Which of these 4 common mistakes is giving you dry skin?

Dr Jaishree Sharad lists out 4 common mistakes which could be the reason for your dry skin.

By: Dr Jaishree Sharad | | Updated: September 25, 2014 2:16 pm

Dry and irritated skin in winters is something no one wants but most of us end up having. While you may try and moisturise every single day, there are other reasons that could be giving you flaky skin. Dr Jaishree Sharad, a leading cosmetic dermatologist and VP of the Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India, lists out some common mistakes we make which results in dry skin in winters. Also Read - Potato Juice Benefits: Use the goodness of the miraculous vegetable for your skin

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Why do we have dry skin in winters? Also Read - These 7 things are a big NO if you have dry skin

Our skin is made up of many layers. The upper layers comprise dead cells containing lipids (fats), oils and other ingredients which form the skin’s natural moisturising factors. Due to low humidity in winter, the lipid structure in the barrier layer of the skin tends to break up. Thus the water can’t be retained in the skin. This makes the skin dry. Skin becomes drier in cold weather, especially if it’s windy, because the moisture of the skin is evaporated more quickly by the wind, and the skin doesn’t produce as much oil.

Apart from dry skin, other common problems encountered in winter are chapped lips, dandruff, cracked heels, exacerbation of eczemas and certain skin disorders like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis get worse during this time. It is therefore essential to take care of your skin. (Read: Have dry skin and hair? Use olive oil)

Here are things that could be the root cause of your skin problems.

1. Your soap could be the culprit

One should be very careful about the soap they use during winter as soaps can be harsh on the skin as they alter the pH level of the skin and make it more alkaline. This causes dryness and flaking of skin.

You should use a soap which has emollients and oils. If your skin is really dry, use cetaphil cleansing lotion/toleriane fluid/sensibio H2O as they maintain the pH balance of the skin as well as cleanse your skin well.

Commercial brand soaps contain synthetic chemicals to make them smell a certain and attractive way. But these synthetic chemicals/artificial fragrance-producing substances are harsh on the skin and add on to the dryness.

2. Long, hot showers are not the best for your skin

The thought of a long, hot bath on a cold winter day can be appealing but overexposure to hot water can dry skin out even more.The intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin which can lead to a loss of moisture. You’re better off with just warm water.

After bath, apply a moisturising lotion on the entire body on a slightly moist skin. Use a heavy moisturising cream (one with heavy lipids such as cocoa or shea butter) for your hands, elbows, knees and feet paying special attention to the exposed parts. (Read: Tips to manage dry skin)

3. Razors shave off more than just hair

Shaving can irritate dry skin. As you shave off unwanted hair, you’re also removing the natural moisturizing layer on your skin. A dull razor blade can cause additional irritation. Change your razor blades often. If you are using a blade you’ve used before, soak it in rubbing alcohol to clean it.

The best time to shave is after you shower, hair is softer and more pliable after bathing, making shaving easier. Always use a shaving cream or gel, and shave in the direction the hair is growing to protect your skin. Make sure the razor is sharp.

4. Eco-not-so-friendly

The environment can have some of the most damaging effects on hair in both summer and winter, but in winter it’s often worse because people generally don’t take as many precautions to protect their hair. From hat hair to static electricity, split ends to dry frizz, when winter weather hits, a bad hair day can last an entire season.

Hair tends to get frizzy and dry in winter. To avoid this, don’t use hot water to wash your hair. Use a good conditioner after every shampoo. Avoid blow drying, ironing, perming, these will cause the hair to become dry and brittle. These hair styling instruments work on the principle of heat, which when used during winters make matters worse. Instead, use the cool setting of the dryer which though may take longer to dry but it would retain the moisture. Choose wooden hair brushes or combs instead of plastic. This is to fight the static hair caused by absence of moisture. Wear a scarf or a cap while travelling to protect your hair. (Read: 10 causes of dry skin you didn’t know about)

Dr Jaishree Sharad is one of India’s leading cosmetic dermatologists. She is the VP of the Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India and CEO of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin & Laser Clinic, Mumbai. She is a certified trainer for Botox and fillers and pioneers in microneedling, radiofrequency skin tightening and Exilis body contouring in India. Dr Jaishree has conducted many training workshops on Botox, fillers, peels, dermaroller and dermatosurgery all over India and abroad for dermatologists , post graduate students and cosmetologists. She is a skin consultant to various Bollywood celebrities. Follow her on twitter @jaishreesharad.

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Published : January 2, 2014 8:40 pm | Updated:September 25, 2014 2:16 pm

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