Have you ever taken a trip up to the mountains and instantly noticed how dry your lips feel? Or maybe you’ve taken a long, hot shower after a rough day and notice how your hands feel like they could crack from being so dry? It’s the worst! At some point, all of us have dealt with dry skin and it’s safe to say it’s a huge pain. Have you ever wondered why this happens? We’re going to look at the top four causes of dry skin and what you can do about it.
#1 Your Job
If you happen to work in an industry where you wash your hands frequently you are all too familiar with dry skin. Hair stylists, nurses, etc all work in environments where frequent water contact occurs (washing your hands, at least we hope). The other issue is the frequent use of hand sanitizer. These practices can have a chronic drying effect on skin. To combat the issue, try applying a medical grade moisturizer to your skin. Many over the counter products utilize mostly filler-type materials which can cause more harm than good. Medical grade moisturizers have been clinically studied and tested by licensed physicians and contain the ingredients needed to keep your hands moisturized after frequent washing.
#2 Swimming
Who doesn’t like to take a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub? It’s fun and often is a social event. The downside to these fun activities is that they contain chlorine which can dry out skin. Staying in the water too long can strip your skin of necessary oil which can dry you out.
#3 Climate
The area of the world in which you live can have a profound effect on your skin. According to Currentresults.com, the average humidity per year in Miami, FL is 73% whereas in Las Vegas, NV it is a mere 30%. People with the same skin type and conditions could feel just fine in Florida, but jump on a plane and need a moisturizer everyday they visit Las Vegas. Even if you live in a traditionally humid climate like Chicago, your skin can dry out in windy conditions.
#4 Soap
Many people tend to overuse soap when washing their body. As a result, the skin is completely stripped of its oils. Your skin will naturally keep some level of equilibrium and produce oils in an attempt to keep the skin nourished and moisturized after cleansing. However, when people overuse soap, it often strips your skin of these needed oils and will dry you out. When choosing a cleanser, make sure to use one that matches your skin type and look to avoid those harsh chemicals that terrorize your skin.
Moving forward
We have uncovered what we think are some of the top causes of dry skin but this is not to say we have covered everything. If you try medical grade skincare and still have a chronic issue with skin dryness, it might be time to visit a dermatologist to see if there are any underlying issues. In the meantime, if you need advice on where to get appropriate skincare, we can help! We created a personalized skin care quiz that creates customized skin care systems. It only takes about 2-3 minutes!
To stopping dry skin,
Team Reflect
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