Dry, Itchy Skin Starting Early this Year? Here’s What to Do.
Almost everyone experiences dry skin at some point throughout the year, especially in the months when summer begins to transition to fall. Here in Colorado, our already dry climate is being hit hard by wildfires and a long dry spell. Combined with more time indoors as the temperature drops, our skin can really take a hit!
If you’re starting to notice your skin feels itchy, rough, tight and dry, it’s time to take some preventative measures. Rough cracking patches, or alligator skin, is harder to treat. Taking the time to make sure your skin is moisturized and pampered to begin with will make all the difference in the long run.
Luckily dry skin isn't usually serious. In most cases it's caused by temporary factors and can be easily treated with the right products and the help of a good aesthetician.
Causes
Dry skin is often caused by factors in the environment and can include:
Weather. Skin tends to be driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. But the season may not matter as much if you live in desert regions.
Heat. Central heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin.
Hot baths and showers. Taking long, hot showers or baths can dry your skin. So can frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools.
Harsh soaps and detergents. Many popular soaps, detergents and shampoos strip moisture from your skin as they are formulated to remove oil.
Other skin conditions. People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are prone to dry skin.
If after consistent treatment you continue to have dry skin or it gets worse, something other than dry air may be causing your dry skin. In that case it is best to consult with a dermatologist. Excessively dry skin can develop due to:
An underlying medical condition, such as atopic dermatitis or kidney disease
Medication you take
What you touch throughout the day, such as certain foods
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to soothing dry skin! Protecting, moisturizing and a consistent skin care routine is the best way to deter pesky, dry winter skin.
To keep skin from getting excessively dry, try these tips:
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! A good moisturizer will seal in skin to keep water from escaping. Need a recommendation? Contact us, we’re happy to tell you our favorites!
Keep your showers short. It can be tempting to linger during your morning shower, but excessive time in hot water is extremely drying for your skin. Try to keep bathing to 10 minutes or less, in warm (not hot) water, and just once per day.
Skip the harsh, drying soap! Try cleansing creams, gentle skin cleansers and shower gels with added moisturizers.
Cover as much skin as possible in cold or windy weather. Dry winter air can be especially drying, so be sure to wear a scarf, hat and gloves when you go out.
Wear rubber gloves. If you have to immerse your hands in water or are using harsh cleansers, wearing gloves can make all the difference to protect your skin.
Drink water. Good skin hydration begins on the inside. Make sure you are drinking 8 glasses of high-quality water a day.
Treatment
At Skin Deep, we have a healthy obsession with transforming tight, dry skin into happy, plump moisturized skin! We carry several lines of professional quality skin products that include hyaluronic acid, an incredibly effective humectant. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract hydration to the skin’s surface and help your skin retain that moisture, keeping your skin happy and hydrated.
We highly recommend incorporating a hyaluronic acid product into your skin care routine to help with dry skin. A good product will increase surface hydration, improve product penetration and moisture attraction.
Immediate and long-term benefits of hyaluronic acid include:
Provides instant hydration and smoothing on contact with the skin
Supports and encourages the skins’ own hydration deeper in the skin
Skin feels smoother, softer and hydrated all day
Anti-aging effects of hyaluronic acid include:
Plumps the surface of the skin immediately after application
Reduces appearance of fine lines from deeper in the skin by holding onto moisture
Prevents collagen and elastin degradation to reduce signs of aging
Contact Us
Are you suffering from dry skin? We offer facials, advanced treatments, and a full range of professional grade products that can help with any skin concern you may have, including dry skin.
Contact us by phone at 1-970-232-9793 to set up a consultation. You can also email us or contact us through our website for more information and product recommendations.