How to manage dry skin

Dry skin most often occurs on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age. Reasons of dry skin Normal anatomy of skin is such that it is made up of two layers: epidermis, and dermis. These layers contain different oil producing glands. In case of healthy balanced skin these glands produce enough oil to prevent loss of skin moisture by acting as a barrier. If this barrier is damaged due to some reason, skin will lose its natural moisture and become dry and cracked. This can happen due to many reasons, like: • Most important is the environmental factor, exposure to direct sunlight, dry climate, cold wind etc. • Exposure to certain chemicals, low quality cosmetic products, some medications especially those used for acne. • Central heating, dry air, especially in overheated houses in winter, air conditioning. • Usage of too hot water or hard water, excessive scrubbing while washing or using harsh soaps. All these damage the existing protective layer of sebum. • With aging, there is a decrease in sebum production due to reduction in the number of sebaceous glands. Furthermore, there is a reduced blood flow to skin which also contributes to low sebum production and the result is a dry itchy skin. • There are some diseases that also produce dryness: diabetes, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, hypothyroidism and others. • In some cases, it is a genetic disorder called ichthyoids. Tips to manage dry skin This is something understood that there are many practical tips that can be applied to prevent or at least minimize the effects of dryness. These are: • Take optimum sleep • Drink more water • Use proper cleanser • Proper lubrication • Take healthy diet • Avoid chlorinated swimming pools Homemade masks for dry skin Take some wheat flour; add a pinch of turmeric powder and some olive oil. Now make a thick paste, add some milk if required. Apply for some time till it dries, then rinse with tap water.