Top Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin is a very common condition. In fact, most of us at one time or another have dry skin somewhere on our bodies. It may be in the form of flaky patches, cracked skin, or itchy patches called eczema. Thankfully, many causes of dry skin are within our control, and with some effort, we can alleviate the symptoms and help our skin look and feel softer, smoother, and more vibrant. 

Continue reading for the top causes of dry skin and what to do about it.

  • Winter Weather:
    • Dry skin is especially common in the winter months because the humidity levels decrease leaving the air outside cold and dry. Because of this, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly, making your skin dry, tight, and flaky. 
    • The Solution: Be sure to protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, like gloves and scarves to shield it from the cold air. Applying that moisture back into the skin keeps skin healthy and youthful. Our selection of skin-nourishing products is filled with ingredients like shea butter, calendula extract, and aloe vera, to keep skin moisturized, even in the coldest winter months. 
  • Long hot showers and baths:
    • There’s nothing like a long, hot show or bath after a long day, but the combination of hot water and soaking can strip your skin of its protective oils and leave your skin dry and scaly.
    • The Solution: Try showering in warm, not hot water, and limit showers and baths to 10 minutes. Pat dry instead of rubbing, and use a soft towel.
  • Not using a good moisturizer:
    • Skipping the moisturizing part of getting ready may be tempting, but it’s important to moisturize in the winter, even if your skin won’t be on display. Dry skin can get itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable if you don’t use the right moisturizer.
    • The Solution: We recommend moisturizers with natural ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter. Glycerin is another ingredient to look for in your moisturizer as it holds moisture in your skin and fights skin dehydration. Our Whipped Body Creams are deeply nourishing, provide essential ingredients to the skin, and are perfect for moisturizing without the greasy after-feel. Applying a rich moisturizer immediately following a shower will lock in moisture. Apply again, if necessary before going outside and before going to bed.
  • Frequent hand washing:
    • Dry, chapped hands are usually caused by frequent hand washing, and the use of hand sanitizers. While it’s important to keep your hands clean to avoid spreading germs, the exposure to soap, water, and alcohol (from the hand sanitizer) can strip your skin of its natural oils, which lead to dry hands that end up cracked and chapped.
    • The Solution: Using a rich hand lotion after each washing or application of hand sanitizer adds moisture back to the skin. Cashmere Moon’s Whipped Hand Lotion has ingredients like shea butter and vitamin e to deeply moisturize, while vitamin c helps reduce aging.
  • Not drinking enough water:
    • Did you know that you lose water through your skin every day? It’s true – even in the winter months and even if you don’t feel like you’re sweating. Our bodies are made up of 70 percent water, which keeps our cells happy and healthy. If you don’t drink enough water, your body (your skin) gets dehydrated and can make you look and feel shriveled up.
    • The Solution: Be sure to drink lots of fluids, especially water. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which cause you to lose more water. Herbal tea, soup, and decaf coffee are better choices.
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