How it happens

Dry skin occurs when moisture is lost through the stratum corneum — the outermost layer of the epidermis. Made up of skin cells, oils and fats, this layer keeps the skin hydrated and creates a barrier against harmful substances, including germs and irritants.

According to the Physician's Desk Reference, “...when the stratum corneum dries out, it loses its protective function. This allows greater water loss.”

Common causes

You can inherit dry skin or lose surface moisture because of environmental factors, such as bathing in extremely hot water or swimming in the pool.

Experts point to these additional factors in contributing to dry skin.

• Sun damage. The sun emits dangerous UV radiation that weakens skin. Over time, this exposure can damage skin cells, which also means the skin loses its ability to retain moisture.
• Less oil production. As the skin matures, the production of sebum typically slows down, causing the skin to look and feel dry.
• Environment. Each season, the humidity level of the air changes, causing a change in the moisture level of your skin. Your geographic region and environment at home can also affect the skin. Extreme northern climates and arid deserts of the southwest leave skin papery dry. Heat and air conditioning force moisture from the air and skin.
• Medical conditions. Some health conditions are also related to dry skin. Examples include diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, AIDS and cancer. In addition, dry skin is often seen in patients with eczema or psoriasis.
• Medication. A variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to dry skin, including diuretics and drugs for high cholesterol. Retinoid treatments for acne and aging skin are also notorious for their drying effects. Plus, some medications increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, resulting in greater risk of UV damage, which affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Effective remedies

Here are several practical ways you can tweak your normal routine to provide relief and hydrate your skin.

• Avoid hot water.

Although a steamy hot bath may be your favorite way to unwind, hot water strips skin of moisture and its natural protective oils. Adjust the water temperature to warm or minimize taking hot baths to once a week. Also, don’t soak for longer than 10-20 minutes.

• Choose cleansers carefully.

  When washing your face, pick a gentle, creamy, soap-free cleanser that will remove dirt and impurities yet respect the moisture balance of your skin. A great example is Murad Moisture Rich Cleanser, a non-foaming lotion that cleanses the face without drying it.

  Also, forgo heavily scented or perfumed cleansers, which can lead to dryness. Instead, choose fragrance-free options, such as L’Occitane Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk.

  For the shower, lather up with moisturizing body wash instead of bar soap. MD Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash gently exfoliates the skin and leaves it smooth and supple.

• Use moisturizer.

  Moisturizers bind water to skin and help the stratum corneum lock in moisture. To keep skin from feeling dry or itchy, look for formulas that contain lanolin, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum, mineral oil or hyaluronic acid.

  For the face, Murad Perfecting Night Cream contains essential fatty acids to retain moisture and sunflower oil to encourage supple skin. For the body, apply L’Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion, which boasts 15 percent pure shea butter.

• Use it often.

  Apply your moisturizer three to four times a day, preferably within three minutes after showering or cleansing your face and hands.

• Wear sunscreen.

  Defend yourself from harmful UV rays, which break down skin and zap moisture. Plus, sunscreen protects against age spots, wrinkles and can help ward off skin cancer.

  Choose sunscreen made specifically for dry skin to boost moisture levels, with SPF 15 or higher. Enriched with shea butter, Ole Henriksen Sun Light Protection Crème with Green Tea SPF 30 not only protects skin but also soothes and hydrates it.

• Buy a humidifier.

  It’s an easy way to put moisture back into the air when humidity levels are low, especially during cold winter months.

See also:

12 Tips to Combat Winter’s Itchy Skin

Alcohol is A-OK for Your Skin

6 Hair-Saving Tips for Damaged Locks