Dry Skin Treatment

What are some of the causes of dry skin?

The medical term for dry skin is Xerosis and can be both hereditary and experienced from birth, or may develop later in life. Some people suffer from dry skin all their lives caused by a condition called ichthyosis, commonly called fish- scale skin often seen on the lower legs. The skin forms large dry scaly patches, hence the name. Long standing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause itchy, dry skin and can be a problem from childhood on.

Getting older itself can cause skin to dry out as our hormones levels change and the condition of our skin changes with it. Prescribed and non prescribed medications can cause the skin to be dry and therefore irritation and itching of the skin can happen or make existing dry skin conditions worse. Other causes of dry skin relate to environmental and lifestyle choices we make that we do have some control such as the ones  listed below.

Where does dry skin most commonly occur?

Dry skin can affect all areas of the body and is most common in the exposed parts of the body. Dry skin is most common on the face, legs, elbows, hands, forearms and between the shoulder blades on the back.

Dry Skin Treatment – What makes dry skin worse?

• Dry air from central heating or air conditioning
• Swimming in chlorinated water
• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Long, hot showers or baths
• Over exposure to the sun
• A moisturiser that is not effective for dry skin
• Using cleanser with harsh drying detergents
• Hot and cold winds
• Skin products with alcohol
• Excess alcohol

The entire content of dryskinsaviour.com is for information purposes only.
View our Disclaimer Statement

Dry skin and Ayuvedic Medicine

According to the principles of Ayuvedic  medicine, a traditional form of Indian healing, dry skin is caused by vata dosha. Increased vata dosha reduces kapha in the body which is what keeps the skin soft and oiled, supple and smooth. Vata dosha has the opposite effect and an excess makes the skin rough and dry.

Conditions which raise vata dosha

• Late nights and not enough sleep.

• Eating irregularly.

• Excess physical exertion.

• Excess mental exertion.

• Eating too much spicy, dry, hot and bitter foods.

• Exposure to cold and dry climates.

Ayuvedic advice for Dry Skin

• Do not overheat the body by the fire.

• Do not have prolonged exposure to cold weather.

• Avoid, fried, stale and dried out foods.

• Include salt and sour foods in the diet.

• Include a little oil or ghee in each meal.

• Eat fruits that are sweet and juicy such as mangoes and oranges.

• Moisturise the body with massage oils.

• Drink warm water as cold water increases vata in the body.

The entire content of dryskinsaviour.com is for information purposes only.
View our Disclaimer Statement