10 Tips To Help You Care For Dry Flaking Skin

Dry, flaking skin can appear in different parts of the body. It is usually seen on the hands, sides of the abdomen and shins. It usually happens during the cold and dry season of winter. There can also be other reasons why it happens like an underlying disease or simply by being hereditary. Aging can also cause dry flaking skin. Even though it is normal, if it is not taken care of properly then it can lead to a more serious problem which is dermatitis. Dermatitis is a serious inflammation of the skin that can cause bleeding.

There are different types of dermatitis:

1. Seborrheic dermatitis: The affected area can become red and very itchy. It usually appears on the parts of the body that has several oil glands.
2. Atopic dermatitis: This type lasts long and it can be genetic.
3. Athelete’s foot: It is seen on the soles of the feet being dry and flaking. Some severe cases secrete pus.
4. Allergic contact dermatitis: This happens when the skin has been in contact with elements that can cause an immune reaction. One good example is the poison ivy.

There are different ways to take care of dry flaking skin and these are fairly simple to follow:

1. When taking a bath, instead of using hot water use lukewarm water. Hot water has the tendency to get rid of the natural oils from the skin.
2. Bathe in for 5 to 10 minutes only. After bathing pat dry the skin and do not rub it with towel.
3. After washing hands or taking a bath, make use of a moisturizer or lotion that has contains neutral pH. Soaps can really dry of the skin that is why the skin needs to be moisturized.
4. During the winter since it is the time when the dry flaking skin really occur use heavy creams. Then during the summer use only light creams.
5. When the face is dry, is possible, do not use tap water to wash the face. Tap water is treated with chemicals like chlorine that can really cause the skin to dry. Use mineral water instead or use natural products to cleanse he face like cosmetic milk.
6. Use soap every other day and use the mildest soap like oatmeal soap two or three times a week. This will nourish the skin and smoothen it.
7. Eat a healthy diet. Drinking and especially smoking really contributes to dry skin because it dehydrates the body. Eats lots of fruit and leafy vegetables.
8. Drink a lot of water so the body is always hydrated.
9. A humidifier is recommended during the winter. Place it in an area where you spend most of the time.
10. If the dry flaking skin becomes itchy, avoid scratching it. Instead apply coconut oil or shea butter on the affected area as needed. Avoid splashing water into the affected area. Dry flaking skin can also lead to eczema and other kinds of skin problems.

Dry Body Skin - Causes And Remedies

Dry body skin happens when the level of sebum is low that resulting in sensitivity of the skin. Usually to relieve cracking and chapping, a moisturizer or cream must be applied. Drying of the skin can be caused by changes in the temperature, long exposure to air conditioning and the like. The obvious results of having dry skin are chapping, flaking and tightness of the skin.

What causes dry body skin?

-    Temperature: cold temperature such as winter can dry the skin really body that can lead to chapping.
-    Diet: When a person does not eat enough healthy food such as fruits and vegetables the tendency is that there will not be enough supply of oil to lubricate the skin. Fruits that contain Vitamin C help in nourishing the skin.
-    Environment: When the skin is exposed to strong elements such as chemicals, wind, sun and the like without protection then it can lead to dry body skin.
-    Though dry skin can also be sign of an ailment. Like for instance for people who are suffering from diabetes can really have skin problems one of which is dry skin.

There are different ways to take care of dry body skin and it can be done straight from home.

-    Drink plenty of water. Water may be plain and simple but it does wonders not only for our skin but to our entire body.
-    When washing the face, avoid using the tap water. The chemical used to treat the water can be very strong in the face. Instead used mineral water and when drying the face do not use wash cloth. The rough surface can also irritate the skin.
-    This has been said repeatedly and using soap to wash the face is not recommendable. The soap not only washes away the dirt but also the natural oil. A facial moisturizer or cream must be applied with massage. This will stimulate the natural oil and moisturize the skin.
-    When buying a facial wash or soap, look for one that has a neutral-pH. After washing apply a cream or moisturizer for protection from rough elements.
-    If possible, take a dip into a milk bath once a week. This wills surely smoothen the skin. When it comes to chapped lips, massage lips with a milk cream.
-    Always make sure to use moisturizing cream for protection especially when exposed for a long time at air-conditioned room or under the sun and especially during the winter.

Herbal Remedies:

-    Aloe vera: it is best for soothing, moisturizing and healing.
-    Comfrey and calendula: contains skin-softening properties.

These are just the simple things that can be done at home to treat a dry body skin. It is normal for some to have dry skin but if it is not taken care of then it can lead to cracking which is painful especially on the lips. And if it is caused by an illness then consult first with your physician before applying any cream.