There is no single cause of dry skin. Dry skin causes can be classified as external and internal.
External Causes of Dry Skin :
Over-washing with harsh soaps; overuse of sanitizers and lipid solvents (alcohol); cold temperature; low humidity are external factors that cause dry skin.
Although bathing and showering adds water to skin, it is the evaporation of this water after the completion of the immersion that results in dry skin. Skin that feels overly tight after bathing may indicate excess removal of water and natural skin oils.
One of the most common factors causing dry skin is frequent application of harsh soaps. The type of soap may have a large impact on dry skin. Soap is an emulsifier that removes oils on the skin. The more often skin is scrubbed with soap, the more oil is removed, ultimately resulting in dryer skin. Excessive use of soaps can worsen dry skin.
Moreover, dry skin may persist or worsen if using moisturizers improperly or choosing an inadequate moisturizer.
Sometimes, the material of different clothing can also affect dry skin. Some materials such as wool or synthetic fibers tend to irritate the skin and worsen dry skin.
Internal Causes of Dry Skin :
Dry skin condition may be caused by taking some medicines, as well. Some examples are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, allergy, and acne medications.
Occasionally, a dry skin problem can be a sign of an internal medical condition. For instance, aging may inherently make people more prone to dry skin. In addition, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition are all associated with dry skin.
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