What Causes Dry Skin
Just about everyone will get dry skin at some point. While the causes of dry skin can be everything from the weather to the products you use, the bottom line is dry skin lacks moisture. The outermost protective layer of the skin (called the epidermis) is made up of dead skin and natural oils that help trap moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth. If there isn’t enough water, or the protective oils are diminished, the skin barrier can become dry and rough with flakes or scales.
When dry skin becomes extra dry
In some cases, dry skin can progress to extra‑dry skin. This happens when the skin lacks both moisture and natural oils (lipids), resulting in a much weaker moisture barrier. Extra‑dry skin lacks both the moisture and lipids it needs to stay healthy, allowing moisture to escape more easily. This also makes it easier for irritants to penetrate the skin, which can worsen dryness and leave skin feeling tight, uncomfortable, or sensitive.
Common causes of dry skin
Weather
Dry air = dry skin. Warm, dry climates and indoor heating and air conditioning can rob the skin of moisture.
Hand Washing
While essential to good hygiene, frequent handwashing removes the lipids that make up the skin barrier.
Swimming
Frequent swimming in heavily chlorinated pools has also been known to dry out the skin.
Health Conditions
Dry, itchy skin is common for many people with conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.
Bathing
Hot baths or long showers, can strip the skin of its natural oils, not to mention certain drying cleansers and soaps.
Harsh Cleanser
Washing with harsh cleansers can be damaging to the skin.
Medication
High blood pressure medications (such as diuretics), cholesterol-lowering drugs, and acne medications (such as retinoids) can dry out the skin.
Age
Our skin produces less natural oils and becomes drier and thinner as we age.
How to treat dry skin
Intro: When skin feels dry, treatment should focus on restoring moisture and supporting the skin barrier. Using the right moisturizer consistently can help relieve dryness and keep skin comfortable.
Treating normal‑to‑dry skin
For everyday dryness, a lightweight moisturizer that supports hydration and barrier care can help keep skin soft and comfortable. Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion is designed to deliver everyday hydration while helping support the skin’s moisture barrier—making it a good option for normal‑to‑dry skin.
Treating extra‑dry skin
Extra‑dry skin often needs richer moisturization to help replenish lost moisture and support a weakened barrier. Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion is formulated for extra‑dry skin, helping deliver intense hydration while supporting long‑lasting skin comfort.x
Tips To Help Prevent Dry Skin
One of the best ways to help prevent dry skin is to keep your skin moist and healthy:
Stay hydrated from the inside out: Drink lots of water and eat foods rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help restore and retain moisture (like blueberries, oranges, salmon and sweet potatoes).
Choose gentle skincare: Use mild, hydrating products to cleanse and moisturize your skin.
Keep showers short and lukewarm: Limit your bath or shower to 10 minutes, and avoid hot water and harsh, drying soaps.
Moisturize right after bathing: Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing to help lock moisture into the skin.
Look for barrier‑supporting ingredients: Ingredients like glycerin, mineral oil, and dimethicone help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier at night to add moisture back into the air.
Wear skin‑friendly fabrics: Choose fabrics like cotton that are kind to your skin.
Protect against sun damage: Wear sunscreen every day, year‑round, to shield skin from damaging UV rays.
Avoid smoking: Smoking dries the skin and contributes to premature aging.
Drink alcohol in moderation: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the skin.
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