15 best home remedies for dry and itchy skin (Guide to natural dry skin treatment)
Xerosis, commonly known as dry skin, is an uncomfortable condition of the skin that can occur at all ages. Although, it doesn’t pose a serious threat, it can be rather difficult to treat. It’s a condition that is marked by itching, scaling and cracking and it can occur for a number of reasons.
Serious dry skin conditions can be very uncomfortable and upsetting. It’s good to know that most of these conditions occur due to environmental factors and lifestyle habits that are in our control. Conditions that do not improve with lifestyle and environmental changes could reflect an underlying medical condition and should be evaluated by a doctor who specializes in skin treatments, such as a dermatologist.
In its extreme condition, there are 4 types of dry skin:
- Eczema: This is caused due to an allergic reaction when certain substances come in contact with the skin. It leads to rashes, redness and itchy skin that can also be scaly. It can get worse if exposed to allergens.
- Atopic dermatitis: This is usually a hereditary condition that results in extremely dry skin
- Contact dermatitis: Under this condition the skin instantly becomes inflamed if it comes in contact with an allergen or an irritating chemical agent
- Seborrheic dermatitis: When the skin produces too much oil it leaves the skin red and itchy and is more common among infants.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin can occur at all ages and can occur for a number of reasons. Dry air is one of the most common causes of dry skin since dry air causes a considerable amount of water content reduction. Even the oiliest skin can get dry at times. Dry skin can occur on any part of the body although it is very common to have dry skin occur on the legs, arms and abdominal area.
- Winters: Dry skin worsens in the winter when several factors contribute to the dryness of the skin such as low temperature and low humidity.
- Hot steamy showers: Taking long steamy showers is a well known cause for dry skin as it dries out the natural oil the skin produces. Lingering in the shower for an extended period of time soothes our body but is a strict no-no when it comes to preventing our skin from getting dry.
- Aging: Elderly people are more prone to develop dry skin as your pores tend to produce less oil as you age. Metabolic changes take place due to low liquid intake which amount to dry skin too.
- Chemicals: Harsh soaps can easily cause dry skin as they are responsible for lipids depletion and kill your skin’s natural moisture. When lipids are depleted and there is not enough water in the stratum corneum, the result is usually dry skin.
- Fabrics: Sometimes you just can’t wear your favorite sweater because the material, fabric, the softener or the detergent you are washing it in doesn’t agree with your skin. A lot of fabrics and chemicals, including perfumes can irritate the skin.
The above are just a few examples of what causes dry skin, although there are several reasons ranging from lifestyle and environmental to clinical factors responsible for dry skin.
Dry skin does not pose a serious threat and natural treatments can be very effective. Having said that, none of this should be substituted for professional medical advice. In extreme conditions it is of paramount importance to have your skin checked by your dermatologist.
15 essential tips to treat dry and itchy skin
1. Shorten shower time
It’s important to have short showers than long baths. The longer you stay under running water the more the water removes oil from your skin leaving your skin dry. We are all guilty of spending long durations having hot water baths.
While that feels good and renders your skin feeling smooth and soothing, it contributes a great deal towards you having dry skin. Limit your shower time to 5 minutes and not more than that.
2. Use warm water
Remember the next time you wash your hands or face or have a bath, make sure the water is warm. Using hot water might seem like an effective method to wash your skin but it doesn’t help you in treating dry skin in any way. It only causes more damage. Your skin produces natural oils to create a barrier to keep your skin moisturized naturally.
This helps your skin defend itself from cold drying skin outside. Washing your skin excessively with hot water for long durations strips the natural oils away making your skin dry.
Doctors recommend you wash your hands with lukewarm water as hot water not only damages the lipid barrier on your skin but also dilates the blood vessels just below the surface.
3. Moisturize immediately after you shower
Water depletion is the root cause of dry skin. Moisturizers seal your skin that traps water and keeps it from escaping. By applying thick moisturizers several times a day, you can help maintain your water levels and treat dry skin effectively. If you have extremely dry skin you should consider using cosmetics that contain moisturizers.
It also helps to apply oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is moist. Oil stays longer than moisturizers do and helps with prevention of water evaporating from the surface of your skin.
Another option is using products that contain petroleum jelly such as Vaseline. If you find that they feel greasy for you, you may use them only at night. They reconstitute cutaneous hydro-lipidic film holding water in the skin.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a good moisturizer. Check the label and look for ingredients that help dry skin such as:
- Ceramides: They soothe dry skin and also help the skin hold water.
- Dimethicone and glycerine: These are very helpful in drawing water to the skin
- Hyaluronic acid: Very helpful in retention of water
- Lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum jelly: These help hold water absorbed during taking a shower
4. Apply sunscreen when you’re out in the sun
Be sure to apply sunscreen to areas of your body that are exposed to the sun during the day to avoid skin damage, your dry skin already has enough to deal with. The harmful effects of sun rays on all skin types are widely known, although, they are tougher on dry skin.
Skin damage from sun rays causes skin to lose its elasticity, therefore you need to apply sunscreen when you’re going out. Sunscreen guards your skin against UV rays that are harmful and it also soothes and conditions dry skin. A good sunscreen to use is one with an SPF of 30 or more that says “broad spectrum” on the label.
5. Avoid harsh soaps
Avoid harsh and drying soaps when you have dry skin. It’s better to use gentle skin cleansers and bath or shower gels or cleansing creams with added moisturizers. Mild soaps that have added oil are best suited for dry skin as they help retain water content by reducing washing away of natural oils.
It is also best to avoid deodorant, antibacterial detergents, fragrances and alcohol. These substances dehydrate your skin leaving your skin feeling extremely dry. People with dry skin should most definitely avoid contact of these substances with their skin.
Harsh soaps strip oil from the surface of the skin and dry the skin out, so it’s best to stay away from them and use mild non-soap skin cleansers instead.
6. Use a humidifier
During winters indoor air is very dry and that can be really bad for dry skin. Humidifiers infuse the air with moisture with soothes dry and itchy skin. Placing a humidifier in your home will help maintain the air moisturized during winter.
Dry skin is very sensitive to dry indoor air and worsen your skin by making it itch and cause flaking. Make sure to keep your humidifier clean and free of bacteria and fungi.
7. Avoid fabrics that irritate your skin
Cotton and silk are natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe. Wool usually does not agree with dry skin, even though it is natural. It is best to wash your clothes with detergents that are free of dyes or perfumes.
8. Avoid antibacterial soaps
It is widely known that the most common effect antibacterial soaps have are skin dryness. The American Skin Association advises people with dry skin to not use antibacterial soaps at all. Triclosan, a powerful agent present in anti bacterial soaps strips the skin of hydrating oils.
It also causes mild itching, rashes and redness for people with dry skin. Irritation and flaking are also commonly reported.
9. Stop rubbing and scratching your skin
Scratching dry skin only makes it worse. It is usually an involuntary action to rub your skin but you’re not going to help your skin in any way by rubbing and scratching it. In fact, it will only make matters worse. Use a soothing moisturizer and don’t touch your skin repeatedly.
10. Keep warm in the winters by wearing gloves and scarves
Hands are the first parts of the body where we notice dry skin. Our hands are exposed to dry air during winters and also while performing tasks that require us to wet our hands.The skin on our hands is thinner than the skin anywhere else on our body. During winters dry air pulls moisture away from our hands.
You can prevent skin dryness from wearing gloves on well moisturized hands when you’re going out in the winters. It also helps to wear a hat and a scarf to keep your head and neck warm.
11. Avoid dehydration caused by alcohol
Alcohol reacts to your skin in the same way it does to the rest of your body. It dehydrates your skin leaving the skin dry, bloated and red. Alcohol restricts the production of vasopressin – an anti diuretic hormone which causes your kidneys to rid your body of excess water.
12. Eat Omega-3 foods
Omega 3 fatty acids are among the must have foods for people with dry skin. Biochemist Elain Linker, phD and Co-Founder of DDF Skin care says “It’s definitely true that diet can play an important role in all skin conditions — not just helping combat wrinkles and lines, but other skin problems as well, including acne, eczema, psoriasis — even dry flaking or very oily skin”
Tuna, salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seeds are among the foods highest in Omega 3 fatty acids.
13. Apply a cool compress for redness
A cool compress helps soothe itchy skin. It slows the transmission of nerve signals from the affected skin to give it relief. Its best used with a tower that will keep skin dry. Make sure skin is dried out before using the cool compress as damp skin can make the itchiness worse. Also remember to not leave the cool compress on for too long because it will restrict flow of blood. Remove the compress if you skin becomes numb.
14. Avoid scrubbing dry skin patches
Dry skin patches are sensitive areas of the skin. Scrubbing them can irritate and make your skin work. Its much better to use body peels or dry brushing if you have dry skin.
15. Use a soft towel to pat skin
Never wipe or scrub your body if you have dry skin. Make sure you always pat your skin with a soft towel after every shower or wash. Scrubbing dry skin will make it worse and cause it to become red and itchy.
Conclusion
By using the tips above your skin should start feeling much better within days. The idea is to lock moisture in, hydrate your skin as much as possible and protect your skin from common causes of dryness to prevent it from discomfort. If your condition still persists and you do not see any relief you must consult a doctor immediately.
Strictly do not try any products or get on any sort of medication without consulting a dermatologist first. Dry skin can very well be a sign of some condition that needs treatment as soon as possible, so do not neglect it either.
Let us know what treatments have helped you in the comments below.