ability of the skin to hold down moisture. - Central heating and air conditioning.Forced air furnaces, wood-burning stoves, and electric heaters all dry out the air,poor household ventilation can also lead to dry skin

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- Bathing rituals. Taking a bath with extremely hot or cold water also causes the skin to dry. Lukewarm water is the best option in such cases. Taking long baths in hot water or taking a bath or a shower several times a day eventually damage the essential proteins in the skin which work to keep it moist and young-looking. Be sure to remember this tiny nugget of information the next time you head for the bath or the shower!

- Harsh chemicals.Chemically harsh soaps and cosmetics can also harm the skin to a great extent. We commonly use everyday products, which might contain harsh chemicals. Detergents, household cleansers and chemical solvents can definitely damage the outer layer of the skin. So be sure to avoid direct contact with these products the next time you do you household chores.

-Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

-Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea.

It is suggested to apply moisturizer before going out as the wind can also harm the skin a lot. Apply sunscreen lotions when going out into the sun for a longer time.

Either oil-based or water-based creams can be used to avoid dry skin. Bath oils are another good option to help retain the moisture in the skin.