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When temperatures start to drop in Southlake, TX, dry skin can become a real problem that requires the help of a dermatologist to properly treat. If you don’t give your skin the attention it deserves, it can eventually peel and crack, putting your body at risk of diseases and other issues that come with skin drying out in the winter.
Seeing a doctor is a great start to warding off dry skin, but there are plenty of other things you can do to keep your skin as healthy as it should be. One of the best things to do is know the causes of dry skin so that you can keep your skin from falling victim to these issues. Here are a few things you need to watch out for!
Washing Hands Aggressively
It’s a good thing to wash your hands consistently, especially in the era of COVID-19. But if you’re washing your hands too vigorously, you’re going to find yourself meeting with a dermatologist and seeking treatment because washing your hands too often can strip the skin of the nutrients it needs to keep itself healthy.
What can you do? Make sure you’re gently washing your hands and using the right materials to keep your hands clean. Lukewarm water instead of hot water can keep you from stripping away nutrients, and avoiding alcohol-based soap can prevent you from drying out your hands further. Above all, don’t rub your hands on a towel; blot them dry. Rubbing a towel means irritation, which can make dry skin much worse.
Hot Showers
Just like with washing your hands, taking a hot shower can cause your skin to lose nutrients and dry out much faster than it should. Plus, the longer you stand under the water and expose yourself to the heat, the faster your skin will dry out.
One way to avoid having to get help from the dermatologist is to take shorter showers and keep the temperature warm, but not hot. If the temperature feels like that of a hot tub, you’re putting your skin at risk of drying out when you expose it to the elements. Limiting your showers to five minutes or less and controlling the temperature will help you have smoother, softer skin for your next dermatology appointment.
Aging
There’s no way to get around this one: our skin just naturally produces fewer oils to keep the skin in good shape as we get older. Once you pass 40 years of age, you’re going to need to work with your dermatologist to find a good-quality moisturizer that can keep your skin healthy as it starts to lack the oils it produced to care for itself on its own.
It’s a good idea to start a reliable skin care routine as you get older because getting into a routine now can make it much easier for you to keep your skin healthy as it continues to change. Discussing your changing skin with a dermatologist can help you choose the right routine and the right skin care products to help you take care of your skin for years to come.
Dry Air
There’s not much getting around this one in Southlake, TX either: dry air is just a part of life here no matter what time of year it is. Either you’re going to be going out into the warm air, or you’re going to be sitting in the dry air because of the air conditioner in your home. In either situation, you’re going to need to take good care of your skin, because there’s no getting around the climate of the Metroplex.
In your home, you have the option of bringing in a humidifier to add a bit of moisture to the air. If your home is at risk for mold, you won’t want to do this, but if you’re dealing with dry skin from running the air conditioner, you probably don’t have to worry about that possibility. If you don’t want to add moisture to the home’s air, then your next option is to consult a dermatologist and discuss proper treatments for your skin. Drinking more water and using a quality moisturizer are often enough to help limit the effects of dry air and keep your skin from cracking and peeling.
Hard Water
This can be a problem caused by the quality of the water you get from the city and other Metroplex neighborhoods. If there are too many minerals in the water, your hair and skin are going to pay the price, as hard water can cause real problems for both. If you’ve ever seen hard water stains on your dishes, you know what can happen when hard water goes through your dishwasher.
The same principle is at work when you’re washing your hands and your body, and your skin is what pays the price. If you’re seeing your skin dry out constantly, especially after taking a shower, one of the best things you can do before seeing your dermatologist is to get a water softener installed. Having a water softener at your home can help address mineral buildup in your water and ensure that you’re not dealing with water stains on your skin. If you’ve tried everything else with your daily shower and you’re still seeing regular damage to your skin, this might be the fix that solves the issue.
When it comes to your skin, working with a quality dermatologist is the best treatment you can provide for dry skin and many other skin disorders. Knowing the causes can make it much easier for you to identify the issue so that you can give your dermatologist all the information they need at your appointment. At Compassion Dermatology, we’ll work with you to identify potential issues and provide real treatments so that you can enjoy soft, healthy skin here in Southlake, TX. Contact us today to make an appointment!
