Women's Dry Skincare | Dry Skin Causes | Anti-Aging Moisturizers and AHAs

Dry Skin Causes

There are many reasons that you develop dry skin but always remember it is ultimately the lack of moisture that makes the skin dry. The question than is what do we do that results in dry skin.

What causes dry skin

Low humidity - caused by overheating during the winter and air conditioning during the summer - contributes to dryness and itching.

Age - The loss of sweat and oil glands that are common in aging skin also may worsen dry skin.

Excessive washing - washing with harsh soaps too often takes away the natural oils that help hold water in. Healthcare workers, who wash their hands often, are more likely to develop dry skin. The same thing can happen to new mothers, and even food service workers, who are constantly washing their hands.

Chemicals - such as solvents and cleaning products remove the oils on our skin and leave them exposed. People who work with certain chemicals and cleaning products often have dry skin problems.

Smoking - the chemical changes in our bodies from smoking dries the skin.

Dehydration - can also result in dry skin. That's why it's so important to drink enough water throughout the day.

Menopause and perimenopause - Hormonal changes of menopause and perimenopause can also result in changes to the skin and hair. The skin can get drier and thinner. Less estrogen can mean less collagen in the skin, and since collagen contributes to the skin's elasticity, sagging and wrinkles can develop. Hair problems including hair loss or excessive hair (hirsutism) - may develop also during menopause or perimenopause.

Help for dry skin

Whatever the cause, moisturizers can often help to hydrate the skin. You can find moisturizers in ointment, cream or lotion formula. The main ingredient in most lotions is water, which is why they feel lighter on the skin. ointments and creams can feel heavier, but usually need to be applied less often. You may also want to look for soaps that are less drying and irritating, such as super-fatted soaps, or soapless soaps. Special dry skin cleansers can also keep the skin clean without being as drying. After you use one of these products, and while your skin is still moist, is the best time to apply any moisturizer. This will help seal the moisture in the skin.

The bottom line of the causes of dry skin is when the natural oils are lost from the skin the moisture in the skin is also lost and unless that moisture is restored that dry, itchy feeling is not far behind. That's why it's so important that you use dry skin treatment and dry skin prevention measures. It's also important that you use sun protection, because excessive sun exposure will only dry the skin out even more.

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Updated May 2008

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