What Causes Dry Skin And How Can Natural Products Help?
Dry skin is a common problem and while not medically serious, it can lead to breaks and cracks that can become infected. It can also feel unpleasantly tight and itchy, and look rough, red and flaky. Here’s a look at the causes of dry skin, and the best natural products, including pure murumuru butters, to treat it.
Causes of dry skin
Skin becomes dry when it loses moisture too easily. If action is not taken to treat the dry area, the skin becomes unable to repair and renew itself properly, and the skin may become cracked, flaky, red and rough. The most common areas to develop dry skin include the hands, face, arms and legs.
Excessive contact with water
If you wash your hands very frequently, perhaps due to an occupation such as a health or care worker or cook, then the protective layer of oils in the skin can become stripped away. The use of soaps or hand sanitisers containing harsh synthetic ingredients can exacerbate this effect.
Cold temperatures
As the season transitions to autumn, the air becomes drier and less humid, and this can have a drying effect on the areas of skin that are most often exposed, such as the face and hands.
Age
Dry skin becomes a more common problem as we get older, because the body produces less oil (or sebum). This means that the skin becomes drier and from middle age onwards, begins to lose its softness and elasticity.
Skin conditions
Skin complaints such as eczema and dermatitis can cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy, which can lead to damaged and excessively dry skin that is prone to flakiness and cracks. These are often genetic conditions that are passed down in families, but contact dermatitis can be triggered by harsh skincare products with artificial ingredients.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Poor diet, illness, medical treatments, or eating disorders can all deprive the skin of the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to stay hydrated and rebuild and repair damaged skin.
Treating dry skin
It’s recommended to treat dry skin not just for cosmetic reasons, but also to prevent it from worsening and breaking. Cracked dry skin is not only painful and restrictive, but it can also leave you more susceptible to developing infections. Once the skin has become very dry, it becomes slower to heal and is difficult to get it back to a good condition.
Using the right skincare products
Dermatologists recommend using rich moisturising creams or emollients as the first line of defence, because they form a protective barrier over the skin and help to lock in moisture. However, many people with dry skin also have sensitive skin that is easily irritated by many conventional skincare products.
This can lead to contact dermatitis and frequent itching that only makes the problem worse. Look for products that contain naturally derived ingredients rather than synthetic formulas, and avoid artificial colours and fragrances. Here’s a look at some of the best natural products to treat dry skin.
Murumuru butter
Murumuru butter is made with extracts from the Brazilian palm tree nuts. It’s noted for its high content of essential fatty acids, linoleic oils and vitamin A, which help to naturally soothe and hydrate the skin. It also has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while being gentle enough to soothe conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
It has a lighter texture than other butters and is absorbed easily, making it ideal for deeply hydrating the hands and feet, and applying to the face before a foundation base. It can also be used to treat dry hair and restore flexibility and shine.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a favourite natural product for dry skin, and has been used for centuries to restore moisture and bring back a comfortable softness to the skin. It contains vitamins A and E and is rich in fatty acids. It’s mild enough to be used on sore and inflamed skin, and is a luxurious treatment that protects, hydrates and cleanses.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is richly moisturising and is often used to keep mature skin looking smooth and supple. It’s naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamins, and keeps skin comfortably hydrated all day.
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