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There are eight causes of dry skin

Dry skin is a common condition in the skin that occurs due to lack of fluid in the outer layer of the skin. Open body parts, such as arms, hands, and feet are the areas most vulnerable to this disorder. Dry skin or xerosis, can be experienced by anyone regardless of gender. Dry skin can occur with different levels in each person, depending on health conditions, residence, length of time in an open space, and age. Older people are more prone to dry skin.

Some Symptoms of Dry Skin

In some people, dry skin can be experienced throughout their lives. But for the most part, this condition is only temporary or only at certain times, depending on the conditions previously mentioned. Dry skin is often characterized by several symptoms, such as the surface of the skin that feels and looks rough. In addition, the owner of dry skin will find his skin feels tight or stiff when bathing, after bathing, or when swimming. Redness and itching are also common. Another symptom that often appears is that there are cracks or fine lines on the skin. The skin is also likely to have scales and peeling. In more severe conditions, there are deep cracks and may bleed.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Symptoms of dry skin can occur due to several reasons, including:
  • Irritation

  • The causes of irritation are very diverse, ranging from soap to perfume. Irritation that occurs in the skin can also be caused by cloth or clothing materials, as well as materials used to wash clothes, such as detergents or fabric softeners.
  • Rub the skin

  • One activity that aims to cleanse the skin, but can cause dry skin is rubbing the skin. Especially if this habit is done with a scouring tool like a sponge. Friction that occurs between the rubbing tool and the skin is the potential to damage the moisture layer on the surface of the skin, causing dryness of the skin.
  • Increasing age

  • The more you age, the thinner and drier your skin condition. This change is natural, considering the older a person is getting less hormones produced by the body. Hormone reduction includes hormones related to skin health.
  • Rubbing the body with a towel after bathing

  • Bathing can help moisturize the skin. However, if someone rubs the body immediately with a towel to dry immediately after bathing, the moisture can disappear and cause dry skin.
  • Wrong use of soap

  • Using soap that is not intended for the skin when bathing, will be dangerous. This will make the natural moisturizer on the skin eroded, thus making the skin dry. Soap with strong formulations such as antiseptics can also increase the risk of dry skin.
  • Changes in the weather

  • Changes in weather also affect the level of humidity. Moisture that is too low will cause skin dryness. The lower the humidity, usually occurs when temperatures are cold, the more dry the skin feels.
  • Steam shower

  • Hot steam bath can provide more pleasure for someone when bathing. But it can cause dry skin, because hot temperatures make the skin's natural oils dry faster.
  • Certain health conditions

  • If a person's skin condition is scaly and reddish, he may experience certain diseases, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Scaly and reddish skin may also be related to medical conditions such as diabetes or underactive thyroid gland.

How to deal with dry skin?

Dry skin can actually be overcome in a simple way, but it requires consistency. One way is to change the frequency and duration of bathing. If you experience dry skin, keep your body clean, but do it in moderation, so don't use it too often. In addition, try to take a bath no more than 10 minutes and no less than 5 minutes. Be sure to use a soap that contains moisturizer to keep skin fresh. If necessary, immediately use a moisturizer after bathing. Use a soft towel to dry the body and do not rub the skin with a hard tool after bathing. In addition, avoid direct exposure to direct sunlight for a long time and meet your daily fluid needs, about 2 to 3 liters a day. If you experience dry skin caused by inflammation, such as eczema or dermatitis, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

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