As you get older, your skin becomes dryer and it’s troublesome to see scales and cracks. Dry skin is caused by lack of sebum, an oil substance that gives your skin a shield against water evaporation. Reasons for dry skin include aging, frequent exposure to wind and sun, unhealthy eating habits, skin allergies, chemicals that draw moisture from the skin, excessive showering and scrubbing your skin, or not enough vitamins and water. Knowing what you can do about it might spare you from getting a flakey, wrinkled and itchy dry skin.

Avoid direct exposure to sun, especially from 12 noon to 3 in the afternoon. Bathe with comfortably warm water using a mild bar soap, avoid liquid and deodorant soaps. When you finish your bath, pat the skin dry, don’t rub it, and immediately apply moisturizer. Creams, baby oil and lotions are also effective remedies for dry skin. For swimmers, apply a light layer of petroleum jelly before going to the pool. Avoid overusing perfumes and antiperspirant. To keep the body and skin hydrated, drink lots of water. Get enough sleep, during sleep, your skin cells renew themselves. Exercise to improve blood circulation to all parts of the body and nourish the skin from within. Take vitamins regularly. Vitamin C is especially effective for skin care.

Dry skin can become a problem that can lead to skin infections. However, going to a doctor or a dermatologist can be avoided if you properly take care of your skin, keep your body well-hydrated, make few simple changes in your lifestyle. If skin problems persist, if your skin becomes red, swollen and painful, time to visit your doctor.