There are ways of handling that dry winter skin

For those with chronically dry skin, this time of the year is even more problematic, as it is for those in menopause or of advanced age.
As we bid farewell to youth, the skin naturally becomes thinner and dryer. While this natural process cannot be stopped, it can be handled.
Older people often have dry skin, especially after 60, but the level of dryness varies from person to person. However, |the skin only keeps getting dryer as time goes by.
Some people see a dermatologist not because the skin feels dry, but because it starts to itch, without knowing that the itchiness comes from dryness.
The causes of dry skin can be both internal and external.
Internal factors include ageing. As we grow older, natural lipids, ceramide in particular, are produced less and less, making the skin dry out. The outermost layer of the skin can also retain less water, as it loses the ability to synthesise moisturising factors. The result is dry, rough and flaking skin.
External factors include cool weather, low humidity and certain lifestyle habits. For example, older people are more sensitive to cool temperatures, so they use a heater at home, which in turn makes the skin even dryer. In cold countries some older people sit near their heater or bathe in hot water. Immersing in hot water can strip the skin of its natural moisture. These habits should be changed in order to reduce the chance of the skin becoming so dry that eczema sets in.
If your skin is dry, use mild soap formulated for dry skin. This type of soap doesn’t wash away too much of your natural lipids. Also, some habits that were fine when you were younger might not be good for you now, and could lead to dryer skin, such as taking a long shower with a lot of soap.

WHAT TO AVOID
l Skip hot baths: For a long soak, use warm water, of the temperature recommended for babies.
l No scrubbing: Some people think scrubbing helps remove flaking skin, but it doesn’t. Moisturising is a better solution.
l Pat dry following the shower.
l Moisturise immediately after a shower to seal in the water that your skin has soaked up.
l Don’t sit in front of a heater or fire – it dries out the skin.
l After swimming in a chlorinated pool, shower immediately and moisturise your skin.

WHAT TO DO
l If the problem becomes more severe, it could be eczema. Consult a dermatologist, who might prescribe topical steroids.
l Some men with dry skin don’t want to use moisturiser because they don’t like the sticky feeling, but that’s only the case while the skin is oily. Once it starts drying out, the moisturisers don’t have that same greasy feel.
l Choose a moisturising body wash.
l If you don’t like the sticky feeling of body cream, use a rinse-out cream. |Apply it after the shower and rinse off with water. Choose the right formula for your skin type.
l If your dry skin is bothering you, consult a dermatologist to determine the root cause. In case the dryness is caused by lack of nutrients, he might recommend supplementary vitamins or fats as well as topical creams and medication.

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to |[email protected]