Skin Care

Dry skin most often occurs on the shins, hands and
sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the
winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also
have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry
skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more
trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin
that occur with age.

Reasons of dry skin

Normal anatomy of skin is such that it is made up of two
layers: epidermis, and dermis. These layers contain
different oil producing glands. In case of healthy
balanced skin these glands produce enough oil to
prevent loss of skin moisture by acting as a barrier. If
this barrier is damaged due to some reason, skin will
lose its natural moisture and become dry and cracked.
This can happen due to many reasons, like:

• Most important is the environmental factor, exposure
to direct sunlight, dry climate, cold wind etc.

• Exposure to certain chemicals, low quality cosmetic
products, some medications especially those used for
acne.

• Central heating, dry air, especially in overheated
houses in winter, air conditioning.

• Usage of too hot water or hard water, excessive
scrubbing while washing or using harsh soaps. All these
damage the existing protective layer of sebum.

• With aging, there is a decrease in sebum production
due to reduction in the number of sebaceous glands.
Furthermore, there is a reduced blood flow to skin which
also contributes to low sebum production and the result
is a dry itchy skin.

• There are some diseases that also produce dryness:
diabetes, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, hypothyroidism
and others.

• In some cases, it is a genetic disorder called
ichthyoids.

Tips to manage dry skin

This is something understood that there are many
practical tips that can be applied to prevent or at least
minimize the effects of dryness. These are:

• Take optimum sleep

• Drink more water

• Use proper cleanser

• Proper lubrication

• Take healthy diet

• Avoid chlorinated swimming pools

Homemade masks for dry skin

Take some wheat flour; add a pinch of turmeric powder
and some olive oil. Now make a thick paste, add some
milk if required. Apply for some time till it dries, then
rinse with tap water.