When we talk about different skin types, dry skin is one of them. However, dry skin becomes a concern when it's severe.
Dry skin, medically termed xeroderma or xerosis cutis, is a common dermatological concern that anyone can have. It can be addressed with the practice of a proper skincare regime year-round, as suggested by a dermatologist. To manage skin’s dryness, it is important to follow skin expert advice.
In this blog, we will look at different reasons for dry skin, dry skin symptoms, and the dermatologist-recommended dry skin care routine, products, and treatments.
Understanding Dry Skin: Causes and Symptoms
Dry skin type is the result of lack of water and sebum (natural oils) in the superficial skin. The various causes of dry skin all over the body include:
- Climate- Residing in low-humid climates or dry/cold weather conditions can cause dry skin.
- Heat- Exposing the skin to heat in saunas or steam rooms and heat from fireplaces or central heaters can deprive the skin of its moisture.
- Prolonged bathing and excessive scrubbing- The natural oils from the skin can be removed in excess by taking a bath more than once daily or for a prolonged period, especially with hot water and using scrubbers.
- Harsh soaps and detergents- There are some soaps and detergents that are formulated for oil removal so using them can result in dry skin.
- Other skin conditions that cause dry skin rash- These include psoriasis and eczema.
- Aging- As one gets older, the skin becomes thinner and loses its moisture retention ability.
- Certain medical treatments- These include certain medications, dialysis, and cancer treatment.
Dry skin concern is usually temporary and seasonal. The dry skin symptoms might vary based on their place of living, age, general health status, natural skin tone, and level of sun exposure.
The symptoms of severe dry skin or xerosis include:
- Coarse, rough skin
- Dry skin rash (red on fair skin and grayish on brown/black skin)
- Skin feeling tight and causing discomfort
- Mild to severe peeling, flaking, or scaling of skin
- Itchy (pruritic) skin
- Cracked skin that may bleed.
The Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin
Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin includes the following steps:
- Cleansing the skin with the best cleanser for dry skin
- Moisturizing the skin with the best moisturizer for dry skin
- Mild exfoliation using a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant
- Sun protection with dermatologist-recommended best sunscreen for dry skin.
Tips to soothe and prevent dry skin include:
- Take a bath/shower for 5-10 minutes with lukewarm water using a fragrance-free cleanser and gentle scrub. Pat dry skin with a soft towel and then immediately apply a suitable moisturizer
- Wear gloves, cover your face, and head when going outdoors in cold, dry weather conditions
- Use moisturizing cream or ointment instead of lotions
- Do not directly wear rough fabrics on the skin
- Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents
- Plug in an air humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Avoid exposing the skin to direct heat.
Selecting the Right Products for Dry Skin
Best Cleansers for Dry Skin:
When looking for a cleanser for dry skin, buy a face wash containing ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, Vitamin C, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and tocopherol which hydrates and nourishes the skin.
Ask your dermatologist for top recommendations on face wash for dry-skinned men or the best face wash for dry-skinned women.
Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin:
Go ahead with dermatologist-recommended hydrating moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin types. Thicker oils and creams containing occlusive emollients like ceramides, beeswax, and mineral oils without fragrance or dyes serve as the best moisturizers for dry skin.
Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin:
Best Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin are the ones with a creamy base and have the following ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, shea butter, niacinamide, and dimethicone. These sun-protect the skin without depriving its moisture.
Body Care Products for Dry Skin:
Choose body washes, lotions, and creams that promise all-day hydration. Best Body Lotion for Dry Skin or Body Wash for Dry Skin contains one or more of these hydrating, skin-replenishing ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cucumber extract, aloe vera, urea, and tocopherol.
Specialized Care for Targeted Areas
- Dry Skin Patches- These can develop anywhere on the body and have many potential causes. A dermatologist can provide specialized dry skin remedies based on the underlying reason.
- Dry Skin Around Lips- Wear hydrating lip balms or petroleum jelly.
- Dry Skin on Feet- Soak feet in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, use a pumice stone to scrub the feet, and then apply a foot cream to moisturize feet.
- Dry Skin Under Eyes- Apply under-eye, hydrating serum or cream, an eye balm, or face oil. Use a gentle cleanser to clean under eye skin and blot the under-eye skin after washing with a soft towel.
Seasonal Care Tips for Dry Skin
During winter, dermatologists recommend taking care of dry skin by:
Use winter cream for dry skin just after taking a bath or washing your face with winter dry skin face wash
- Using an air humidifier in the room
- Increasing daily water intake
- Regularly exfoliating the skin
- Protecting the skin from dry, cold wind
- Eating well and avoiding processed sugary foods and drinks
- Sun-protecting the skin with suitable sunscreen.
Treatments and Remedies for Severe Dry Skin
A severe dry skin treatment in Hyderabad is available with a dermatologist. The top, most effective dermatologist-recommended dry skin solutions include:
- HydraFacial
A non-invasive treatment combining cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant infusion to deeply moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. - Microneedling with Hyaluronic Acid
Promotes collagen production while delivering the optimum level of hyaluronic acid into the skin to boost hydration and improve skin texture. - Chemical Peels (Gentle Formulas)
Mild peels with lactic acid or glycolic acid can help exfoliate and hydrate dry, flaky skin. - Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane or Juvederm hydrate the skin from within and add volume, reducing signs of dryness and aging. - Pla-telet-Rich Plas-ma (P-R-P) Therapy
Also known as the "Vampire facial," it uses your plasma to stimulate collagen and improve hydration and skin quality. - Mesotherapy
A series of microinjections delivering vitamins, minerals, and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and revitalize dry skin. - LED Light Therapy
Red light therapy can improve hydration by stimulating skin cells and reducing inflammation. - Laser Resurfacing (Non-Ablative)
Treatment with Fraxel lasers can enhance skin texture and moisture retention without damaging the skin surface.
When to See a Dermatologist For Dry Skin?
Dry skin problems mostly respond to lifestyle changes and home remedies. However, one needs to consult a dermatologist when:
- Dry skin symptoms persist despite following proper skin care regime
- Skin has become inflamed or is causing a lot of discomfort
- One needs dry itchy skin treatment due to a disturbed routine and the development of infections/open sores from scratching
- Scaly, peeling skin covers a large area of the skin
- One wants the best facial for dry skin.
FAQs on Dry Skin Treatment
How To Treat Dry Skin on the Face?
Some ways by which you can treat your dry facial skin include using a humidifier indoors, a suitable skin moisturizer, using lukewarm water to gently wash your face, and applying natural face products that hydrate your skin.
How To Cure Dry Skin on the Face Overnight?
You can try at-home, natural remedies; drink plenty of water; have an antioxidant diet; use the right face oils/moisturizers; and use a humidifier.
How To Get Rid of Dry Skin?
You can talk to your dermatologist to get rid of your dry skin concern.
How To Treat Dry Skin Internally?
Dry skin can be internally/naturally addressed by drinking adequate water daily; having a well-balanced diet without dehydrating foods and drinks; avoiding hot baths; avoiding over-skin exfoliation; and using an air humidifier.
Which Face Serum Is Best for Dry Skin?
Face serums based on hyaluronic acid, niac-inamide, ceramides, glycerin, and Vitamins C and E are best for dry skin.
It is always recommended to follow skin care tips for dry skin that are recommended by skin experts for best outcomes. If those with dry skin conditions are not consistent with recommended skincare routines and leave their concern untreated for long their skin condition may worsen. To hydrate the skin adequately from the inside out, consulting a dermatologist for personalized skincare advice is a must. Dermatologist in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit provides the best skincare for dry skin and dermatologist-recommended products can provide great, quick relief from dry skin symptoms.
Schedule your consultation with a top-notch, certified dermatologist today for more details!
