Dry skin is a common condition at this time of year that can often by addressed by following a few simple steps. If left untreated, however, it can become a far more severe and long-term problem that requires more intensive dry skin treatment.
Do you consistently deal with dry and irritating skin that seems to reappear whenever certain seasons change? If so, you are far from alone, as dry skin is a very common condition that affects people of all ages.
The American Skin Association describes dry skin as, “skin [that] appears dehydrated, peeled, irritated and inflamed. It feels rough, scaly, sometimes painful, and itchy”. It can be quite common and can be caused by a variety of factors. These include internal factors such as, “overall health, age, genetics, family history, and a personal history of other medical conditions” or external factors like cold temperatures, low humidity, or use of soaps or cleaning agents that can irritate the skin.
Fortunately, dry skin treatment in minor cases can be relatively simple. The American Academy of Dermatology offers some helpful suggestions on how to help protect and restore dry skin. Some of the most important are detailed below:
- Be mindful during shower time. Try to keep water temperature warm instead of hot and keep shower times to 5 minutes if possible.
- Apply moisturizer, especially after getting out of the shower.
- Use only gentle skin care products and avoid scented lotions that can be irritating to the skin.
- Use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and wear non-irritating clothes.
One primary reason for dry skin in the winter is the combination of cold weather and low humidity, paired with the constant switch from outside cold to inside warmth. A simple way to combat this is avoiding standing directly near a heat source after just being outside for an extended period of time and adding a humidifier to rooms to decrease the difference in humidity from outside to inside.
If dry skin persists for an extended period of time, you should consult a dermatologist for skin care treatment. Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see our locations in Mt. Lebanon and Washington. You can also follow us on Facebook where we’ll share more seasonal tips throughout the year.