Being comfortable in your own skin is one thing; knowing how to take care of it is quite another. The skin is a demanding mistress and more people are learning the hard way that a mere wash routine will not do if you want smooth supple skin that belies its age. So it comes as no surprise that dry skin is increasingly seen as a problem these days.
Dr. Murlidhar Rajagopalan — Head, Department of Dermatology, Apollo Hospitals Chennai — says, “Given the environment we live in and the dust and pollution, not to forget abuse of cosmetic and herbal products that damage the skin, the incidence of people with dry skin is high.”
Why it happens
The problem has a variety of causes. Dr. Nidhi Rohtagi — Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi — points to the many factors. “Reasons could be genetic, hormonal (around menopause), weather (dry winters, dry heat, sun exposure, high altitude), environmental conditions (excessive use of air conditioners, heaters, prolonged hot showers, swimming in highly chlorinated water), certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, metabolic disorders, deficiencies of Vitamin A and B, side effects of certain medicines like diuretics, antihistamines, vitamin A derivatives and some topical medicines like retinoids. Also with age, the skin’s capacity to retain moisture decreases. Our oil glands become active only around puberty so young children need moisturising.”
Dr. Rajagopalan adds, “Dry skin can occur at any age, though the elderly and young children are more prone. Diet has a minimal effect. Climatic variations do matter; cities like Bangalore and colder areas have more people with dry skin. Coastal areas are not spared either, as the salty air causes excessive water loss from the skin. A lot depends on the intrinsic skin type. Genes definitely matter. There are more than a couple of genes identified with dryness. They have a lot to do with maintaining the skin’s ph and barrier surface, which in turn regulates moisture loss and dryness.”
Dry skin characterised by lacklustre skin, which feels stiff and leaves scratch marks, can lead to a host of problems. While excessive dryness can result in cracks and fissures — not to forget bleeding and irritation — it can also end up as itching, eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis; all of which are diseases promoted and worsened by a dry skin
The bottom line, according to Dr. Rohtagi, is that “the skin’s basic texture can’t be changed but one must look after it suitably.”
The need to manage the dryness appropriately is therefore very important, says Dr. Rajagopalan. “Moisturisers are best used as often as needed. The selection depends on the severity of dryness, extent and frequency of application and affordability. Moisturisers that contain ceramides are quite expensive but very efficacious. Simple liquid paraffin, though not strictly a moisturiser, is an emollient and quite inexpensive. Moisturisers for the face should be chosen carefully as oily ones may block the oil glands found in greater concentration on the face and cause pimples/acne to break out. While moisturising soaps are available, those with dry skin are better off not using strong and perfumed soaps. Some Ayurvedic soaps also end up drying the skin more than needed.”
Do feel-good oil massages help in lubricating the skin? “Often a weekly massage is enough to soothe the skin and relax the person. Frequent massages may lead to blockage of pores and infections. If oil massages are combined with herbal abrasive powders they do more harm than good,” cautions Dr. Rajagopalan.
What you can do
For even better results, an oil massage after the bath rather than before will help. Dr Rohtagi points out, “In India people take a hot water bath after the oil massage. This is of little use as the hot water robs the skin of all the oil. Rather, a gentle oil massage after a bath will leave the skin soft and lubricated .Simple measures like bathing in lukewarm water to which some bath oil has been added and applying moisturiser immediately after patting oneself dry after a bath to lock the moisture in go a long way.”
While keeping the body hydrated is a good thing, its exact bearing on the skin has not been determined, says Dr. Rajagopalan. Dr. Rohtagi says, “Normally we recommend eight to 10 glasses of water every day for a glowing skin but the fact is applying emollients religiously rather than drinking water will fix the problem. A diet that includes food rich in essential fatty acids, flax seeds, olive oils, dry fruits, fish, supplements like evening primrose oil, and Vitamin E also helps to some extent. If you are in air-conditioned rooms or heaters most of the time, then humidifiers must be used.”
Do women pay a higher price for dry skin? “Women with dry skin tend to experience dullness on face. Besides they might develop lines, wrinkles and dark spots earlier, which may look like premature ageing. However it is not age but the skin’s condition and due maintenance that is of prime consequence,” concludes Dr. Rohtagi.
