Help! Why is My Skin Extremely Dry? How Can I Treat It?

Does your skin feel like paper after you wash it? Why is it that you always feel a tightness, an itchiness on your face, that doesn’t go away even after dousing it in moisturizer? Is the moisturizer your lifeline in the dry winter months, when your skin seems to resemble a dry leaf?

Relax, these sensations are not that uncommon as you think. It simply means that you have extremely dry skin on face. Dry skin is a type, and if it is your type since a young age, you need to constantly hydrate and deeply nourish such skin. Special care is a must as facial dry skin can be both uncomfortable as well as painful.

But, worry not. Nature and science have solutions to all problems. And if you know which skincare products to use for lasting hydration and relief from dryness, tackling dry skin becomes much easier.

So, read on.

What are the causes of excessive skin dryness?

Why does our skin feel dry? Dry skin may be a result of harsh weather conditions, usage of hot water for bathing or washing, or an after effect of medical conditions. Extremely dry skin is called dermatitis. 

With age, skin loses its natural moisture, so aging leads to facial dry skin, or dry patches on face. Thyroid problems, diabetes, anaemia are certain medical conditions that lead to loss of moisture in skin. Medicine for high blood pressure, acne, cholesterol etc. can also cause chronic skin dryness.

The most common symptom of extremely dry skin is itching, and dry, red patches of rough skin. It can lead to psoriasis or eczema in some cases.

How do I get rid of extremely dry skin?

If you are suffering from chronic skin dryness, it makes sense to limit your shower timings and not bathe in hot water. Hot water worsens skin dryness by stripping off its natural moisture. 

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser while bathing. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel after bath. Apply a day-time face cream and a face oil for dry skin for night time hydration.

Dry skin that happens due to weather changes or lack of humidity can be tackled through some lifestyle changes and restorative skincare. If, however, you are suffering from severely dry skin that is prone to eczema or psoriasis, you need to consult your dermatologist.

What is the best product for extremely dry skin?

Your facial skin, especially the delicate under eye skin, is particularly prone to dehydration. These products will help:

An excellent face cream for dry skin would be one that has the plant derived lipid - Squalane and Glacial Glycoprotein, both known to deeply hydrate skin naturally. By providing round the clock hydration to your skin, and nourishing the skin’s driest areas, this face cream gives you visibly glowing, healthier skin through the day.

You need to treat your facial skin to a face oil for dry skin at night for intense hydration. Opt for one with Squalane, and Lavender Essential and Evening Primrose oils. It not only moisturizes and soothes skin, but also visibly reduces signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Regular application of this night facial oil will give you radiant and soft skin.

A hydrating mask for your skin must be used to replenish your skin’s moisture overnight. Make sure it has Fountain Plant, Glacial Glycoprotein and Imperata Cylindrica (Desert Plant extract). These plants survive tough drought-like conditions by reserving water, and will hydrate, protect and help prevent moisture loss from your skin.

Use a gentle facial peel with Quinoa husk extract in combination with Phytic acid to gently exfoliate skin overnight, and reveal softer, smoother, visibly refreshed skin in the morning. This treatment is chemically demonstrated to increase skin cell turnover, and helps reveal visibly refined, radiant and glowing skin. 

Age related dryness starts showing up as fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Use an eye cream for dehydrated skin with Avocado extract, Beta Carotene and Shea Butter to hydrate your eye skin effectively and moisturize the delicate under eye skin. The efficacious eye cream also keeps away fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles.

With this arsenal of super effective skincare solutions from the house of Kiehl’s, be ready to combat extremely dry skin on face.