Dry skin is a common skin condition characterized by a lack of the right amount of water in the most superficial layer of skin. Daily activities, including some designed to improve your overall health, can have a major impact on the condition of your skin. Below are 6 things that cause dry skin.
Bath too often
A nice warm shower or bath may be an ideal way to relax, but that heat drains your body's natural moisture. Avoid excessive bathing, shorten your showers and aim for more moderate temperatures to reduce the impact on your skin.
Too much chlorine
Keeping swimming pools safe and clean is essential, but chlorine is a harsh chemical that can be harmful to your skin, hair and eyes. To minimize the impact, take a short shower as soon as possible after leaving the pool to rinse off chemicals and apply lotion while skin is still damp for maximum absorption.
Wash your hands regularly
Washing your hands thoroughly is important to keep germs and diseases at bay, but all that washing can wreak havoc on your skin. If possible, choose a soap that contains moisturizing ingredients along with antibacterial agents. Follow up each wash with a layer of lotion to lock in moisture. A consistent summer moisturizing regimen, including a high-quality moisturizing body lotion, can keep your skin supple and smooth all summer long.
Overuse of hand sanitizer
It can be helpful if you're away from a sink, but the most effective hand sanitizers contain over 65% alcohol and alcohol is extremely drying. If possible, supplement the use with a disinfecting lotion.
Air conditioning exposure
The cooling air from an air conditioner can help reduce the natural evaporation that occurs when you're hot and sweaty, but it also dries out indoor air, drawing moisture from your skin that you probably don't even notice. It's easier to keep moisture in the skin before it becomes dry and flaky, so use a regular moisturizer as a preventative measure and preserve the skin's natural protective barrier against moisture loss.
Enjoy the sun
While many people think of tanned skin as a healthy glow, the opposite is actually true. A tan is a clear sign of skin damage and the darker the color, the greater the damage. Use appropriate sunscreen when you are outside, and when you enter, use moisturizers designed to reduce the chance of irritating sensitive skin from fragrances or dyes.
