The battle against dry skin is ongoing and it requires a consistent — and persistent — self-care regimen. Your opponents are both external, like exposure to the elements, and internal in the form of natural aging and common skin conditions.
What can you do about dry skin? Quite a lot when you’re prepared to commit to your results. When you need that little bit extra, schedule a visit with dermatologist Daphne Panagotacos, M.D. in Westlake Village, California. What you experience as dry skin can sometimes be a dermatologic condition.
The importance of routine
The forces working against youthful, healthy skin don’t stop when the week or month is over. Nor should your self-care efforts. A successful skin regimen requires a morning and bedtime combination routine to ensure a steady stream of support.
Letting your skin dry out is an invitation to further problems including eczema, cracked skin, flakiness, itchiness, and pain. The complications that arise from untreated dry skin can affect your health, confidence, and overall quality of life.
The right routine is likely unique to your skin and your daily environment. When it comes to dryness, there are things to keep in mind about the factors that affect your skin condition.
The importance of moisturizing
When a plant’s soil gets dry, you water it, right? Your skin needs similar attention, though the answer isn’t as simple as adding water. Your personal hydration is important though, so skin health starts with diet and adequate intake of water throughout the day, every day.
Simple dry skin does, fortunately, respond well to moisturizers that add a layer of protection in addition to your natural skin oils. Baths and showers are the enemy of your skin’s sebaceous layer, so baby oil and similar products are ideal after you towel dry.
Otherwise, include moisturizers morning and night as a minimum, as well as through the day when you feel the need. Include typical problem spots such as elbows, heels, and knees. You may find that older skin is less likely to tear or bruise when well nourished.
When it’s more than simple dryness
Sometimes, the causes behind your dry skin symptoms may trace back to a medical condition. Keratosis pilaris is both common and generally harmless, but it can show as dry, rough skin with tiny bumps, most often found on the arms, cheeks, and thighs. It responds well to moisturizing.
Seborrheic dermatitis is common on the face, scalp, ears, and chest. It’s a possible cause when you experience excessive flakiness or scaly patches on your skin. Sometimes it will pass on its own, while other times it persists. Daily cleansing to remove dead skin buildup usually controls the flaking issue. Moisturize after washing with a gentle soap for best results.
Consistent attention and frequent moisturizing will often banish dry skin symptoms. When you need additional care, contact us for a skin care specialist’s evaluation of your condition. You can reach Dr. Panagotacos’ office by phone or online. Book your appointment now.
