Dry Skin Problem - What Causes Dry Skin


by Alien - Date: 2007-11-01 - Word Count: 800 Share This!

Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin.

Dry skin is also caused by a deficiency in Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E in the body. Intake of plenty of fruit juices, a diet consisting of leafy vegetables, and lots of water can help reduce this problem.

Other causes for dry skin are often extreme climatic conditions, wind, and sunburn. The outer layer of the skin has an oily layer that is sometimes not retained properly because of these conditions. Also, the body is unable to produce the requisite amount of water and oil as is needed by the body. This causes the skin to dry and look dull, flaky, and lifeless. It is advised to use a humidifier while staying in a room with a heater for a long time.

Before searching for treatment and prevention measures, practices and medications, it would be appropriate if you would first understand and determine the real causes of the skin condition. Finding and understanding the roots and the origins of the skin problem would be instrumental in effectively curtailing and controlling dry skin. Here are several identified and proven causes of the skin condition.

Genes

It is a known fact that most of dry skin cases are caused by hereditary factors. If the skin condition has been passed within a family from generation to generation, there is a bigger chance that one would be bogged by the problem. As of now, there is still no definite measure that would contradict hereditary factors for dry skin. But dealing with the problem upon manifestation is one way of containing it.

Thyroid problems

Excessive and very abrupt loss of weight is known to cause dry skin. When it comes to weight problems, the thyroid glands is responsible. That is because the glands handle and control the metabolic factors within the body. Thus, when the thyroid becomes underactive, weight problems may occur. And usually, along with weight problems come dry skin conditions.

Not using an effective moisturizer

An effective moisturizer doesn't have to be expensive. Look for one that has humectants such as glycerin, hydroxyl acids, or urea and emollients such as lanolin or mineral oil. Some vitamin additives appear to have a positive effect on dry skin including vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, always look for a product that has a protective sunscreen to shield against photo damage which can further aggravate the problem.

Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and caffeine can visibly dry your skin. Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines and isotretinoin (Accutane) also have a drying effect.

Cold weather

Cold weather is also one of the most common causes of dry skin. The skin naturally loses moisture when the humidity is significantly low and the climate or environment condition is very windy. People in cold climate countries naturally complain about dryness of the skin. Getting into artificially cold climate like in air conditioned rooms can also deceive the skin and result to dry skin.

Overall, dry skin is a problem that is very common. Though it is not severe and is relatively serious, people have different approaches to handling and acknowledging the problem. If you are suffering from the condition, analyze your own skin and determine which possible cause may have exhibited in your skin. From that, you can easily move on to find the best treatment to eliminate dryness of your skin.

Genetic Disease

Dry skin, is developed by the people who are afflicted with a rare genetic disease called ichthyosis. This genetic disease has no cure and the goal of skin care treatment is to secure the symptoms that manifest along the way.

Dry Skin Treatment

One way to maintain that youthful glow is to subscribe to a skin treatment regimen. This skin treatment regimen will help your dry skin restore moisture when it's needed.

Bacterial and fungal infections are the most common reasons for dry skin, which do not go away until proper prescription drug treatment is administered. But in reasons not tied up above, products available in the market will help you achieve that goal and maintain a skin that is envied by everyone.

* Balanced-diet and exercise cause your skin to produce more oil and maintain a relative amount of oil that keeps moisture in your skin. Drinking plenty of water is also important.

See your doctor or consult a dermatologist when you encounter one or more of the symptoms listed above. Your doctor will most likely conduct a physical exam and ask you about your medical history, including when you first started having dry skin, your lifestyle, and how you care for your skin.


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