Having healthy skin is not only about applying good cosmetics to your skin; it involves much more than that. It equally defines one's health condition. You might not appreciate how important it is to maintain healthy skin until you realise that excellent health influences your skin. When your body loses water or oil, your skin feels the effects; those losses quickly translate to dry skin. Although the skin requires moisture and oil to remain healthy, it can become dry, itchy, and scaly if the water or oil is lost too quickly from the body. Dry skin can affect anyone at any age, but it is particularly prevalent in the elderly due to the thinned skin that comes with age. Symptoms How do you know you have dry skin? According to Michele Farber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, some of the symptoms of dry skin include itching, irritation, cracked skin, tightness, and pain, and bleeding, among other things. Individuals may experience various symptoms, which may differ from one another. Causes According to researchers, dryness can manifest itself on the skin of specific body parts, such as the hands, or it can be more widespread, displaying most frequently on the extremities, such as the arms and legs. There are numerous potential causes of dry skin affecting anyone. 1. Age It becomes more difficult to retain moisture as people grow older because their epidermis thins and becomes more fragile as they age. Some natural processes may have negative impacts on the skin. Think of activity of the sebaceous glands, natural hydration in the skin, ability to regenerate protective lipids in the skin, blood flow to the skin, and production of sebum in the skin, as is the case with acne. 2. Diet Specific diets, such as some low-fat or fat-free diets, can result in a deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFAs), necessary for the skin to maintain its moisture barrier function. Similarly, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages or high doses of certain medications may increase the likelihood of developing dry skin. 3. Occupation Any occupation that involves prolonged exposure to chemicals, frequent washing, or submerging the skin in water for an extended period can result in chronic irritation. Healthcare workers, cleaning crews, hairstylists, construction workers, and employees in the food industry are just a few examples of professions which are often victims of unhealthy skin. 4. Existent medical condition Dry skin can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition in some cases. People who suffer from eczema (atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis and those recovering from burn injuries may experience dry or irritated skin due to the changes in the structure of the skin, which have made it easier for moisture to escape the skin. The moisture escape makes it more likely to cause dry skin. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes and malnutrition, which are not typically associated with the skin, can contribute to the development of rosacea. 5. Climate The weather conditions of one's immediate environment play an essential role in developing dry skin. Because the environment draws more moisture from the skin than most other environments, people who live in dry climates such as the desert, for example, are more likely to have dry skin than most other people. Additionally, the moisture content of the skin tends to decrease in the winter due to the lower temperatures and lower humidity levels. The evaporation of moisture from the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or strong winds can also result in dry skin. 6. Harsh Soaps Even though soaps are intended to remove unwanted oil, grease, and dirt, they do not distinguish between natural oils on the skin and unwanted excess fat, and as a result, they can cause overdrying. Soaps with abrasive ingredients can damage the skin barrier, increasing the likelihood of skin becoming dry. 7. Hot showers Although many people enjoy taking long, hot showers or baths, the hot water can damage the skin. Hot water removes the skin's natural oils, which are responsible for keeping it moisturised. 8. Swimming Chlorine is used in most pools and hot tub water to prevent the growth of bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms in the water. This chlorine, on the other hand, dries out the skin. 9. Dehydration Even when it's not hot and you're not sweating, you lose water through your skin via perspiration. Enough water intake helps the metabolism. If we don't drink enough water to keep our cells full and healthy, our skin becomes dehydrated, resulting in a dried-out appearance, as seen in the image above. Skin can be a barometer of one's overall health and attractiveness. A healthy life comes with healthy, smooth skin. To avoid dry skin, make every effort possible, including moisturising and sun protection year-round. Additionally, experiment with different products and skincare routines until you find one that works for you. Photo: www.healthination.com