Over 70% of the Human body is made up of water, and this water is retained in a container (skin) that has millions of holes (pores). It is very strange that this water is not lost through the pores due to the oily layer on the top of the skin. If we get dehydrated by losing water, we could be suffered from many skin diseases.
1. Factors affecting the oil layer of skin. Following are a few key factors affecting the oily layer, resulting in dry skin due to dehydration.
(a) Age factor. Oil production decreases in old age and the skin gets dry around 60 years of age. Similarly, the oil-producing glands are immature in babies and don’t produce enough oil to meet the requirement of the body.
(b) Environment / Weather. Cold, dry, and windy weather condition aggravates the dryness of the skin. Direct air from the heater/air conditioner has the same effect.
(c) The hands, feet, legs, and arms. These are the most vulnerable parts of the body to suffer from dry skin problems because normally, the skin on these areas has the least amount of oil and is subjected to repeated washing and adverse environmental conditions. The parts need more frequent use of moisturizers.
(d) Too much cleanliness is counterproductive.
Frequent washing/showering or bathing, especially, if you like your shower hot and your bath long, breaks down the oil barriers in your skin. So does frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools.
(e) Normally, skin does not require any antiseptic soap. The most advertised antiseptic soap / anti-germ / antibacterial soap is prone to damage the skin and should not be used. Adding antiseptic lotion to the bathing water or applying directly on the skin is to be avoided.
(f) Always were rubber gloves while working with detergents or ordinary soap.
(g) Shampoos are also harmful to the skin. Contact with shampoo is harmful to people with dry skin, hence, should wear gloves while applying on the scalp. Use mild and gentle shampoo 1 – 2 times a week in order to avoid drying out the skin.
(h) Chemical-free soap is the best to use for dry skin.
(j) Taking a bath with too hot water for more than ten minutes washes away the natural oil from the skin. Similarly, taking a bath with too cold water is not helpful at all.
(k) Apply little oil on wet skin after taking bath, followed by gently drying the skin with a soft towel to wipe away excess oil.
(m) Keep your skin well moisturized with frequent use of moisturizers to prevent dry skin problems.
2. Which moisturizers to use. Using correct moisture compatible with your skin is very important. Following are the categories to choose for your skin:-
(a) Oil/ointments like olive oil, coconut oil, Vaseline, and jelly are the most effective moisturizers, and once applied to the skin their effect lasts for 8 – 12 hours. However, these are a little greasy and one may not like to use them during the daytime.
(b) Creams: These have less moisturizing capability than oils and ointments. However, these are less greasy and have better cosmetic acceptance. People with very skin are to frequently apply on the skin.
(c) Lotions: Although it has the least moisturizing effect but might be helpful in people with mildly dry skin or in summer when it is difficult to apply oil stuff on the skin.
(d) The best practice is to apply oily / ointment-based moisturizers at night and cream / lotion-based moisturizers during the day.
3. Following the above-stated tips daily will help you maintain your skin and beauty.
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