Why does skin get dry?

If your skin is dry, the condition is most likely not too serious. Many factors, like the change in weather and air humidity, can affect your skin's moisture level. 

Some common symptoms of dry skin are deep cracks, redness, fine lines, itching, skin tightness, and rough-looking skin. 

‌Your skin may get dry due to a change in weather. Most people have dry skin in winter due to the changing humidity and temperature levels. You may also have dry skin if there's central heating in your home. 

Long showers or baths may also dry out your skin. Likewise, if you swim in chlorinated pools for too long, that could make your skin dry. Some soaps can also strip the skin of its moisture. 

Fortunately, there are many tips and home remedies for dry skin treatment. 

Dry skin treatment at home

If you follow the same skincare routine throughout the year, it may not be effective when winters arrive. The lack of moisture could cause your skin to flake, crack, or bleed. Here are some home remedies for dry skin to try this winter: 

Avoid long showers 

Nothing beats the comfort and warmth of staying in a long shower during winters. However, this could be the reason for your skin being so dry. Follow these tips to reduce the chances of getting skin dryness due to showers or baths: 

• Don't shower or take a bath for too long. 
• Keep the bathroom door closed. 
• Don't use hot water. Instead, shower with warm water. 
• Use a fragrance-free and gentle cleanser for the face and body. 
• Don't rub the towel on your skin. Instead, blot it gently. 
• Put on moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower. 

Moisturize skin 

Moisturizer is the holy grail for dry skin. Lotions, creams, and other types of moisturizers prevent dryness by trapping your skin's moisture. 

Put on moisturizer after getting out of the shower. If you wash your face or hands at any time during the day, apply moisturizer soon after. 

Put on coconut oil 

Coconut oil works wonders against skin dryness. In a 2014 study, the researchers found that coconut oil is just as beneficial and safe as petroleum jelly against skin dryness. It also increases the number of fats on the skin surface, enhancing plumpness. Plus, it improves your skin's hydration. 

Research from 2016 showed that coconut oil has these benefits due to its emollient properties. The saturated fats in coconut oil are emollient in nature, which means they moisturize your skin by filling the cracks or gaps caused by dry skin. 

Apply petroleum jelly 

Petroleum jelly also helps moisturize skin. In a 2017 study, researchers found that petroleum jelly improved the skin barrier in the study subjects. It is especially helpful in treating age-related skin dryness. 

Put petroleum jelly on your feet or cracked heels to get rid of dry skin overnight.

Use aloe vera

Aloe vera also improves skin moisture by relieving dryness. You can apply aloe vera gel on your face, feet, or hands. If you cannot grow your own aloe vera plant at home, buy aloe vera gel from the store. 

Wear lip balm

Besides your face and feet, lips also tend to get dry with temperature changes. Use a lip balm as a part of your skincare routine and apply it repeatedly throughout the day. If a lip balm stings your lips, use a different one. 

How to prevent dry skin?

You can prevent skin dryness by making a few changes in your lifestyle and the products you use. 

• Use fragrance-free products on your face and hands. Soaps and cleansers with artificial scents are harsh on your skin as they contain certain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. 
• Don't use skincare products containing alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoids if you have sensitive skin.
• Wear gloves when you go out in the winter. 
• Don't sit in front of a heater with an open flame to warm yourself. Instead, use an alternate heat source, such as a blanket. 
• Put a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. 
• Don't wear harsh fabrics that rub against your skin. 
• Use gentle and fragrance-free detergents to wash your clothes. 
• Don't shave without using a shaving gel. Make sure the razor is not blunt. 

If your skin is still dry after trying these 6 tips to relieve dry skin fast or the cracking has caused bleeding, talk to your doctor right away.