Dry skin isn’t usually serious. It can be incredibly uncomfortable as well as unsightly. Healthy cells are shriveled up causing lines and cracks within the skin. Most dry skin is caused by environmental factors that can be easily controlled. Try and avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning and central heat; also extreme cold and heat. If you feel your dry skin is something you can treat on your own then you should go see a dermatologist.

Dry skin is usually only temporary and is worse during the winter time. If you feel your skin tighten, or it appears dehydrated, it looks rough, itching, fine lines and cracks, redness, or bleeding then you probably have dry skin. Some common places are elbows, knuckles, and lower legs.

There are many causes for dry skin. You can get dry skin from extended bathing. The weather can have a serious affect on your skin; especially during the harsh winter months. Harsh soaps and detergents can suck the moisture right out of skin. Lastly air conditioning and central heating reduce the humidity and dry out your skin. Some other preventable causes can be related to drugs and alcohol as well as dehydration. So keep drinking your water.

Dry skin is almost universal. Some factors make you more likely to develop the fine lines and cracks associated with dry skin. As you get older you skin tends to get drier because there isn’t enough oil being produced to keep your skin moist. Woman are more prone to dry skin as they age because they stop producing oil earlier than men. Another risk factor for dry skin is sun exposure. Always remember to wear sunscreen when going out into the sun.

If your skin still doesn’t improve despite all your best efforts then you should go see a doctor. If your itching is keeping you up all night or you have open sores from scratching to much then you should go seek help from a dermatologist. The doctor is going to ask you all sorts of questions to try and determine whether your dry skin is a sign of a more serious problem.

Usually it isn’t but sometimes it can be very serious. Sometimes dry itchy skin can be a early warning sign for eczema or psoriasis. Of course if left untreated it can lead to very serious problems.

Treatment for dry skin can usually be done with a simple moisturizer. You should avoid long hot showers as they can suck the moisture right out of you. If your skin is really dry and scaly your dermatologist may suggest a moisturizer with lactic acid and urea in it. If your problem is more serious than simple dry skin your dermatologist will prescribe special cream and ointments that will help clear up your flaky skin. You can also try hydrocortisone.

To help keep your skin healthy you should moisturize daily. Avoid long baths and use warm water. If you have a humidifier use it. A humidifier will help keep the moisture in your skin. They key is to keep moisture in your skin where it belongs. Using good organic lotions and creams can really improve you skin and keep it looking healthy.

Dry skin affects almost all of us at some time in our lives. There are steps you can take to prevent dry skin from happening. Once you have dry skin you can usually get rid of it with self-medication/treatment. Avoid harsh weather and low humidity. Try to drink lots of water and moisturize daily. Eat healthy to keep your oil producing glands producing.

Oil helps keep moisture in your skin so make sure you can keep some oil on your skin. Avoid harsh cleaners and soap that strip the skin of it’s natural oils and moisture. If your skin condition doesn’t improve go see your doctor or dermatologist, they can help you improve your dry skin condition.