Causes of dry skin
Are you battling dry skin this winter? Besides being uncomfortable, dry skin can also be unsightly- especially when it occurs on the face. Dry skin can actually make fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging more visible.
There are many causes of dry skin, and you may experience one or more of them at the same time. Commonly, cold and dry air can cause skin to dry out. This is why most of us notice more dry skin in the wintertime, when both temperature and humidity drop.
Dry skin can also be impacted by other factors. For example, dehydration (not drinking enough water or fluids) can cause your skin to appear dry. Conversely, too much exposure to water, like soaking in a tub too often or too long, can also cause dry skin. Dryness can also be caused or exacerbated by the use of topical creams that contain retinol or retinoids, such as the ones use to treat acne or aging.
How to manage your dry skin
If you are prone to dry skin, you can take some steps to treat it on your own. For more serious dry skin care, you should consider seeing a Charlotte dermatologist.
Applying a moisturizer right after you shower or bathe will make it more effective in combating your dry skin. Talk to your dermatologist for a recommendation of the best moisturizing product for your skin type.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid excessive exposure to hot water (such as long showers) and hot, dry air (such as sitting in front of a fireplace). When you shower, try using warm water instead of hot water and spend no more than ten minutes in the shower. Dry off by gently blotting your skin, not vigorously rubbing.
Take care to protect sensitive areas, such as your lips, hands, and around your eyes. Apply lip balm religiously, such as aquaphor, and use a moisturizing eye cream. Keep hand cream nearby and reapply frequently; in the winter or when exposed to cold air, protect your hands with gloves.
Be sure that the products you are using on your skin aren’t working against your dry skin care. Stay away from anything heavily scented, and don’t use more soap or cleanser than you need.
Partnering with a Charlotte dermatologist for your best skin
In the Charlotte NC area, the experienced team at Metrolina Dermatology can help you maintain healthy, beautiful skin. If your dry skin needs professional attention, or if you just want to make sure that you are putting your best face forward, Metrolina Dermatology is the place to go.
South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle and her team can evaluate and treat any skin issue. Don’t suffer with dry skin or other dermatological issues any longer- contact the friendly staff at Metrolina Dermatology today.
144
Rating: