While dry skin isn’t a cause for alarm for many people, reddish, flaky, or itchy skin is uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. Skin dryness can happen to anyone regardless of their age, and where it chooses to show up can feel random and unpredictable.

Generally, lack of moisture is the cause of dry skin. The condition can emanate from a deficiency in the essential body fats found on the top skin layer. Made up of natural oils and dead cells, the top layer of skin traps in moisture and keeps the skin soft and supple.

Moisturizers are excellent covers for flaky skin. However, that’s a temporary solution. Wouldn’t it be better to find out the root cause of your dry skin instead?

Blame it On Mom and Dad

Need something else to blame your parents for? No. Seriously, genetics not only gives you a family lineage but also some pretty annoying traits, like the dry skin that runs in the family. Protein filaggrin responsible for firming and hydrating your skin barrier can have its genes mutate, causing more skin conditions. Many who develop eczema and dry skin fall among the 10% of the population who suffer this mutation.

So if you realize it’s a family occurrence, use moisturizers daily. Purchase those containing ceramides and lipids to rebuild your skin barrier for more protection. Topical hydration is a great way to prepare for lost body moisture you know you will need to replenish.

Local Hard Water

High levels of magnesium and calcium make your water hard. Ever noticed a whitish layer on your face after a shower? The two minerals are the culprits. Being heavy metals, they convert your skin oils into plaque that clogs your pores leading to acne and rosacea. Additionally, this dirt blocks your moisturizers from absorption into the skin.

Introduce products containing vitamins A and C into your skincare routine. They reduce the damage hard water causes after depositing these minerals onto your skin and help keep you nice and hydrated! 

Aging and Diet

While aging is inevitable, it carries with it a bag of problems, one of them, dry skin. As you grow older, your body doesn’t function at its optimum. Consequently, the production of essential oils reduces, leaving your skin prone to harsh environmental conditions. Menopause causes hormonal imbalance leading to dry skin in most older women. A moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid or glycerine, petrolatum, and ceramides should remedy the situation.

Additionally, as we age, our eating habits deteriorate for many reasons, but the lack of a proper diet can lead to dry skin. Try adding in Opti-Greens 50 to your daily routine and see how your skin transforms when you hit your recommended daily intake of fruits and veggies!

However, dryness can be severe and may indicate an underlying skin health condition. If you experience severe dryness interfering with your ability to work or sleep, cracked or bleeding skin, or not responding to treatment, please book an appointment with your primary care doctor or a board-certified dermatologist. Otherwise, a well-hydrated and feed body keeps some of these issues at bay!