Dry skin care
Dry skin is defined as flaking or scaling--which may or may not be itchy--when there is no evidence of dermatitis, or inflammation, of the skin. Flaking, however, may be a sign of underlying dermatitis (which also is called eczema). There are different types of dermatitis that may cause dry, itchy, flaking skin. They include:
- Seborrheic dermatitis -- This type involves a red, scaly, itchy rash on various areas of the body, particularly those areas that contain many oil glands. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur as scaling on the scalp, eyebrows and sides of the nose.
- Allergic contact dermatitis -- This occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that causes an immune reaction, such as poison ivy. Allergic contact dermatitis of the hands often causes scaling on the fingers.
- Atopic dermatitis -- This is a long-lasting type of dermatitis that often runs in families. It also may cause excessively dry, itchy skin.
- Athlete's foot -- In many cases, athlete's foot shows up as dry flaking on the soles of the feet.
Dry skin that is not caused by dermatitis most often occurs on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age.
Treatment is important because extensively dry skin can lead to dermatitis, or eczema. Dry skin may be prevented or treated by:
- Taking lukewarm baths or showers
- Limiting baths/showers to 5 to 10 minutes
- Applying a moisturizer right after drying off from a shower or washing your hands
- Using a moisturizing body soap and hand soap
- Using heavier creams or ointments during the winter months and lighter lotions in the summer
Sun protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is important because the sun emits ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Over time, UVR exposure causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, benign (non-cancerous) growths, and pre-cancerous or cancerous areas. In fact, most skin cancers are related to sun exposure.
UVR consists of two main subtypes: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and tanning. UVA rays are believed to be responsible for photoaging--the damage that occurs to the skin from many years of exposure to the sun--and possibly for promoting cancer. Most sunscreen products available in the past were developed to prevent sunburns by blocking UVB rays. Fewer sunscreen products have been equally successful in blocking UVA rays. For that reason, sun protection recommendations emphasize certain behaviors, as well as the use of sunscreens. The recommendations include:
- Avoiding midday sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Wearing wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts and pants
- Using a generous amount of sunscreen and reapplying it frequently (every 2-3 hours)
- Using sunscreens that have a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15, and that have UVA and UVB coverage
- Avoiding tanning beds
Facial skin care for acne-prone skin
If you are prone to acne, choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores. Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. Try to minimize your use of facial moisturizers. If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, non-comedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. Also, women should use an oil-free foundation, as heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.
Facial skin care for mature skin
Roughness, wrinkling, irregular pigmentation (coloration), inelasticity, enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands, precancerous and cancerous lesions sometimes occur with aged and photoaged skin. Sunscreens and sun protection are important to prevent further progression of photoaging. Furthermore, smoking has been shown to accelerate aging of skin, so stopping smoking is important for good skin health. In addition, a well-balanced diet--with or without a multivitamin--helps the skin get the nutrition it needs to help repair ongoing damage from the sun and other environmental elements. Many topical non-prescription and prescription products are currently available for anti-aging purposes, including:
Tretinoin (Retin-A and Renova)
- Retin-A is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1971 to treat acne. It was discovered, however, that the drug also improved skin texture and color when used over an extended period of time. Tretinoin exfoliates (removes a layer of skin cells) the skin, helps even out pigmentation and minimizes fine lines. Many people can benefit from using tretinoin or related products at bedtime followed by a cream or lotion containing glycolic acid and using a sunscreen in the morning. Side effects of tretinoin include redness, peeling, tightness and swelling. You may be able to minimize these side effects by initially using tretinoin every other night and then--over the first month--gradually increasing the frequency to nightly. Tretinoin also makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen must be used in the morning.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Over-the-counter products containing alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. In the United States alone, there are approximately 185 manufacturers of products containing AHAs. Creams and lotions with AHA may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Side effects of AHAs include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning.
Beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
- Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on photoaged skin. It exfoliates skin, and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. There are many products available that contain salicylic acid. Some are available over-the-counter and others require a doctor's prescription.
Hydroquinone
- Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that is used to remove hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 11/4/2005
