When the air contains little humidity, it’s common to develop dry skin. Many people who live in an area with low humidity, such as the Southwestern United States, get dry skin.
During the winter, indoor heating or cozying up to a fireplace can rob skin of moisture, making the skin dry and chapped. When low humidity causes dry skin, making some skincare changes can relieve and heal dry skin. Dermatologists recommend that you use plenty of moisturizers. Creams and ointments tend to work better than lotions. When you apply a cream or ointment to your skin, it can hold more moisture in your skin than a lotion.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation with our dermatologist – +91-9821585586, 011-45562916
With the right self-care, many people can heal xeroderma at home. When effective, you tend to see improvement within 2 weeks. If you continue to have dry skin or it worsens, something other than dry air may be causing your dry skin. Excessively dry skin can develop due to:
- An underlying medical condition, such as atopic dermatitis or kidney disease
- Medication you take
- What you touch throughout the day, such as certain foods
- Age
A dermatologist can diagnose what’s causing your xeroderma. If you have a condition that affects your skin, such as atopic dermatitis, your dermatologist can create a treatment plan for you. Treatment can help control the skin condition and relieve the dryness. Your dermatologist can also help you get relief from excessive xeroderma due to other causes.
When you treat xeroderma, you can feel better. Treating dry skin may also cut your risk of developing another skin condition. Findings from a large German study suggest that people who live with dry skin may develop irritated skin or an allergic skin reaction. People over 60 years of age who have very dry skin may have an increased risk of developing a skin infection and bedsores.
When skin loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. This can happen for many reasons. Everyday things, such as using deodorant soaps and harsh cleaning products, can strip oils and fats from our skin. Taking long, hot showers can also dry your skin. Living in a cold, dry place dries the skin, too. You can often heal xeroderma by making some changes, which include moisturizing several times a day. When the skin continues to lose water and cannot heal itself, the skin can become excessively dry. Age, certain medications, and disease can also cause the skin to become excessively dry.
Certain people have a higher risk of developing excessive xeroderma. If any of the following apply to you, you may. How many of the following apply?
- Middle age or older
- Black, brown, or fair skin
- Certain medications
- Wet work
- Low outdoor temperature
- Vitamin or mineral deficiency
- Smoking
- A condition that affects the skin
- Itchy skin condition
- Diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease
- Dialysis
- Cancer treatment (current and past)
- Anorexia
- HIV positive
If you develop excessive xeroderma, dermatologists recommend treating it. Treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. Should the dry skin worsen, you can develop permanent side effects. Your skin can itch most of the time. Some people develop food allergies. It’s also possible to develop irritated skin every time you touch certain objects. You also have a higher risk of developing a serious skin infection.
Your dermatologist can often diagnose you by looking at your skin. To create a treatment plan that meets your needs, your dermatologist will also ask questions. Before your appointment, it’s helpful to make sure that you can answer the following questions:
- Have you (or any close blood relatives) had atopic dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, or food allergies?
- How long have you had excessively dry skin?
- What worsens your dry skin?
- What treatments have you tried?
This will help your dermatologist uncover what’s causing your excessively dry skin.
The goals of treatment are to:
- Soothe your skin by getting rid of the itch, pain, and other symptoms
- Give your skin what it’s missing so that it can heal
- Teach you how to prevent the dry skin from returning
Because each patient has unique needs, you will receive a customized treatment plan, which may include:
- Moisturizer: Selected with ingredients like urea, ceramides, lactic acid, or glycerol
- Treatment for underlying skin condition: Like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis
- Plan to protect your skin: Especially if your job causes frequent hand washing or chemical exposure
Researchers have found that when patients follow the prescribed treatment plan, most people see their skin heal. If you have trouble following your treatment plan, be sure to tell your dermatologist. To get relief and prevent worsening, it’s essential to follow the treatment plan.
Let your dermatologist know if you:
- Find it difficult to apply the moisturizer as often as necessary
- Cannot reach areas where you need to apply your moisturizer
- Have problems protecting your skin at work
Your dermatologist can work with you to develop a plan that you can follow.
Dry, itchy, or flaky skin can worsen in low humidity and colder seasons. Following these dermatologist-recommended tips can help restore skin hydration and prevent further irritation:
1. Keep Showers Skin-Friendly
- Close the bathroom door to retain humidity
- Use warm (not hot) water
- Limit showers/baths to 5–10 minutes
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
- Pat your skin dry — avoid rubbing
- Apply moisturizer immediately after drying
2. Moisturize Immediately After Washing
- Apply moisturizer within minutes of washing your hands, face, or body to trap water in the skin
3. Use Ointments or Creams (Not Lotions)
Look for products containing:
- Jojoba oil
- Dimethicone
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Lactic acid
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
4. Protect Your Lips
- Use a non-irritating lip balm (avoid products that sting or tingle)
5. Choose Gentle Skincare Products
- Use only fragrance-free and non-irritating skincare formulas
- Avoid products labeled “unscented”, which may still contain masking agents
6. Wear Gloves When Needed
- During cold weather
- When washing dishes or using cleaning agents
- When working with chemicals, grease, or irritants
7. Dress & Wash Smart
- Wear cotton or silk under coarse fabrics like wool
- Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents
8. Avoid Direct Heat Sources
- Avoid sitting too close to fireplaces or heaters, which can dry out your skin
9. Humidify Your Environment
- Use a humidifier to restore moisture to indoor air
- Check if your home heating system includes a built-in humidifier
What causes excessively dry skin?
Dry skin occurs when your skin loses water too quickly. Common causes include harsh soaps, long hot showers, low humidity, aging, medications, and certain medical conditions.
Who is most likely to develop excessively dry skin?
You're more at risk if you:
- Are middle-aged or older
- Have black, brown, or very fair skin
- Take statins or diuretics
- Do “wet work” like dishwashing or working with chemicals
- Live in cold/dry climates
- Have a vitamin deficiency (D, A, zinc, etc.)
- Smoke
- Have a skin condition (eczema, psoriasis, etc.)
- Have diabetes, kidney or thyroid disease
- Are undergoing dialysis or cancer treatment
- Are HIV positive
- Suffer from anorexia
When should I see a dermatologist for dry skin?
If your skin remains dry or worsens after 2 weeks of self-care, or if it becomes painful, itchy, or cracked, consult a dermatologist to identify underlying causes.
How is dry skin diagnosed?
Your dermatologist will examine your skin and ask questions like:
- How long have you had dry skin?
- What worsens it?
- What treatments have you tried?
- Do you or family members have eczema, asthma, or allergies?
How is excessively dry skin treated?
Treatment may include:
- Prescription-strength moisturizers
- Targeted treatment for any underlying skin conditions
- A custom plan to protect your skin at work or at home
What are the benefits of treating dry skin?
Treating dry skin can:
- Prevent further irritation and infection
- Reduce itching and flaking
- Lower your risk of developing allergic reactions, food allergies, or permanent skin changes like thickened patches
What should I do if I can't follow my skincare routine properly?
Speak with your dermatologist if:
- You can’t apply moisturizers often enough
- You have difficulty reaching some areas
- Your job or routine prevents skin protection
Your dermatologist will adjust the plan to suit your lifestyle.