Q: Why is my skin so dry?
A: If you’ve noticed your skin becoming dry, itchy or flaky lately, you’re not alone. Dry skin is especially common during the colder months, when outdoor temperatures drop, humidity decreases and indoor heating pulls moisture from the air. But winter weather isn’t the only reason your skin may be feeling less than its best.
Dry skin occurs when the skin loses too much moisture. Cold, dry air, long hot showers, harsh soaps, frequent bathing and certain skin care products can all strip away the skin’s natural oils. Age can also play a role, as our skin naturally produces less oil over time.
Fortunately, a few simple changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.
Try taking shorter showers with lukewarm rather than hot water, and choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. I find Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap to be a very gentle moisturizer that doesn’t strip skin. One of the most effective things you can do is apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp. Thicker creams and ointments generally work better than lighter lotions because they help lock in moisture. Some of my personal favorites include CeraVe cream, Vanicream and Aquaphor. For hands, I like Neutrogena Norwegian Formula. For very dry skin that flakes off on clothes, adding an acid-based cream once daily can be helpful. In this case, I like Amlactin lotion in the morning and CeraVe cream at night. Using a humidifier at home can also help when indoor air becomes particularly dry.
It’s important to remember that persistent dry skin isn’t always just a seasonal nuisance. Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause dryness and irritation, while diabetes and thyroid disorders may also contribute. Certain medications can have dry skin as a side effect, too.
If your skin remains dry despite making changes to your routine, or if you experience persistent itching, redness, painful cracks or bleeding, consider talking with a healthcare professional. Sometimes what looks like ordinary dry skin may need a closer look or treatment beyond over-the-counter moisturizers.
A little extra attention to your skincare routine can go a long way. Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the outside world, and keeping it healthy and hydrated is important throughout the year, not just during the winter months.
Dr. Victoria Collier is a dermatologist with Galen Dermatology North and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.