The general explanation for itchy, dry skin might sound sort of a no-brainer: it is a lack of moisture. But where does that lack of moisture come from? “Dry skin is caused by an impaired skin barrier and dysfunction or deficiency within the necessary healthy fats within the top layer of the skin,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Downtown Dermatology in NY City. Normally, the highest layer of skin is formed from dead cells and natural oils, which help trap moisture to stay the skin soft and smooth, consistent with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. But if there’s not enough water during this top layer of cells, which may happen if the protective oils are diminished, dry skin could result.

In most cases, experiencing dry skin, or xerosis cutis, isn’t an enormous concern. consistent with MedlinePlus, it’s extremely common, can occur in people of all ages, and may crop up anywhere on the body, from the hands and face to the legs and stomach. Dr. Marchbein says that dryness can make the skin red, flaky, or itchy, which may be uncomfortable, but beyond that, there’s usually not much to stress about.

But sometimes the dryness is going to be severe and should indicate an underlying skin issue or health condition (more thereon below). If the dryness is so severe that it interferes together with your ability to figure or sleep, if the skin becomes cracked or bleeds, or if it doesn’t seem to be responding to prescription treatment, make certain to go to your medical care doctor or a board-certified dermatologist, suggests Harvard Health.

Your first thought once you experience dry skin could also be to pile on moisturizer. And while that’ll help and you’ll likely see changes within a couple of minutes, that’s a short-lived solution. it's going to be more beneficial to urge to the rock bottom of what’s causing the dryness within the first place. you would possibly be surprised by what you discover — some skin dehydrators lurk in surprising places.

If you are looking for remedies for dry skin, check this list first to seek out out whether one among these offenders could also be responsible, and determine how experts suggest you combat these dehydrators. you ought to see improvements within every week or two of caring for your skin properly, consistent with Harvard Health.

1. Fragrance Has the Potential to Cause Skin Irritation

"Fragrance features a tendency to irritate dry skin or make it worse, so avoid deodorants and skin-care products that are crammed with fragrance," says Amy Forman Taub, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Northwestern Medicine in Lincolnshire, Illinois. That’s because fragrance may be a common source of allergic dermatitis. It could take several exposures for the skin to react, otherwise you might see a reaction the very first time, consistent with the Cleveland Clinic.

Check the ingredients list for the word "fragrance," and remember "fragrance-free" is your friend. Body lotions and creams may do more harm than good when full of perfumes. Read labels carefully. Lavender oil and other botanical oils have natural preservative properties and are utilized in cosmetics which will still be labeled “fragrance-free.”

2. Soap May Sap Moisture From the Skin and Scalp

“Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos subtract moisture from your skin and scalp, as they're formulated to get rid of oil,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts. It’s important to carefully choose face washes, body washes, and laundry detergents. Using only moisturizing body wash is best than a harsh soap, says Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska, warns against harsh detergents — and even fabric softeners — if you've got dry skin. Instead, search for gentle laundry soaps like Seventh Generation Free and Clear.

3. Genetics Can Affect Your Risk for Dry Skin

Chalk it up to a different thing you'll blame on your mom and dad: Researchers say that dry skin is often inherited. consistent with a study, mutations in genes that control the assembly of the protein filaggrin, which plays a task in firming and hydrating the skin barrier, can cause several skin conditions. People with these mutations, estimated to be about 10 percent of the population, suffer drier skin and have a greater chance of developing eczema. atopic eczema may be a common sort of eczema.

If you've always had dry skin or if it runs in your family, you must be diligent with daily moisturization. "Look for ceramides and lipids in moisturizers, which help build and reinforce the skin barrier," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Sinai Hospital in NY City.

4. water Can Prevent Moisturizers From Absorbing

When water contains a high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, it's referred to as water, consistent with the U.S. Geological Survey. Those minerals can leave a movie on skin that causes dryness. "Heavy metals turn the oils on the skin into a thick substance that plugs glands, aggravates conditions like acne and rosacea, and prevents moisturizers from being absorbed into the skin," says Dennis Gross, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in NY City. Investing during a home filtration system, whether a whole-house treatment or one that attaches to the tap, can help, consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Gross also recommends adding skin-care products that contain vitamins A and C to your routine because they counteract the coating deposited by water.

5. Acne Medications and Retinol Speed somatic cell Turnover, Causing Dryness

Salicylic acid is often great at treating acne, but it's going to also dry out your skin once you first start using it, consistent with MedlinePlus. Dryness may be a common side effect of retinol, too, and it happens because retinol loosens the connection between cells on the skin’s surface, consistent with a study published in August 2017 within the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. the great news is that you simply do not have to offer up these skin-care saviors, though lowering on their use may deliver results without irritation. "Reduce the frequency of use from a day to each other day approximately, confirm you select a mild cleanser that may not be compounding the difficulty, and ask your dermatologist for a less drying prescription if necessary," Dr. Forman Taub says.

The best frequency will depend upon your specific skin type, consistent with the American Academy of Dermatology. Take burning, peeling, and flaking as signs you would like to prevent using the merchandise, Dr. Frieling says. “This isn't something to play guessing games with and use trial and error,” she notes. Schedule a meeting together with your dermatologist and convey the merchandise with you therefore the doctor can evaluate it and confirm it’s right for your skin.

6. Dry Air, Indoors or Out, Can Increase Symptoms of Dry Skin

Sometimes the air inside is often as punishing on your skin because of the air outside. Forced air, especially heat, can draw humidity levels down, making skin feel dry and itchy, Frieling says. Luckily, you don’t get to suffer with dry, itchy skin all winter: A humidifier can help restore moisture to the air in your house. It’s best to line yours between 30 and 50 percent humidity, consistent with the Cleveland Clinic. "Additionally, it is a good idea to stay alight — 1 percent — hydrocortisone cream available. Use it early if you see signs of chapped or dry skin," Dr. Schlessinger says. Hydrocortisone, which sometimes requires a prescription, reduces swelling, redness, and itching and helps heal and soothe dry, chapped skin and speed its healing, consistent with MedlinePlus.

7. Zealous Handwashing Can cause Redness and Irritation

"Some people with dry skin just wash their hands constantly," Forman Taub says. That won’t help the dryness because an excessive amount of washing can cause dry, cracked skin, consistent with Piedmont Healthcare. this will be an enormous issue for people that add industries that need frequent handwashing, like health care. To mitigate the drying effects of your sanitary habit, use lukewarm water (hot water strips your skin’s moisture), avoid alcohol-based soaps, and blot your hands dry rather than rubbing them with a towel, consistent with EveryNurse. Ointments tend to be thicker than moisturizers, so keep an ointment (such as Aquaphor) available and apply after each wash.

8. Long, Hot Showers Can Contribute to Skin Dehydration

It might be tempting to face under the steaming-hot water for an extended period of your time, especially during the cold months. But the practice could find yourself creating issues together with your skin. “Taking long and steaming showers or baths can dry out the moisture in your skin,” Frieling says. Marchbein says to limit showers to no quite five minutes and to stay the water temperature warm, not hot. Afterward, apply a moisturizing cream within one minute of getting out of the shower, Marchbein adds. Moisturizers work best on damp skin, consistent with MedlinePlus.

9. Aging Can Increase Skin Dryness

Dry skin tends to become more of a problem as people grow old. The Mayo Clinic notes that adults ages 40 or older are at an increased risk of experiencing dry skin, and it affects about half the individuals during this age bracket. “As we grow old, our skin produces less oil and gets drier,” Frieling says. For women, it could even be thanks to the hormone changes related to menopause, consistent with Penn Medicine. The fix? Moisturize each day (or multiple times a day if needed), recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Marchbein says to seem for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, humectants (such as mucopolysaccharide or glycerin), and petrolatum. These ingredients help replenish lost moisture and quickly repair the skin barrier, she says.

10. Certain Medical Conditions Can Cause Dry Skin

Skin issues like psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more susceptible to dryness, Frieling says. But dry skin could also indicate something seemingly unrelated, like diabetes, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, renal failure, or Sjögren's syndrome, consistent with Harvard Health and Penn Medicine. So how might you recognize if the dryness is that the results of something run-of-the-mill just like the weather or something more serious? Frieling says to get on the lookout for inflamed areas, crusting, intense itchiness, hyperpigmentation, and rough, flaky, or scaly patches on the skin and take those as a touch it’s time to go to a doctor. Once you’ve nailed down the basis cause for the dryness, your doctor can assist you determine the right treatment.