Dry skin is a common yet troublesome condition that affects many people. The symptoms include rough, dry, pealing skin which may cause itching and inflammation. Scratching it will only cause further damage to the skin and more pealing. So if you suffer from dry skin here’s a guide to the most effective techniques and treatments to help your skin. The Causes Of Dry Skin Dry skin is a common problem that affects millions of people all over the world. In fact, you should consider yourself lucky if your skin is neither too dry nor too oily. Dry skin, or to use the proper medical term, xeroderma, can affect any part of the skin, but the areas most commonly affected include the arms, legs, thighs and stomach. The dehydration of skin causes dead skin cells to remain on the surface of the skin which can lead to blocked pores and a range of undesirable conditions including blemishes, acne and other skin complaints. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, including;a) Environmental Factors Exposure to excessive wind, low temperatures, sun, cosmetics, chemicals, cheap soap and alcohol based skin products will dry out the skin. If the oil glands of the skin can’t produce enough oil to keep the skin lubricated, dehydration will occur, leading to the effects of dry skin. b) Cleansing Bathing your skin too infrequently can lead to dry skin. However, bathing too frequently can also lead to dry skin, especially if you use cheap soap that dries the skin even further. Ideally, it’s best to strike a balance and avoid either of these extremes. c) Dehydration Every day the body needs a certain amount of liquid to survive. But beyond that it needs plenty of pure, clean water to keep its skin properly hydrated. So aim to drink at least two litres (four pints) or water every day. This will help to flush toxins from your system, provide adequete hydration for your skin and reduce the chances of suffering from dry skin. d) Aging As people get older, their skin produces less oil to keep the skin lubricated and protected. e) Medical Conditions Dry skin can be caused by certain genetic conditions but this is relatively rare. However, an underactive thyroid can lead to dry skin, and there’s also evidence to show that people with type 2 diabetes can suffer from dry skin. f) Vitamins A deficiency in vitamin A and the various B vitamins can also contribute to dry skin. How To Treat Dry Skin1) Cleanse And Moisturise Skin must be kept clean and regularly exposed to water or it won’t be able to function properly. So make sure you bathe your skin every day and apply a moisturiser. If possible, avoid using common soap and all products that have an alcohol base, as these will dry the skin further. One of the best treatments for dry skin is to take a bath or shower in the evening and then apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body. This will help to moisturise and soften your skin throughout the night and the following day. Coconut oil is one of the best substances for the skin. It moisturises, it soothes, it even heals minor abrasions and is great on dry, chapped lips. And if that’s not enough, coconut oil is also incredibly cheap when compared to all the other brand name moisturisers on the market. But make sure you get the oil in its most basic form, that hasn’t been refined or mixed with chemicals to give it a distinctive odour. All of that will detract from its natural properties. 2) Use Sunlight Apart from keeping your skin clean and well moisturized, a health skin requires daily exposure to light and air. The skin plays host to a wide range of micro-organisms including bacteria and yeasts which no amount of cleaning will remove. Sunlight is one of the best ways to keep these bacterias within acceptable levels and promote healthy skin. Sunlight also causes the body to produce vitamin D3 which is another essential element of healthy skin. So aim to get half an hour of daily sunlight on the areas that are affected by dry skin. However, make sure you use an appropriate sunblock to avoid getting burnt, and keep your skin properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer. 3) Maintain A Healthy Diet This is one of the best ways to promote the general health and beauty of your skin. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Apples, peaches, pears, bananas, grapes, cherries, plums etc are all great for your skin. 4) Check The Humidity Of Your Living Environment Living in an environment where the air is incredibly dry will help to dry out your skin and make the condition worse. So consider using a humidifier to put back some moisture into the air. 5) Use The Right Cosmetics Cosmetics can contribute to dry skin. They may even cause allergic reactions and lead to contact dermatitis. If you develop a problem with dry skin around the area where you apply your make up, this is a sure sign that your cosmetics are at least partly to blame. So experiment until you find cosmetics that suit your skin. Products that use natural ingredients are less likely to cause skin problems. Keep them in good condition, and read the application instructions fully. And finally, if none of these ideas and treatments help to relieve your dry skin, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. Persistent dry skin may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Your doctor will be able to check your general health and provide advice on the best way to treat your skin