With UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we offer a Skin Cancer Program that provides complete care from screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Choose mild soaps, and don’t over lather. }. Harsh soaps, or simply overwashing can rob the skin of its protective oils and result in an unbalanced pH. To help heal dry skin and prevent its return, dermatologists recommend the … string(0) "" Using a cleanser or face wash – and even just day-to-day life – can affect your skin’s PH balance. Harsh facial cleansersHarsh antibacterial soaps can be a cause. ["nmab"]=> ["utm_content"]=> The skin has more than 2,000 sebaceous glands per square inch. In terms of the environment, dry skin and dry air go hand-in-hand, which is why the condition becomes increasingly common as temperatures drop this time of year. During winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, you may suffer from red, rough, raw, and itchy skin. ["buttontext"]=> string(0) "" If your normal cleanser or make-up removal technique is leaving your skin feeling tight, stop! Expert tip: When flying, always try to go barefaced and pack a cabin-friendly 100ml or less pot of moisturiser in your hand luggage to reapply every few hours. What Are Your Options for Effective Scar Treatment? string(7) "sms-cta" Seeing a doctor is especially important if you don’t know what’s causing the dryness. Here are 10 reasons your skin might be dry – and what to do about it: Over a third of women notice that alcohol affects their skin – and not for the better. The chemicals in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to your skin, resulting in fewer nutrients and less oxygen being delivered to it – and leaving it sallow, dry and permanently aged. ["utm_medium"]=> string(7) "#ffffff" ["triggersends"]=> string(0) "" Naturally, the skin contains natural oils that keep moisturized and hydrated. People may experience dry skin on their face as a result of many factors, including changes in temperature or humidity, using soaps with harsh chemicals, and skin conditions, such as … ["utm_campaign"]=> string(0) "" Seborrheic dermatitis affects areas with oil … ["subscription1"]=> Keep sipping on water, too. Less fat in your diet will deprive your skin of essential fatty acids, which could lead to dryness. string(0) "" ["nmab"]=> Dry skin should be treated as soon as possible. However, dry patches can sometimes indicate something more serious, so contact your dermatologist if dryness doesn’t go away or is severely itchy. But if you’re suffering, hold off on blaming the weather and slapping on tons of moisturiser – there are many lifestyle choices we make that can exacerbate the situation, and other, better solutions to try. Also, irritants then enter more easily. string(0) "" If you're regularly exfoliating, using skin-care products that have been formulated for your skin type and applying your lotions and creams immediately after washing your skin but you still feel dry, it may be the technique you're using to apply your moisturizer. Here’s what you can try at home and when to contact your doctor or dermatologist. ["subtitle"]=> string(4) "true" ["utm_medium"]=> ["subtitle"]=> Fatigue and … Dry skin occurs when skin doesn't retain sufficient moisture. ["utm_content"]=> When this barrier is damaged (due to age, hormones, genetics, incorrect products and more), it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin. string(7) "#ffffff" string(0) "" Falling water is relaxing, cathartic, serene. Dry skin patches can have many causes, including allergies, dermatitis, and psoriasis. You may get dry patches on your face because you’re sensitive or allergic to fragrances, dyes, or a chemical in the product. ["exclude-healthbeat"]=> string(0) "" Your skin has a barrier made of natural lipids that help keep moisture in and irritants out. string(0) "" I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. Find out the characteristics of each to determine which you might have! ["utm_campaign"]=> string(0) "" ["form_id"]=> Look for products that contain soothing ingredients such as: Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing and each time you wash your face, following the instructions provided. 3. string(0) "" ["utm_term"]=> Luckily, there are simple strategies that can help. You can also reduce the amount of moisture you lose by doing things like … However, certain activities can remove these oils. The UPMC Department of Dermatology diagnoses, treats, and manages numerous hair, skin, and nail conditions and diseases. ["font-color"]=> ["title"]=> There's a big difference between dry and dehydrated skin, yet both tend to feel the same - just plain dry. string(0) "" Heat. 0 ["form_id"]=> Air con can disrupt the natural moisture balance in your skin, causing it to dry and aggravating skin conditions like eczema. 6 reasons for feeling starving. This one should be an immediatepriority. Certain diseases also can significantly affect your skin. string(8) "Continue" string(0) "" Of course, dry skin alone is rarely a sign of diabetes. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Dry skin is the most common skin condition, and it could be why your face is peeling. ["in-line"]=> So treating dry skin boils down to trying to repair the skin’s barrier and replenish its moisture. Sorry, an error occurred. When it’s time to dry off, blot your skin with a towel rather than rubbing it. said Susan Mayou , consultant dermatologist at … ["animate"]=> ["subscription2"]=> ["triggersends"]=> Most cases of dry, flaky skin on your face are mild and will clear up with time. But they’re also one of the fastest ways to completely strip away the natural oils that protect our skin, not to mention keep it feeling moist and looking healthy. Since alcohol is a diuretic, it causes your kidneys to remove extra water from your system, leaving you dehydrated. Dry skin feels tight, looks flaky and can even be more red and sensitive than usual. ["converted"]=> string(6) "HBEATS" string(12) "full-width_3" Weather. string(0) "" So you need to top it up, even if you have oily skin. So consistently showering with cleansers that contain strong surfactants can result in dry, rough skin. To make matters worse, these temperatures often call for the use of air conditioners and air warming devices such as wood-burning stoves and central heating, which also cause skin dryness. ["type"]=> ["subcategory"]=> Try spritzing your skin with a facial water spray, like Eau Thermale Avene Water Spray throughout the day to keep it hydrated. string(0) "" One major cause of dry skin is extreme temperatures with low humidity. Expert tip: If your office is air conditioned, try to make sure you always pop outside during your lunch break to give your skin a break. ["background-color"]=> As tempting as it may be to have a scorching hot shower on a frosty winter’s morn, don’t – hot water can strip the natural oils from your skin which form a protective barrier against water loss. string(0) "" string(0) "" This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. 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