Are you looking for the cause of your very dry skin?
Dry skin is a common problem with a variety of causes such as ...
Environment
Age
Medical conditions
Medication
However, most cases of dry skin are due to…
Environmental conditions
Weather ... Cold, windy weather is the most damaging to skin. Yet even a hot, dry climate can mean suffering.
Dry indoor air ... A warm, cozy fire is good for the soul, but hard on the skin. Wood stoves, central heat, and air conditioning all rob your skin of moisture.
Excessive bathing and hot water ... There's nothing like a hot bubble bath on a cold winter night. This small luxury, however, breaks down the lipids (fats) that protect your skin.
Frequent swimming in a chlorinated pool ... Great exercise, but again hard on your skin. Chlorine is another enemy of your natural, protective oils.
Harsh soaps and detergents ... Anti-bacterial and deodorant soaps are the worst offenders.
In addition to the environment, blame…
Advancing age
Yes, it's true. As the years increase, oil production decreases.
Excess oil is an annoyance during your teens. Later, the complaint is lack of oil. This deficiency begins far earlier in life for women than it does for men (is there no justice?). In addition, skin cells shed more slowly. This results in dry, flaky skin.
Occasionally, the cause of very dry skin may be the result of a ...
Diabetes may lead to small blood vessel and nerve damage. This in turn leads to dry skin.
Ichthyosis is most often an inherited condition. Dry skin develops because of a disruption in the rate skin cells shed.
Asteatotic eczema may develop due to exposure to harsh soaps, chemicals, or cold, dry weather.
Psoriasis presents as extremely rough, thick, scaly skin. Scientists believe this is an inherited condition triggered by various environmental factors.
Nutritional deficiencies…particularly a long-term lack of omega-3 fatty acids or zinc. The typical American diet is high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Vegetarians and the elderly are susceptible to zinc deficiency.
Dehydration causes the skin to lose elasticity, resulting in dryness. This is often the first sign the body is dehydrated.
Still wondering what the cause of your very dry skin is? Consider ...
Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines, isotretinoin (Accutane), and others often leave the skin dry.
Alcohol and caffeine, in excess, are drying.
Sun exposure is both drying and destructive. Collagen and elastin fibers break down in response to sun damage. The consequence? Sagging skin and wrinkles!
If you have itching, flaking, or burning skin, relief is top on your list. Find solutions here: dry skin care. Next, determine the cause of your very dry skin.
