Dry skin can be a condition causing major discomfort and additional skin problems such as rashes, itchiness or various other secondary skin infections. Some people have dry skin, but dry skin may also develop due to numerous causes. There are a few myths about dry skin that need to be clarified to be able to manage dry skin and avoid developing dry skin.
Myth: Dry Skin Is Only Caused by Cold Weather
Fact: Dry skin can also be caused by recurrent exposure to sun rays. The sun extracts the water from the skin, leaving it dehydrated and even damaged. Sunburn can result in excessive skin flakiness.
Always wear protective sunscreen with an enhanced UVA and UVB protection factor to make sure your skin is safe. After each sun exposure, make sure to apply a rich moisturizing cream, yogurt or sour cream on the areas exposed to sun. Don’t forget that even the winter sun is dangerous, so you need to wear sunscreen if you are skiing.
Myth: Hot Baths Are Beneficial for Dry Skin
Fact: Hot baths can have damaging effects on the skin, especially skin that is prone to dryness. Many people falsely believe that the steam can stimulate the production of skin oils. Take lukewarm baths and showers and avoid saunas, at least for the period of cold seasons.
Myth: Peeling Treatments Reduce Dry Skin
Fact: Peeling treatments successfully remove the dead skin cells, but may cause additional dryness. Chemical peels cause flakiness immediately after the treatment and may also dry the skin. If you opt for such treatments, make sure to use rich moisturizing creams immediately after each treatment.
Myth: Frequent Baths or Showers Reduce Skin Dryness
Fact: Frequent baths and showers may only make the skin dryer. When bathing or showering, the essential skin oils are removed and the oil glands require some time (between 6 and 18 hours) to produce oils and moisturize the skin.
If you have dry skin, it is advisable to take baths only once per week or never and showers once every 2 days. After each shower, apply some moisturizing lotion or oil, but before wiping the water from your skin. These solutions will lock in the moisture and keep your skin hydrated for longer.
Myth: The Water Intake Doesn’t Influence the Quality of the Skin
Fact: The amount of water or liquids you drink on a daily basis may have a great impact on the quality of your skin. Drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water or liquids per day will maintain your skin hydrated. If you drink less, your skin will be dryer. Remember that drinks such as coffee or alcoholic beverages will not count as liquids. In fact, these contribute to the dehydration of the body.
Myth: All Commercial Products for Dry Skin Are Beneficial
Fact: Not all commercial products that claim to reduce skin dryness are effective. Some formulas may work in your case, while others may irritate your skin and make it even dryer. Test a few products and eliminate those that don’t have the promised effects.
