Beauty
Dry, itchy skin
My skin is slightly red in some areas and it itches a lot. Could this mean that I have dry skin?
Possibly, although you should see a dermatologist to determine the reason for the redness. Skin can become dry when the top layers lose water and natural oils (the oil acts as a natural barrier to prevent skin from losing water). Maybe you've inherited a tendency towards dry skin, or environmental conditions, like sun exposure or cold, dry air, can also cause it to flare up. It may also be a natural phenomenon: as you get older your skin gets dryer.
You know you have dry skin when:
- Skin feels tight, rough and itchy
- Skin is flaky
- Pores aren't very visible
- Skin looks dull
Dry skin becomes itchy when the skin develops cracks and fissures (which may not be visible) and bacteria, chemicals or other irritants enter it. For immediate relief, try 100 per cent aloe vera gel or calamine lotion. Benadryl creams, available at your local chemist, which contain antihistamines, can also temporarily stop itching.
What you really need is time to allow your skin to heal. Use a good oil-based moisturiser that will act as a barrier to seal in moisture. Petrolatum, cocoa butter and baby oil are other excellent barriers. One study has even shown that if you coat your skin with petrolatum and wipe it off immediately, you'll build up enough of a barrier to make a noticeable difference.
Why not chat to other iVIllagers about dry skin on the Skin Care message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:
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