Tips on Treating Extremely Dry Skin

Wintertime is especially notorious for bringing on the condition of extremely dry skin; itchy, flaking and scaling skin make getting through a day very uncomfortable. Treating “xerosis”, as the condition is called, is quite easy although it does take some dedication.

Our skin is our largest organ; a living, growing, protecting and regenerating organ that covers our skeletal system. What most people perceive to be “us” is actually just the appearance of our skin; our features and our coloration. No one has a lack of skin, although some people can have excess skin. This multi faceted organ plays many valuable roles in human physiology. One of the most important of these is its protective feature; guarding our vulnerable heart, lungs and other organs within the trunk area from outward forces. It is not armor, however, and is open to injury from many sources. But it prevents a careening rock from doing damage to the tender heart muscle, or debris carried on the wind from marring the lungs.

Despite the protection it offers, from time to time the skin itself needs protection; defense against harsh chemicals, or the ruthless elements of the weather or from our own lack of care. It can become very dry and cracked, or the skin may peel, flake or scale and otherwise look unappealing. Fortunately, skin is very resilient, and getting it back and keeping it back to its natural vibrant condition can be quite easy with just a few helpful tips.

The most common time that the majority of people experience extremely dry skin is during the winter. Despite the accumulation of deep snow in some areas of the country, the winter months actually have low humidity. This, combined with the face that most people fail to drink enough fluids, results in the skin losing valuable moisture. When insufficient fluids come into the body, the dry air in the atmosphere leaches what fluid there remains from the outermost layer of skin, leaving it desperately dehydrated. As this moisture evaporates from the body, the skin begins to take on a powdery, white and scaly appearance and will begin to itch. A good simile is to take a slice of fresh, soft bread and place it in the microwave for one minute. The moisture is pulled from the bread in just that short time; leaving it hard, dry and unappetizing. The same thing is true of the skin in a dry environment.

Treating the “alligator” skin can be very simple. The main focus should be to return moisture to the skin so that it can function as normal. Begin by making sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids throughout each and every day; fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol. Water is the best medicine to hydrate your body. It can also be your worst enemy if you are bathing too often and in too hot of water. Instead of bringing moisture into the body, this can extract even more fluids from the skin. Shorten your time in the shower and use only lukewarm water. Soaps that moisturize the skin are very helpful; find one using only natural ingredients for the best results. Use a moisturizing lotion frequently on all areas of the body, especially after a shower or bath. Instead of rubbing the body dry, simply pat all over and apply lotion to your slightly damp skin.

During these times, also use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. Including plants in your décor will help to retain that moisture.

Treating extremely dry skin may take a few weeks before a return to normal is both seen and felt. Continuous applications of moisturizing lotion on the skin’s surface and adequate amounts of fluids that can work from the interior should have your skin back to its natural glowing state in no time.