Are you looking for the cause of very dry skin? It's true, dry skin can be miserable! Annoying symptoms such as flaking, burning, cracking, and redness are difficult at best. And the incessant itching that goes with this condition can be maddening.
So what is the source of such miserable symptoms? Dry skin is a common problem with a variety of causes including...
Environment
Age
Medical conditions
Medication
Most cases of dry skin are due to…
Environmental Conditions
Weather... Cold, winter weather is most often blamed for dry skin. Yet symptom also occur in hot, dry climates.
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 skin of moisture.
Excessive bathing and hot water... There's nothing like a hot bubble bath to relieve stress. This small luxury, however, can break down lipids (fats) that protect skin.
Frequent swimming in a chlorinated pool... Great exercise, but hard on your skin. Chlorine damages skin's protective oils.
Harsh soaps and detergents... Anti-bacterial and deodorant soaps are the worst offenders.
In addition to the environment, blame…
Age
It's true... as the years increase, oil production decreases.
While excess oil can be a huge problem during the teen years, the problem later in life is usually a lack of oil. This oil deficiency begins earlier in life for women than men. In addition, skin cells shed at a slower rate with advancing age.
The result? Dry, flaky skin!
Medical Conditions
Occasionally, very dry skin may signal a health problem such as...
Thyroid disease is a hormone disruption which often decreases oil production.
Diabetes may lead to small blood vessel and nerve damage. This in turn leads to dry skin.
Ichthyosis is usually seen as an inherited condition. Dry skin develops due to a disruption in the rate that skin cells shed.
Asteatotic eczema may develop due to exposure to harsh soaps, chemicals, or cold, dry weather.
Psoriasis causes thick, scaly, rough skin. It is thought to be an inherited condition that is triggered by environmental factors.
Nutritional deficiencies, such as a long-term lack of omega3 fatty acids or zinc can cause dry skin. The standard American diet is high in omega 6 but low in omega3 essential fatty acids. Read Omega 3 fatty acids sources.
Vegetarians and the elderly are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency.
Dehydration causes the skin to lose elasticity. Dry skin is often the first sign the body is dehydrated.
Additional factors as a cause of very dry skin...
Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines, isotretinoin (Accutane), and others often leave the skin dry.
Alcohol and caffeine, in excess, are drying.
Excessive sun exposure is drying and damaging. 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. Once you determine the cause of very dry skin, read dry skin care for a solution!
